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GATAO: Like Father Like Son (2025), directed by Ray Jiang, represents the fourth installment of the esteemed Taiwanese gangster series. Sunny Wang returns as Michael and is a prequel set several years prior to Gatao (2015). As a critical exploration of gang origins, it offers an intricate character-driven narrative that deepens the understanding of the series' core factions. Expectations from previous entries suggested a gritty, visually stylized portrayal of gang conflicts and personal histories—this film largely fulfills those, with notable improvements in production quality and narrative focus.

Gatao: The Last Stray, directed by Jui-Chih Chiang and released in 2023, constitutes the third installment in the Gatao universe. Featuring Rexen Cheng as Qing and Nikki Hsieh as Xiao Qi, the film is rooted in Taiwan’s organized crime universe yet distinguishes itself from prior entries through its nuanced approach to romance and character development. Unlike its predecessors, particularly the first Gatao film, this installment diverges from the usual romantic tropes, emphasizing introspection, moral ambiguity, and social commentary. While it surpasses the first film in quality, it does not quite reach the narrative and emotional heights of the second Gatao film, offering viewers a mixed yet engaging experience.

Gatao 2: Rise of the King, directed by Cheng-Kuo Yen, is a 2018 Taiwanese gangster film that expands upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, Gatao. As Yen’s feature directorial debut, the film navigates a genre historically dominated by Hong Kong cinema, yet showcases Taiwanese filmmakers' capacity to produce compelling, stylistic, and intense gangster narratives. Starring Wang Shih-hsien as Ren, alongside an impressive cast including Collin Chou, the film sets out to depict a brutal underworld torn between loyalty, power, and vengeance. Expectations for Gatao 2 hinge on its ability to elevate genre conventions through innovative storytelling and dynamic action sequences, given the film’s budget and ambition.

Lifeline emerges as a powerful exploration of trauma and the human condition, deftly tackled through the lens of a tense psychological drama. Released amidst prevailing societal concerns regarding mental health, this film dares to confront the morose realities of suicide, regret, and the murky waters of memory with an unflinching gaze. Directed by Feras Alfuqaha, it takes its audience on a surreal journey that not only tests the limits of its protagonist but also invites viewers to reflect on their own life experiences, choices, and the delicate connections we forge across time.

Directed by Osgood Perkins and based on Stephen King's absurdly hilarious short story, The Monkey could initially seem like a total trainwreck—until you realize the carriages are filled with comedy gold and a heaping dose of gore. This black comedy horror film stars Theo James as the hapless twins Hal and Bill, and boasts a supporting cast that includes Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, and even a cameo by Adam Scott that lasts just long enough for a chuckle. Buckle up as we dive into the delightfully deranged world of laughter and lunacy.

Mickey 17, directed by the visionary Bong Joon Ho and adapted from Edward Ashton's 2022 novel, emerges as a distinctive crossover of science fiction and black comedy that challenges perceptions of humanity and capitalism. Released in early 2025, the film invites audiences into a not-too-distant future filled with cloned beings and ethical dilemmas as it follows the titular character, Mickey Barnes, portrayed by the ever-impressive Robert Pattinson. One might initially be put off by its unconventional premise, where Mickey, a disposable laborer on a colonization mission, is continually killed and resurrected. However, as the narrative unfolds, it uniquely balances humor with poignant commentary, making for an unexpected cinematic delight.