A gripping tale of journalism and history: ‘September 5’
A potential Oscar contender emerges
In the bustling world of film festivals, one title is generating significant buzz: Tim Fehlbaum’s tension-filled drama, September 5. This film, which has garnered outstanding reviews at both Venice and Telluride, is poised to make a substantial impact on the awards circuit. Set against the backdrop of the international hostage crisis involving the Israeli Olympic team on September 5, 1972, the film offers a unique perspective by focusing on the broadcasters who covered the event live on global television.
A stellar ensemble cast
The period drama features a talented ensemble cast, including John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch. Each actor brings a distinct energy to their roles, contributing to the film’s overall tension and emotional depth. September 5 is a taut, suspenseful thriller that stands out even if you’ve seen Steven Spielberg’s Munich. This retelling offers a fresh perspective, reminiscent of previous Oscar winners like Spotlight and All the President’s Men.
A powerful script and sharp editing
Written by Fehlbaum and Moritz Binder, the script is a pulse-pounding exploration of the moral responsibilities of journalists. This makes it a strong contender for the Writers Branch to cite in the best original screenplay category. The film’s crisp 91-minute runtime, coupled with Hansjörg Weißbrich’s sharp editing, further enhances its awards potential.
Standout performances
Peter Sarsgaard, playing producer Roone Arledge, delivers a performance that harks back to his breakout role as a news editor uncovering fabricated stories in Shattered Glass. In what appears to be a thin year for supporting actor contenders, Sarsgaard could secure his long-overdue first Oscar nomination with the right campaign. Ben Chaplin’s passion is also on display as a Jewish producer begging his network to proceed with caution.
John Magaro, who has established himself as a reliable and brilliant actor in indie cinema, emerges as a true leading man in September 5. During the Telluride patrons’ brunch, Sarsgaard praised Magaro’s work, noting that his positive experience with Magaro led him to recommend the actor for his wife Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming directorial project, The Bride, set for release next year. Magaro delivers another dynamic performance as Geoff, a young, inexperienced producer thrust into one of the most tragic moments in television history. However, positioning him in the lead actor category could present challenges in a competitive field.
Leonie Benesch, who garnered attention for her role in last year’s international feature nominee The Teachers’ Lounge, brings a sense of urgency to her character, striving to prevent her country from being marred by its darkest sins. Her performance could draw comparisons to past Oscar nominees like Rachel McAdams in Spotlight and Keira Knightley in The Imitation Game.
The road ahead
First, however, September 5 needs a distributor. Even with its potential, a studio might choose to hold the film for a 2025 release, as this year’s awards calendar is already filling up with each passing festival. Still, with the right campaign, this timely and powerful film could become one of the most talked-about contenders this season.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the anticipation surrounding September 5 is palpable. The film’s exploration of the moral responsibilities of journalists is particularly resonant in today’s media landscape. The ensemble cast, led by the ever-reliable John Magaro and the versatile Peter Sarsgaard, promises performances that will linger long after the credits roll. The film’s crisp editing and tight runtime ensure that it remains engaging from start to finish, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas and the intricacies of live television coverage.
In a year filled with potential Oscar contenders, September 5 stands out not just for its timely subject matter but for its compelling storytelling and strong performances. Whether it secures a distributor for this year or the next, it is undoubtedly a film that will be remembered and discussed for years to come.