Fall Movie Preview

Hello! This is coming to you a bit later than I had originally planned but what can I say? I've had a busy...week. Thursday, Nobu...

This week I'll be previewing the movies of interest (to me at least) coming out this fall. I'll be covering movies that have been or will be released during September, October, November, and December AKA the 'Bers AKA the best months of the year.

September

Although September has come and gone, here are a few highlights from the month:

If I Go Will They Miss Me

This was an absolutely stunning film. Sadly it's already out of theaters, but make sure to look for it to rent or stream in the next few months.

The History of Concrete

From John Wilson of How To with John Wilson, this documentary was released on September 18th so may still be in an independent theater (check your local listings as they say).

Primetime

The story of the Dateline series To Catch a Predator. Robert Pattison is in his bag once again playing Chris Hansen as the film seeks to explore the effects of sensationalizing true crime. Rob is supported by Merrit Weaver (always turning a performance and gave one of the best Emmy acceptance speeches ever) and Sklyer Gisondo (Booksmart). Phoebe Bridgers also appears as the female decoy. Come for the RPatz, stay for the amazing mid 2000s needle drops. This was just released last weekend so should still be playing in a theater near you.

Naza

Started a limited release on September 30th, so again, check your local listings. "Filmed at night from Tel Aviv rooftops, this investigative documentary examines the civilian casualties of Israel's military operations in Gaza and the systems behind targeted killings of Palestinians." They're already trying to silence this film, so you know it must be powerful.

October

Now on the best month of the year, starting with this weekend:

October 2nd

Digger

Tom Cruise ventures outside of his Mission: Impossible / Top Gun oeuvre to star in the latest from Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, The Revenant).

Verity

Everything I've learned about Colleen Hoover and her books has been against my will, but I have to say this one piques my curiosity. And of course, we're always supporting Queen of Genovia Anne Hathaway.

Bonus: Moonlight (10th anniversary release)

October 9th

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

Starring Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali. Critics screenings have already started for this movie and the consensus seems to be that it will make Disney/Marvel and all of us regret the axing of the Blade movie. John Cho is also here and I'm always happy to see him.

Other Mommy

This is a horror movie, so as a resident scaredy-cat I'll probably be skipping this until I can watch it in broad daylight at home. Starring supreme red-head Jessica Chastain.

Fjord

This did really well at the festivals and is getting really good awards buzz. Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World, Sentimental Value) are excellent actors so I'm excited to see what they bring.

The Social Reckoning

Sequel(?) to The Social Network, this movie focuses on the Facebook engineer who blew the whistle on how site began manipulating its users (among other things) and actively affecting (usually for the worse) their mental health. Basically how Facebook went from being a helpful means of social connection to the cursed website it is today. Starring Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg, as well as Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison.

Misty Green

Written and directed by Chris Rock, this film follows the titular Misty Green, a talented actress looking to make a comeback. Starring Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses), Adam Driver, and Daniel Kaluuya.

Animals

I don't think this movie will be very good considering it's going straight to Netflix, but I'm here for Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington.

Bonus: 9 to 5 re-release (RIP Dolly 😭)

October 16th

Sense and Sensibility (2026)

When it comes to Jane Austen I'm primarily a P&P girlie, but I'm willing to give this a shot. Read or re-read the book (if you have time), and to check out the 1995 adaptation starring Emma Thompson ahead of time.
(Sadly, it looks like the movie isn't currently on any major streaming service. A major oversight by Universal if you ask me. You can rent or buy on Amazon or Apple TV if you'd like, or find something called Fandango Stream and watch for free with ads.)

Once Upon a Time in Harlem

This documentary that premiered at Sundance features footage of a 1972 gathering with Harlem Renaissance legends.

La bola negra

This Spanish film has also been doing really well at the festivals. According to IMDb, it "explores what it means to be gay throughout different eras, focusing on "three existences" that are connected through themes of sexuality, desire, pain, and inheritance."

October 23rd

Clayface

This is a movie in the DC comic universe. I'm not familiar with the character of Clayface and I'm afraid it's going to stay that way (at least unless he features in the next Superman movie or season 2 🤞 of Lanterns). However if you are a DC girlie, I hope you enjoy!

You Can See Everything

This documentary from Nathan Fielder starts out following Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes about a month before she heads to prison. I haven't yet watched anything by Nathan Fielder (such as Nathan for You or The Rehearsal), but from what I've heard it will be ridiculously absurd and ridiculously fantastic. If you want to learn more about Elizabeth Holmes, I recommend the fictionalized version of her story, The Dropout on Hulu.

Klara and the Sun

Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, this adaptation tells the story of Klara, an artificial friend. Jenna Ortega stars as Klara, and the film is directed by Taika Waititi. I haven't read this book, but have enjoyed other works of Ishiguro, and Taika always has an interesting (and often funny) point of view.

Wicker

When we say we want new and different things this is what we mean. Though this movie is technically adapted from a short story, it's generated possibly the most excitement of any film released this year. The only question that remains - what will the specialty popcorn bucket will look like?!
(P.S. I don't recommend watching this trailer at work or around children. You've been warned.)

Me when I first saw this trailer:

October 30th

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York

John Turturro is already getting Oscar® buzz for this film. I'm looking forward to it!

November

November 6th

Being Heumann

Biopic that follows disability rights activist Judy Heumann as she leads a historic 28-day occupation of San Francisco's Federal Building, uniting protesters in a fight for accessibility laws and equal rights. Starring Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O'Brien (Stiles hive rise up) and directed by Sian Heder, who also directed CODA, the Best Picture winner in the 2022 Oscars® ceremony.

