September is bursting with an eclectic mix of new releases, promising something for everyone. From the long-awaited return of cult classics to fresh, genre-bending adventures, this month’s offerings are set to captivate audiences with a range of genres and styles. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic revisit with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, diving into gripping dramas like His Three Daughters, or exploring dark dystopian futures in Uglies, there’s plenty to look forward to. With standout performances from seasoned stars and exciting debuts from new talent, these September releases are sure to keep you entertained and engaged throughout the month.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – Theatres (September 6)
Prepare for a trip back to the quirky, gothic world of Tim Burton as the mischievous ‘ghost with the most’ is resurrected in this much-anticipated sequel. It’s been 36 years since Michael Keaton first donned the striped suit and wild hair as Betelgeuse, and now he’s back, along with familiar faces from the 1988 cult classic. Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, the morose goth girl with a penchant for the supernatural, while Catherine O’Hara returns as her flamboyant mother, Delia. Adding a new twist to the story is Jenna Ortega, known for her role in Wednesday, who steps in as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid. As the next generation inadvertently summons Betelgeuse from the afterlife, chaos and hilarity ensue. With Danny Elfman’s iconic score setting the scene and Burton’s unmistakable visual style, this supernatural comedy promises to deliver the same eccentric charm that made the original a hit. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn back into Betelgeuse’s zany antics—just be careful not to say his name three times!
His Three Daughters – Netflix (September 20)
Death has a way of bringing people together, and in _His Three Daughters_, it reunites three estranged sisters under one roof. Directed by Azazel Jacobs, this sharp and sensitive dramedy delves into the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and chaos that comes with caring for a terminally ill parent. Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen star as the titular daughters, each bringing depth and nuance to their roles as they navigate the emotional minefield of their father’s final days. Jacobs masterfully captures the surreal and often absurd experience of palliative care, where time seems to warp, and emotions are stretched to their limits. The film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, has already garnered critical acclaim. It’s a darkly funny, chaotic, and ultimately cathartic exploration of sisterhood, grief, and the fragile bonds that hold families together. His Three Daughters is a must-watch for those who appreciate a story that balances humour and heartbreak, leaving you with a bittersweet reminder of the importance of family.
Apollo 13: Survival – Netflix (September 5)
The harrowing journey of Apollo 13 is revisited in Apollo 13: Survival, a gripping Netflix documentary that delves deeper into the 1970 space mission turned survival story. While Ron Howard’s 1995 film captured the drama with Tom Hanks as Commander Jim Lovell, this documentary offers fresh perspectives from the astronauts, their families, and mission controllers. Director Peter Middleton uses a compelling mix of archive audio, footage, and interviews to reconstruct the tense and nerve-wracking events that unfolded after an oxygen tank exploded aboard the moon-bound rocket. What sets Apollo 13: Survival apart is its access to rarely seen material, including intimate home videos from the Lovell family. The documentary captures the anxiety and determination that defined the mission, promising a white-knuckle viewing experience. For those fascinated by space exploration or simply seeking a compelling real-life drama, this film sheds new light on one of Nasa’s most perilous missions and the incredible efforts to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth.
Wolfs – Apple TV (September 20)
In Wolfs, George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunite for a comedic action-thriller, marking their first collaboration since Ocean’s Eleven. Clooney plays a super-cool mercenary hired to clean up grisly crime scenes before the authorities catch wind of them. His routine is upended when Pitt’s character, another fixer, arrives on the same job, forcing the two to work together. Directed by Jon Watts, known for the Spider-Man films, Wolfs mixes action and comedy in a fresh and exciting way. The film offers a dynamic pairing of Clooney and Pitt, bringing their chemistry back to the screen after a 15-year hiatus. The blend of humour and high-stakes action promises an entertaining experience, with early reviews praising the film’s thrilling ride. Clooney has described the shoot as a blast, and Watts’ direction is noted for its joyful and talented approach.
The Perfect Couple – Netflix (September 5)
Imagine a wedding gone awry with a twist of mystery—The Perfect Couple offers just that. Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) is about to marry into Nantucket’s elite, but her perfect day is marred when a body washes up on the beach, turning the celebration into a crime scene. Nicole Kidman stars as the formidable mother-in-law, Greer Garrison Winbury, with Liev Schreiber as her husband, adding to the star-studded ensemble. The series features Billy Howle as the groom, Dakota Fanning as the sister-in-law, and Jack Reynor as the brother. Meghann Fahy and Bollywood’s own Ishaan Khattar, making his mark on an international screen, round out the cast. Combining suspense with sophistication, The Perfect Couple will have you questioning how well you really know your in-laws.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story – Netflix (September 19)
Prepare for a deep dive into one of the most controversial cases of the 1990s with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the show is the second season of their true-crime anthology series, following the success of Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. This season shifts focus to the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, in 1996. The series explores the complex motives behind the crime, contrasting the prosecution’s claim of greed with the brothers’ assertion of enduring abuse. Starring Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as the Menendez parents, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch as the brothers, the show promises to unravel the layers of this grim case. With its blend of intense drama and intricate storytelling, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story poses the unsettling question: who are the real monsters?
