A new independent streaming platform is making its entrance this fall — and it’s arriving its first original film led by Terrence Howard.
TURNSTR+, a free streaming platform positioning itself as a creator-first alternative to traditional services, officially launches October 2, 2026. Leading its inaugural slate of originals is A Good Hand Wasted, a psychological thriller directed by Rhyan Lamarr and starring Terrence Howard alongside Chelsea Tavares, Jessica Lindsey, Ninja Devoe, Giovanni Watson, Jonathan Hugh, and Phil Tyler. The film, which has recently been completed, is set to premiere November 6, 2026.
The story follows six longtime friends invited on a complimentary luxury getaway to an exclusive private island. What begins as an upscale retreat turns sinister when they find themselves pulled into a high-stakes poker game with increasingly dangerous rules. As the night unfolds, each character is forced to reckon with loyalty, guilt, and the true cost of survival.
Lamarr, whose production company Red Collective is attached to the project, described the film as a love letter to stripped-down, character-driven filmmaking.
“A Good Hand Wasted represents everything I love about independent filmmaking, simple, character-driven storytelling that proves you don’t need spectacle to create something cinematic,” Lamarr said. “I’m excited and grateful to be working with TURNSTR+ on their originals, with this being my first of three projects. They’re creating real opportunities for directors, and that’s something special. No matter how much the industry evolves, powerful storytelling will always have a place, and TURNSTR+ understands that.”
TURNSTR+ executives framed the platform’s launch as a direct challenge to the conventions of modern streaming.
“TURNSTR+ was built to challenge what audiences expect from modern streaming,” the company said in a statement. “We’re creating a platform that combines premium original programming, bold independent storytelling, and real opportunities for both undiscovered and established filmmakers, all in one place, completely free for viewers.”
The platform says its core mission is dismantling the gatekeeping that has long defined Hollywood’s relationship with independent voices.
“Launching October 2, TURNSTR+ represents a new generation of entertainment: creator-driven, audience-focused, and unrestricted by the traditional gatekeeping that has defined the industry for years. We believe the future of streaming belongs to fresh voices, fearless storytelling, and direct access between creators and audiences worldwide.”
The company also teased that additional original releases and exclusive announcements are on the way ahead of its fall debut.
Interested viewers can sign up now for free early access alerts at TurnstrPlus.com.