September marks the return of many highly anticipated films, especially following the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals. Here are five standout films that you should not miss this month:
His Three Daughters
Platform: Netflix
Director: Azazel Jacobs
Cast: Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, Natasha Lyonne
Overview: This emotional family drama centers on three sisters gathering at their childhood home in Manhattan to care for their dying father. The film delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, exploring both conflict and unity in the face of grief. Jacobs gives the stellar cast space to shine, delivering a story that resonates with Chekhovian depth. It beautifully portrays how the death of a parent can both devastate and open new doors for each character.
My Old Ass
Director: Megan Park
Cast: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza
Overview: In this introspective yet playful film, a teenage girl on the brink of adulthood meets a 39-year-old version of herself (played by Aubrey Plaza) after drinking a mysterious tea. The film explores the tension between youthful recklessness and adult wisdom, highlighting the emotional resilience teenagers often possess. As the two versions of Elliott clash, the movie asks important questions about self-growth, offering a clever take on the notion of “advice for your younger self.”
Megalopolis
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Adam Driver
Overview: Coppola’s highly anticipated epic centers around a futuristic America teetering on collapse, drawing parallels to the fall of the Roman Empire. Adam Driver stars as an architect with visionary ideas to rebuild society. The film is a sprawling, imaginative take on patriotism, civic responsibility, and human creativity, blending grandeur with eccentricity. Coppola, who self-funded the project, offers a deeply personal and philosophical statement that challenges viewers to rethink the future of society.
Look Into My Eyes
Director: Lana Wilson
Overview: This documentary takes an intimate look at a group of New York City psychics and their clients. While not overtly mystical, Wilson’s film emphasizes the power of human connection and the role of psychics as empathetic listeners. The movie gently suggests that the “gift” these psychics offer is less about supernatural insight and more about understanding and emotional support. Wilson’s empathetic approach creates a touching and thought-provoking portrait of the search for meaning and comfort.
The Substance
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Cast: Demi Moore
Overview: Fargeat’s horror film is a wild ride, combining French sensibilities with Hollywood-style excess. Demi Moore delivers a standout performance as an aging actress who gets the opportunity to regain her youth—at a cost. Though the film’s outrageous, gory finale may divide viewers, Moore’s depiction of middle-age anxieties shines through. In one particularly memorable scene, Moore’s character faces off against her insecurities while preparing for a date, offering a poignant yet darkly funny commentary on self-image.
These films offer a range of genres and emotions, from heartfelt dramas to bold, philosophical explorations and eerie horrors, making September 2024 an exciting month for movie lovers.
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