13 Movies to Watch in September

      If you explore our 50-title fall movie preview, you shouldn't encounter many surprises when deciding what to watch in September. However, with our most-awaited film of the year making its debut this month and several early autumn treasures, there is plenty to anticipate.

      13. Plainclothes (Carmen Emmi; Sept. 19)

      Carmen Emmi's feature debut, Plainclothes, premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for its ensemble cast. The film stars Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey in a narrative about an undercover officer in 1990s Syracuse who entices and arrests gay men, ultimately developing feelings for one of his targets. John Fink remarked in our Sundance review, “A darker perspective on coming out, Plainclothes presents some familiar twists but ultimately shines through its performances and approach to the story. The final act builds tension effectively, bringing together two timelines against familiar family archetypes.”

      12. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (Kogonada; Sept. 19)

      After his delicate, artistically precise independent films Columbus and After Yang, former video essayist Kogonada is moving to a larger platform with his upcoming project. The Seth Reiss-penned A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, featuring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, was initially set to launch the summer movie season. However, Sony Pictures has shifted its release to the more awards-focused fall season, now scheduled for September 19. Although it is noticeably skipping festivals, we are optimistic about the director's progression, once again with Farrell's involvement, showcasing imaginative storytelling.

      11. Twinless (James Sweeney; Sept. 5)

      One of the most talked-about films debuting at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, James Sweeney’s Twinless will release on September 5 by Roadside Attractions. Sweeney shares the screen with Dylan O’Brien, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Tasha Smith, and Chris Perfetti. Jake Kring-Schreifels noted in our Sundance review, “Twinless starts like a typical Sundance film—somber and serious, with unexpected lightness. This is the usual formula for a festival that might well have popularized the term ‘dramedy.’ An offscreen car accident and a swift cut to a funeral set the tone. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) mourns beside his mother (Lauren Graham) as the casket containing his gay identical twin brother, Rocky, is lowered into the ground. It’s a solemn event—filled with tears, tissues, and a violinist performing ‘Danny Boy’—until the music abruptly falters, creating an uncomfortable silence. It offers the first opportunity to laugh and to acknowledge the faint absurdity of attendees approaching Roman and weeping over his striking resemblance to the deceased.”

      10. Dreams (Dag Johan Haugerud; Sept. 12)

      While this summer has seen its fair share of sequels, Dag Johan Haugerud and Strand Releasing are unveiling an entire trilogy of films throughout the season. The concluding installment of the Norwegian filmmaker’s Oslo Trilogy, Dreams, which won the Berlinale Golden Bear, will debut this September. The film focuses on Johanne, a young woman who chronicles her initial love—an infatuation for her teacher—through intimate writing.

      9. The History of Sound (Oliver Hermanus; Sept. 12)

      Following his remake of Akira Kurosawa’s Living, Oliver Hermanus introduced the queer drama The History of Sound, which stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, at Cannes earlier this year. Luke Hicks commented in his review, “It’s unusual to hear Appalachian fiddle folk in a French cinema courtesy of a South African director portraying the queer, song-collecting existence of two American men deeply and gently in love, played by British actors. It’s quite beautiful, thanks to Paul Mescal. The History of Sound—Hermanus’ delicate tribute to New England's rich folk history, adapted by Ben Shattuck from his short story collection of the same name—delivers an emotional drama expressed in whispers and sorrow, almost guaranteeing tears for anyone moved by an incredible homegrown voice or a poignant romance. The film’s alternatingly specific and broad range of vocals, styles, and tunes hints at the emergence of a lesser-known American sound. Similar to how Inside Llewyn Davis and O Brother, Where Art Thou? sought to reintroduce music that the Coens believed would resonate with contemporary audiences, The History of Sound intends to showcase the power of (primarily a cappella) folk songs of its time and place. T Bone Burnett would be proud.”

      8. Sunfish (& Other Stories On Green Lake) (Sierra Falconer; Sept. 12)

      One of this year’s standout discoveries at the Sundance Film Festival was Sierra Falconer’s directorial debut, Sun