Movies have a way of taking us on wild adventures and leaving us with something to think about by the end. I love watching them, but even more, I enjoy hearing people talk about the films they’ve seen—it always makes me want to check them out.
September and October 2024 have brought a wave of new releases, each grabbing attention for different reasons. With the cooler weather rolling in, it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up and explore something new. We’ve curated a list of seven recent releases that are making waves. Some you’ll love, others might not be your thing, but they’re all worth watching—if only to join in on the buzz!
Blink Twice
Blink Twice has all the makings of a solid thriller, but it ultimately leaves viewers feeling uneasy. I found myself quite anxious while watching, and I know I’m not alone in hoping for a more creative experience, only to be let down. The film’s predictability is apparent within just a few minutes, making it easy to guess the ending long before it arrives.
In her directorial debut, Zoë Kravitz delves into the dark world of powerful, wealthy men but struggles to deliver a story with depth or meaning. The plot centers around Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat), two waitresses who are invited to a lavish island getaway by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum). While this may sound like a dream come true, red flags arise when they are asked to surrender their phones, leading to a sense of foreboding. One tweet summed it up well: “When the guy says ‘No phones allowed,’ RUN.” It’s clear that when everything seems too perfect, something is off.
Although the cast delivers strong performances, the film falls short in exploring its serious themes, which feel shallow and even exploitative at times. It attempts to tackle heavy subjects like sexual violence but never dives deep enough to leave a lasting impact. Overall, Blink Twice has potential for a thrilling ride but struggles to connect its elements in a meaningful way. It’s still worth a watch for its unsettling atmosphere, but as one tweet put it, “Blink Twice? More like Blink Thrice to process what the heck I just watched.”
Rebel Ridge
Rebel Ridge, now streaming on Netflix, is Jeremy Saulnier’s latest hit, blending the rugged essence of a western with the suspense of a modern action film. What sets it apart is its commitment to realism—don’t expect superhero stunts here. The story follows Terry Richmond, portrayed by the talented Aaron Pierre, a former Marine entangled in a corrupt small-town legal nightmare, where even attempting to do the right thing feels like an uphill battle.
What truly makes Rebel Ridge stand out isn’t flashy effects or exaggerated action sequences, but rather the authentic tension that builds as Terry tries to avoid violence, despite trouble constantly looming around him. Each scene feels like a ticking time bomb, and when the action finally erupts, it’s raw and chaotic in a way that feels earned and satisfying.
Aaron Pierre is the heart of the film, with viewers captivated by his performance. As one social media user put it, “Aaron Pierre’s eyes alone carry the weight of this film – pure tension!” Rebel Ridge is a slow burn, but when the action arrives, it strikes hard. With sharp twists, insightful commentary on topics like civil asset forfeiture, and gripping action, this film manages to be both intelligent and thrilling. If you’re in the mood for a film that feels grounded and delivers on tension, Rebel Ridge is a must-watch!
His Three Daughters
His Three Daughters is a heartfelt drama directed by Azazel Jacobs, centered around the lives of three sisters and their father. Set entirely in a small Manhattan apartment, the film follows sisters Katie (Carrie Coon), Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) as they come together to care for their dying father. The story dives deep into sibling relationships, exploring how each sister copes with her emotional baggage and the tensions that arise as they navigate their grief together.
As someone with sisters, I found the setting of His Three Daughters to be both personal and relatable. The apartment feels like another character, embodying the messy, tender, and tense moments shared between the siblings. Every room and piece of furniture seems to hold memories, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
Natasha Lyonne’s performance as Rachel truly shines, bringing a raw energy that gives the movie its heart. Many viewers echo this sentiment, with one noting, “Lyonne’s raw and earthy performance had me hooked—she’s both hilarious and heartbreaking.” While I had mixed feelings about some characters—Carrie Coon’s Katie came off as a bit too intense for my taste—Elizabeth Olsen surprised me with her powerful final breakdown scene. As critic Sisiwakanamuru wisely stated, “If you’ve experienced the loss of a parent recently, this movie may hit home hard… but at the same time, it can also feel comforting, like a reminder that you’re not alone in your grief.” This film explores the deep emotions of love, loss, and family in a relatable way, making it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt dramas.
Uglies
First of all, let’s talk about the title: Uglies. It feels a bit outdated, right? Who even calls people “ugly” these days? It seems like we’ve evolved past that. Yet here we are with a movie that uses the term and casts actors who are clearly good-looking—seriously, have you seen Keith Powers? There’s definitely a conversation to be had about society’s obsession with beauty and conformity, but are we really telling 16-year-olds that plastic surgery is the answer?
