This week’s diverse slate of new movies offers a fascinating contrast in storytelling techniques. Some films will rely on sharp, emotional dialogue to build their worlds, while others will let explosive, visceral action do the talking.
In All of You (Apple TV+, tomorrow), dialogue will be king. As a romance drama about two friends with unspoken feelings, the story will be built on what is said and, more importantly, what isn’t. The emotional weight of the film will be carried by the performances and the nuanced, character-driven script.
In sharp contrast, Ballerina (Starz, today) tells its story primarily through action. The John Wick universe is famous for its “show, don’t tell” approach. The protagonist’s grief, rage, and determination will be expressed not through monologues, but through the brutal poetry of her fights. The action is the dialogue.
The Surfer (Hulu, today) will likely find a tense balance between the two. The film’s psychological suspense will be built through quiet, menacing dialogue and charged silences. But as the conflict escalates, it will inevitably explode into raw, physical action that speaks louder than any words.
Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Saturday) will use both in harmony. It will feature inspirational dialogue about philosophy and mentorship from its two senseis, but the ultimate expression of its themes will come through the action of the karate tournament, where character is revealed in combat.
M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) will have a unique blend, combining M3GAN’s witty, cutting dialogue and one-liners with spectacular sci-fi action sequences. It’s a film that will be as entertaining for what its characters say as for what they do.