As the parade of tent pole summer blockbusters leave the cinema, the throes of September are known to offer slim pickings when it comes to arts and entertainment. But who’s to say this is bad news? Instead, I find it can double as a fruitful time to try something new.
Case in point, this upcoming week provides a chance to dip your toe into smaller indie films. For fans of crime thrillers, God’s Country and See How They Run are excellent candidates. Moonage Daydream is a colorful window of opportunity, should you wish to venture into documentaries. On the other hand, franchise fare isn’t so far gone — Disney+ is releasing Andor, a prequel television series to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
In the world of literature, hot off the press is an intriguing nonfiction premised on an indigenous rewrite of history. Modern love stories from Nicholas Sparks and Elizabeth Strout are also on the way.
Finally, if the intersection of art and crime sounds fascinating, I direct you to a newly premiering true crime podcast titled Death of an Artist.
In full detail below, here is a list of what to watch and look out for this week. Enjoy!
Watch…
See How They Run, directed by Tom George — Sept. 16
An ensemble cast plays in this comedy mystery about an inspector (Sam Rockwell) and inexperienced rookie constable (Saoirse Ronan) working to solve a murder.
The Woman King, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood — Sept. 16
Diving into the world of the Agojie, an African all-female warrior unit, this historical epic follows a general (Viola Davis) working to train the unit to prepare for what is coming.
God’s Country, directed by Julian Higgins — Sept. 16
This mystery thriller tells the story of Sandra (Thandiwe Newton), a college professor who encounters two trespassing hunters in the remote wilderness of Western Montana.
Moonage Daydream, directed by Brett Morgen — Sept. 16
Through unreleased footage, this documentary chronicles the journey of famed singer-songwriter David Bowie in a never-before-seen cinematic odyssey.
Reboot, created by Steven Levitan — Sept. 20
Hulu’s comedy series follows the trials and tribulations of a cast getting back together to reboot a sitcom, parodying the inner workings of the television industry.
Andor, created by Tony Gilroy — Sept. 21
Another entry in the Star Wars franchise, this darker, grittier series follows spy Cassian (Diego Luna) and his path to his role as a great rebel hero.
Read…
Lucy by the Sea, by Elizabeth Strout — Sept. 20
Inspired by the recent past, the novel meditates on themes of isolation through its portrait of a divorced couple thrown together as a pandemic hits New York City.
Dreamland, by Nicholas Sparks — Sept. 20
Sparks returns to the romance genre with a grounded, exhilarating tale of first love and the power of dreams.
Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America, by Pekka Hämäläinen — Sept. 20
400 years of American history undergo an important rewrite in this nonfiction retelling through the eyes of American Indigenous peoples.
Listen…
A Sky Without Stars, by ELIZA — Sept. 16
In a crucial reinvention of her style, English pop star ELIZA delivers a soulful, melancholy album.
Moss, by Maya Hawke — Sept. 20
The emerging singer-songwriter is set to explore themes of rebirth and acceptance in her second studio album.
Death of an Artist, hosted by Helen Molesworth — Sept. 23
In her podcast, art historian Molesworth delves into the shocking death of Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta and the involvement of her husband Carl Andre.