Set in a future where teens must undergo surgery to become “Pretties” to fit into society’s standards of perfection, the plot follows Tally Youngblood, played by Joey King. Initially, she dreams of becoming “pretty,” but after meeting some rebellious friends, she starts to question the system. This theme feels all too familiar as it reflects the pressure to fit in and the obsession with appearance that permeates our world today. Social media users have noted how Tally’s struggle resonates with many, making the story relatable. The film looks stunning, and the performances are strong, particularly Laverne Cox as the eerie Dr. Cable, who adds a fresh twist to the classic ‘big brother is watching’ trope.
The film tackles important themes like self-worth and authenticity, elevating it beyond just another dystopian flick. It serves as a metaphor for contemporary society, where looks often dictate value. If you enjoy stories about rebellious teens challenging a broken system, this movie is definitely for you. Joey King’s character evolves from wanting to fit in to becoming a leader, embodying the classic hero’s journey that will keep you engaged until the very end. However, we can’t overlook the irony: the so-called ‘uglies’ aren’t ugly at all! The casting of conventionally attractive actors to portray ‘uglies’ is wild, almost daring us to reevaluate our notions of beauty.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
I didn’t expect to love this movie so much, and I almost finished it in just one day. Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has stirred up a lot of controversy. The show sensationalizes the Menendez brothers’ story, putting a strong focus on incestuous elements while leaving out key post-trial evidence that supports their claims of sexual abuse by their father.
I’m not usually the type to cry over a movie, but when Erik started opening up to his lawyer and sharing what happened, I couldn’t stop crying. Even though Murphy claims that the show presents multiple perspectives, the brothers—who have always stuck to their story of abuse—weren’t even consulted. This has led to criticism, with people saying the show is insensitive and dismissing their trauma. Some have pointed out that it glamorizes tragedy just for shock value.
The ending is heartbreaking. You can’t help but cry when you realize it’s the end for them, without even a single word of goodbye. Someone on X (formerly Twitter) said, “I’ve seen a lot of crime docs, but THIS one? My jaw was on the floor the whole time. The Menendez brothers’ case is just wild.” And honestly, the more I watched, the more I started to wonder—did they really deserve that sentence? I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. The emotions in this show are intense and unexpected. Do I feel bad for them? Yes. Do I think what they did was awful? Also yes.
But again I can’t shake the feeling that there’s still more to the story that we don’t know.
Boy Kills World
First off, let’s talk about the title: Boy Kills World. It’s intriguing, right? This isn’t the type of film you watch for deep storytelling, but if you’re into over-the-top action, wild stunts, and a dash of humor, this movie is for you. Directed by Moritz Mohr in his feature debut, the storyline is straightforward, revolving around a classic revenge plot. Boy, played by Bill Skarsgård, is a quiet character on a mission for vengeance in a wildly unpredictable world.
Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for just how wild this movie gets. The plot? I lost track of it pretty quickly. But the action and visuals? Absolutely top-notch—an easy 10/10. My heart raced the entire time! I found myself thinking, “Did anyone else notice how the story went off the rails halfway through?” But honestly, I didn’t mind; the chaotic energy was just too much fun. This is definitely the kind of movie you need to watch more than once just to absorb all the craziness.
If you’re searching for deep themes or messages, Boy Kills World isn’t for you. It’s similar to John Wick or Nobody, but without the emotional layers—just pure, relentless action. And speaking of action, the final fight scene left me gasping!
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” is an exciting sequel that perfectly brings back the dark, quirky magic of the original. This time, the story focuses on a grown-up Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) and her rebellious daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega). While it brings a lot of nostalgia, it’s not just a repeat of the old movie. The film is a bit too dark for younger kids, but Tim Burton’s mix of creepy visuals and funny, gross-out moments is still a winning combination.
The atmosphere has that classic Burton feel, with creepy yet playful visuals, cool effects, and an unforgettable score by Danny Elfman. Honestly, they nailed it! It’s a perfect mix of old and new, with fresh characters, a unique story, and, of course, the chaotic but lovable Beetlejuice. Who doesn’t love a mischievous demon who always shows up to cause trouble?
That wedding scene? Funny but also a little creepy, right? And the dinner party possession scene? Totally random but in the best way. That song? Now it lives rent-free in my head!