The Buckingham Murders – Theatres (September 13)
Kareena Kapoor Khan steps into a refreshing new role in The Buckingham Murders, diverging from the glamorous characters she’s typically known for. In this mystery thriller directed by Hansal Mehta, Kapoor Khan portrays a gritty and determined detective, marking a significant shift from her usual screen persona. Her portrayal of a relentless investigator delving into the murder of a young child brings a depth and intensity that promises to captivate audiences. The film’s chilling teaser and compelling narrative have already generated buzz, highlighting Kapoor Khan’s versatility and her debut as a producer. This role not only showcases her range but also adds a layer of intrigue to the film’s intense storyline. Reuniting with Ektaa R Kapoor, a familiar collaborator from Veere Di Wedding and Crew, Kapoor Khan’s new venture promises to be both a dramatic and exciting departure from her previous roles.
Uglies – Netflix (September 13)
Imagine a world where turning 16 means a mandatory cosmetic surgery to achieve ‘perfection.’ That’s the dystopian reality in Uglies, directed by McG and based on Scott Westerfeld’s bestselling novel. Joey King stars as Tally, a teenager eagerly awaiting her transformation, only to uncover unsettling truths about the procedure when her friend runs away. Set in a future where societal status hinges on physical appearance, Uglies delves into themes of self-identity and conformity. Alongside King, the cast features Chase Stokes as Peris, Keith Powers as David, Brianne Tju as Shay, and Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable. This film promises a thought-provoking take on beauty standards and societal pressures, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar theme.
The Garfield Movie – Netflix (September 17)
Craving some lasagna and feline antics? The Garfield Movie brings everyone’s favourite orange tabby to Netflix in a fun-filled adventure. Chris Pratt voices Garfield, who finds himself meeting his long-lost, scruffy street cat father, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. Soon, Garfield’s pampered life with his owner Jon takes a turn as he gets entangled in a high-stakes heist. Directed by Mark Dindal of _The Emperor’s New Groove_ fame, the film features a stellar cast including Snoop Dogg as Maurice, a blue-furred Maine Coon, Hannah Waddingham as the criminal Persian Cat Jinx, Harvey Guillén as Jon’s loyal dog Odie, and Nicholas Hoult as Jon Arbuckle. With this line-up, The Garfield Movie promises a ‘purrfect’ mix of humour and adventure.
Nobody Wants This – Netflix (September 26)
Ever wondered what happens when an agnostic and an unconventional rabbi find themselves romantically entangled? Nobody Wants This offers a comedic take on this unlikely pairing, with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody starring as Joanne and Noah. The show explores their relationship’s challenges and quirks, adding a humorous spin to themes of faith and love. Inspired by creator Erin Foster’s own experiences, the series reflects her journey of finding love amidst religious differences. Nobody Wants This promises a charming and witty exploration of romance that’s as engaging as it is heartwarming.
Emily in Paris S4 Part 2 – Netflix (September 12)
Get ready for a change of scenery as Emily in Paris returns with the second half of its fourth season. This time, Emily (Lily Collins) trades Parisian streets for the enchanting backdrop of Rome. Amidst glamorous settings and romantic escapades, Emily faces fresh challenges both in her personal life and career, especially with new dynamics at work and complications in her love life. The latest trailer teases a tumultuous phase for Emily, with her relationship with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) facing interference from Camille (Camille Razat) and a new American recruit, Genevieve (Thalia Besson), joining Savoir. Encouraged by her best friend Mindy (Ashley Park) to embrace spontaneity, Emily’s Roman adventure introduces Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini), who might just become a new romantic interest. This season promises to deliver the perfect blend of romance and drama with a new, picturesque twist.
Call Me Bae – Prime Video (September 6)
For fans of Schitt’s Creek’s charming fish-out-of-water antics, Call Me Bae offers a glamorous twist. Ananya Pandey shines as a Delhi princess who finds herself navigating life’s challenges when she’s thrust out of her opulent world and into the real one, sparking both comedic and heartfelt moments. Created by Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair, and directed by Colin D’Cunha, the series features a dynamic ensemble cast, including Vir Das and Gurfateh Pirzada. With its engaging storyline and charismatic performances, Call Me Bae blends humour and drama, aiming to become a Gen Z take on Aisha. Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, it promises to be a delightful addition to your watchlist.
The Penguin – Jio Cinema (September 15)
Enter the gritty world of Gotham City with The Penguin, an HBO series that delves into the dark and complex world of one of Batman’s most iconic foes. Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oz Cobblepot, exploring the character’s transformation from a mere mobster to a formidable crime lord vying for control of the city’s underworld. Set in the same universe as Matt Reeves’ The Batman, the show offers an intricate look at Cobblepot’s quest for power, providing an intense psychological portrait of the character. With a captivating storyline and Farrell’s standout performance, The Penguin promises to deliver thrilling drama and deep character exploration. The series will be available in multiple regional languages, catering to a diverse audience.
Zara Flavia Dmello
