The Women of the Week: de Armas, Poots, and M3GAN Lead a Powerful Lineup

This week, female characters are front and center in some of the most exciting new streaming releases. From a vengeful assassin and lovelorn best friends to a sentient killer doll, these films are driven by powerful, complex, and unforgettable women.
The undisputed action hero of the week is Ana de Armas in Ballerina (Starz). She commands the screen as a relentless assassin, delivering a performance that is both physically stunning and emotionally resonant. She is not just a participant in the John Wick universe; she is a formidable force who carves out her own legacy.
In All of You (Apple TV+), Imogen Poots and Jenna Coleman portray the emotional core of their film. As two best friends navigating a secret love, their characters drive a narrative that is poised to be a nuanced and powerful exploration of female friendship and romance in a science fiction setting.
Then there’s M3GAN, the titular character of M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock). She may be an android, but she has become one of the most iconic female figures in modern horror and sci-fi. In the sequel, her character evolves from a straightforward villain into a complex anti-hero, cementing her status as a fascinating and formidable presence.
These leading ladies are supported by strong female characters across the board. Allison Williams returns as the brilliant but conflicted creator Gemma in M3GAN 2.0, and Mia, the friend who inspires the hero’s journey in Karate Kid: Legends, plays a crucial role in her own right. This week is a celebration of strong female storytelling.