15 Movies to Watch in September

      After diving into our extensive preview of 70 films coming this fall, it’s time to take a closer look at what September has in store. With the start of fall festivals, this month features several standout films, including impressive debut works, a diverse array of documentaries, and at least one much-anticipated U.S. release from a renowned filmmaker.

      15. Never After Dark (Dave Boyle, Sept. 25)

      Drawing clear inspiration from a highly regarded director listed above (and featuring his frequent collaborator Mutsuo Yoshioka), Dave Boyle’s eerie thriller Never After Dark serves as a stylish yet contemplative treat before October. The film follows a traveling psychic who unearths dark truths at a secluded house; while Boyle’s Japanese production takes its time to build suspense, the intense moments are memorable when they arrive.

      14. The Oldest Person in the World (Sam Green, Sept. 10)

      The latest work from 32 Sounds director Sam Green is arguably the year’s most relatable film, as we all navigate the realities of aging (if we are fortunate enough to do so). In his Sundance review, Kent M. Wilhelm observed, “Why does it matter who the oldest person in the world is? In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t. Yet if there’s an article about it, I think it’s safe to say we’re all curious. We want to see what they look like and know whether they’ve lived healthily or are the type who smoke like Don Draper and eat a steak daily. Will they justify our bad habits or inspire us to alter our lifestyles? It all comes down to morbid curiosity—a reflection on our own mortality. Green’s The Oldest Person in the World offers a decade of exploring this theme.”

      13. Black Zombie (Maya Annik Bedward; Sept. 11)

      Maya Annik Bedward’s documentary Black Zombie delves into the Haitian folklore that gave rise to the zombie mythos and how it has evolved into some of horror's most recognizable characters. The film examines the unsettling shift in their cultural history for popular consumption. In his review, Jared Mobarak noted, “Beyond reclaiming the zombie motif from the entrenched perspective of Night of the Living Dead, Black Zombie by Bedward seeks to reclaim Vodou from the colonial narratives that have historically demonized Black people. It’s 2026, and Haitians still hesitate to acknowledge their ties to this religion due to the stigma surrounding Haiti’s struggles, which are often attributed to a supposed pact with the Devil by their ancestors.”

      12. The Scout (Paula González-Nasser, Sept. 25)

      Making its debut at last year's Tribeca Festival to praise, Paula González-Nasser’s The Scout depicts a day in the life of an NYC location scout. In his Tribeca review, Michael Frank stated, “González-Nasser fosters a sense of openness among the characters, with each given a scene to interact with Sofia in either banter or discomfort. The young scout navigates these encounters with ease, as though they are routine, treating each apartment as part of a job that she doesn’t love but accepts. She even seems to savor, at times, the chance to sit on someone’s couch, listen to their story, or find clever ways to handle her numerous parking tickets.”

      11. Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! (Josef Kubota Wladyka, Sept. 25)

      Emerging as one of this year’s breakouts at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Dramatic Directing award, Josef Kubota Wladyka’s Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! is set to release this fall. Blake Simons remarked in his review, “In dance, leading with assurance is essential. You must guide your partner while responding to them instinctively, relying on precision and timing. Fortunately for us, Wladyka’s enjoyable and subtly complex third feature has these attributes in abundance.”

      10. Resident Evil (Zach Cregger, Sept. 18)

      After his work on Barbarian and last year's Oscar-winning Weapons, Zach Cregger is back with another quick turnaround, this time venturing into franchise territory. His new horror film presents a fresh take on Resident Evil, a series that began with Paul W. S. Anderson and was rebooted by Johannes Roberts five years ago. Cregger, featuring Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser, promises a thrilling exploration with a brisk runtime of under 90 minutes.

      9. The Weight (Padraic McKinley, Sept. 18)

      A standout from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Padraic McKinley’s The Weight is a period thriller featuring Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, and Sam Hazeldine on a perilous quest. Kent M. Wilhelm commented in his Sundance review, “Mc