We’re a week into October, but that doesn’t render September 2016 films irrelevant. In fact, blame the industry for releasing such high quality movies on the last day of the month this past Friday. There’s only so much time in the day, Hollywood! Looking back on September’s coming soon article I wrote, I’m a tad dismayed to report only 1 of those selections made it to this list. I really wished all those movies were great, but most of them disappointed (Blair Witch, Snowden, The Light Between Oceans). However, there are definitely features that didn’t disappoint, which occupy this list of best September 2016 films. Let’s get into it!
– Amanda Knox –
Amanda Knox is the first example of a stellar documentary offered by a streaming service, but definitely not the last. This covers the infamous trial of Amanda Knox, accused by Italian authorities of participating in the murder of Meredith Kercher. The producers managed to secure Knox herself, the lead investigator, and a member of the press to contribute interviews to the film. It’s certainly an enlightening experience, seeing how the investigation and trial turned into more of a witch hunt, performed by both the authorities, the press, and some of the viewing audience. That could be just my takeaway, and yours could be different. The movie allows wiggle room for debate, as it does a great job presenting the facts from several angles instead of just one, as any documentary should. I could spend several articles discussing this fine picture, but it truly needs to be seen (on Netflix).
– Audrie & Daisy –
Lo and behold, another outstanding Netflix documentary: Audrie & Daisy. The subject here covers three cases of rape in different parts of the U.S., and how it impacts the victims, their families, and the community at large. Equally as enlightening as Amanda Knox, this film will also absolutely enrage any human being capable of empathy and emotion. It’s a very strong, memorable watch, and should absolutely be discussed among our culture until such a disturbing issue is practically non-existent. I’m aware how repetitive it sounds to end every synopsis here with “watch it,” but seriously: watch Audrie & Daisy. It’s one of the absolute best September 2016 films.
– The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years –
In yet another excellent documentary, Hulu helps distribute Ron Howard‘s latest (and probably best film of the year considering how bad Inferno looks), The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years. I’m a massive, unapologetic Beatles fan, so any documentary advertising them as the subject automatically holds my interest. Uniquely, this film is comprised of much fan footage and only covers the touring years, as titled. We’re sufficiently shown why the Beatles tired of touring and hibernated in the studio their last few years together. If you’re a Beatles nut like myself, this is absolutely a requirement (although chances are you’ve seen this twice already, like me).
– Deepwater Horizon –
As I stated in my review for Deepwater Horizon, director Peter Berg knew how to convey every ounce of fear and terror the occupants of the exploding oil rig felt during this real-life disaster. While the movie delves into technical oil rig speak an awful lot, the theatrical experience is still enthralling enough for this feature to be included on the monthly ‘best of’ list. Also, it was a nice treat for opening weekend audiences to see the first teaser of Peter Berg’s next movie about the Boston marathon bombing, Patriots Day.
– Goat –
I truly didn’t expect the titles I’m about to mention to live on this best September 2016 films list. Goat is definitely one of them. If you told me a couple years ago Nick Jonas would star in one of my favorite TV shows, Kingdom, and one of my favorite 2016 movies, I’d look at you sideways like you’ve escaped from a psychiatric hospital. The story told in Goat covers fraternity hazing, how foolish it is, and how unnecessarily dangerous it can become. Some fraternity members may watch this, having participated in hazing, and feel Goat exaggerates many aspects, but it’s a movie trying to make a respectable point and you can’t do that without “Hollywoodizing” a few scenes. This unanticipated gem is now available on demand.
– Miss Stevens –
Lily Rabe will look familiar to American Horror Story audiences, and finally she’s given a lead role opportunity in a film where she shines. Rabe plays the titular Miss Stevens, a young English teacher who chaperones 3 students on a road trip to a state-wide drama competition. On the way, Stevens is coming to grips with adulthood and her identity outside of teaching, which makes for much of the drama in the film. Stevens also contains a lot of heart and relatability, and will be a pleasant surprise for those that catch it on demand.
– My Blind Brother –
I’ve followed and loved Adam Scott, Nick Kroll, and Jenny Slate‘s works for years, so when they’re squeezed in a movie together, my attention is grabbed. Even beyond that, My Blind Brother, now available on demand, elicits laughs from the trailer alone. Scott plays a cocky blind man, Kroll plays his brother/caretaker, and Slate plays a love interest to them both. Much of the humor resides in the dialogue spoken by Scott’s character, Robbie. Conversely, the movie surprisingly contains a lot of believable emotion by the end. Considering the range of feelings Brother covers, it earned a slot in my best September 2016 films article easily.
– Other People –
Other People is written/directed by Saturday Night Live writer Chris Kelly in his first full-length feature, and he nailed it on the first attempt. The plot revolves around Molly Shannon‘s character Joanne’s diagnosis with cancer, and how her family, primarily her son David (portrayed by Jesse Plemons), and friends handle it. Plemons is more of the star of the film in screentime and billing, but Shannon is a show-stealer. I can’t recall a more heartbreaking, real performance from Shannon ever before as seen here. Much of the humor is of an awkward variety with how friends of the family don’t know how to deal with Joanne’s ailment or understand when to make small talk or jokes. Like My Blind Brother, People covers a wide range of emotion, but more eloquently, and happens to also be available on demand.