Club Kid

Written and directed by Jordan Firstman, who you may recognize from I Love L.A. or Beyoncé's internet, Club Kid follows a hard-partying New York City club promoter (Firstman) who sees his whirlwind lifestyle upended by the arrival of the 10-year-old son he never knew he had.

The Cat in the Hat

We're approaching the holidays, which means it's time for the latest kids IP drops. Featuring the voices of Bill Hader, Xochitl Gomez, Quinta Brunson, America Ferrera, Tituss Burgess, Bowen Yang, Giancarlo Esposito, and more...

Godzilla Minus Zero

In this follow up to 2023's Godzilla Minus One, the Shikishima family confronts a fresh catastrophe two years after surviving their previous ordeal with the legendary monster. I'm not normally into monster movies, but Godzilla Minus One is excellent, and I highly recommend it.

November 13th

Ebenezer

I've never really seen the appeal of Johnny Depp, but if you're into him and into Dickens you might enjoy this darker take on A Christmas Carol from director Ti West (X, Pearl, MaXXXine).

How to Rob a Bank

I'm not sure if this movie will be good, but I think it will be fun? This dark comedy follows a group of bank robbers as they post their heists on social media and hijinks ensue. Starring Nicolas Hoult (Tone!), Zoë Kravitz (RIP High Fidelity), and Anna Sawai (Shōgun).

November 20th

I Play Rocky

Another festival darling, this biopic tells the story of Sylvester Stallone and how he became one of the most famous fictional athletes of all time - Rocky Balboa.

Paper Tiger

A gangster, period drama about two brothers (Adam Driver & Miles Teller) who pursue the American Dream but get entangled in a dangerous Russian mafia scheme that terrorizes their family, testing their bond as betrayal becomes possible. Also starring ScarJo.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

The latest installment in the Hunger Games saga, this movie follows Haymitch and his experience in the 50th games, another Quarter Quell (like the 75th games in Catching Fire). The twist for this games, is that there are twice a many tributes as usual. I devoured the book when it first came out and enjoyed it, but I can't help but think a lot of the plot points were retconned in reaction to fan reception of the novels and original quartet of films. I'm looking forward to seeing the depictions of characters we've come to know and love at a different phase in their lives (I think they nailed most of the casting!).

November 25th

Our Thanksgiving releases. If you get tired of football (or basketball), maybe check these out.

Focker-In-Law

After the two year saga that was Wicked, Ari is back to show off more of her comedy chops in this newest volume in the Meet the Parents series. I haven't watched any of these except the first one, but they're pullin' me back in. This looks fun.

Hexed

A Disney original (they still do that?!), animated film, Hexed centers around an awkward teen and her Type-A mother who learn that her peculiarities might be magical powers, transforming their lives and revealing a hidden magical realm. Featuring the voice acting talents of Hailee Steinfeld, Jodie Foster, and Rashida Jones.

December

December 4th

Behemoth!

A movie about music. Yay! Pedro Pascal is here. Yay!

The Gallerist

A psychological thriller and comedy(?) following a - surprise, surprise - gallerist, who driven by desperation, hatches a scheme to sell a dead guy at Art Basel Miami. This cast has everything. Catherine Zeta-Jones. Natalie Portman. Sterling K. Brown. Zach Galifianakis. Da'Vine Joy Randolph. And Charli XCX, which makes it Brat.

Ray Gunn

In Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future, private eye Raymond Gunn is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova. This comes from the same director as The Incredibles, so it should be fun. Dropping on Netflix.

December 11th

Elsinore

Andrew Scott AKA Hot Priest stars in this real life story of actor Ian Charleson who faced incredible odds while preparing to give the performance of his life in Hamlet at the National Theatre in London. (And yes, that seems to be the poster. That's it.)

The Debut

People are saying this is Julianne Moore's best perofrmance ever or something like that. I'm not sure anything can beat her turn as Jack's rekindled flame Nancy Donovan on 30 Rock, but we'll see. Another great cast.

Ink

Based on a true story, this movie tells the tale of the Rupert Murdoch acquiring British newspaper The Sun. This will be a limited theatrical run, but it will be on Netflix starting January 8th if you miss it.

Clarissa

A new adaptation of Mrs. Dalloway set in Lagos, Nigeria.

December 18th

Dune: Part Three

I'm not usually into sci-fi, but I like the first one and really enjoyed the second. This third (and final?) chapter adds Robert Pattinson to the cast (his 3rd film with Zendaya this year - they're taking it!) and sees the expansion of Florence Pugh's character that was introduced towards the end of Dune: Part Two. This is the movie I'll be seeing instead of...

Avengers: Doomsday

You know the economy must be really bad if Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans feel the need to comeback to this franchise. In reality, Marvel just should have recast the role of Kang and continued on with whatever it was they were planning, instead of...whatever this is.

Bonus: It's a Wonderful Life (80th anniversary release)

December 23rd

The Angry Birds Movie 3

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

December 25th

Mr. Irrelevant

Wow, another biopic. Okay. This is a football one. And Superman is in it, but they made him look bad (blonde men can't be trusted!)

Jumanji: Open World

[sigh].

Werwulf

Following his success with Nosferatu, Robert Eggers takes on werewolves in this dark & psychological horror film. Godspeed to those of you who watch this.

Whew, and that's it! If you've made it to the end, thank you so much for reading. Make sure to save this post so you can come back to it for reference. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and more importantly, that you enjoy the 'Bers and these upcoming films. Let me know what you're most excited to see and please share this post! Oh, and in case you forgot -