13 Movies to See in October: ‘No Time To Die,’ ‘Dune,’ ‘French Dispatch’ & More

While the movies never truly left if you knew where to look for them and looked outside of theatrical releases, there’s no denying that, for good or not, cinemas are getting as close to “normal” as they can be, all things considered. Following a month of back to back film festivals, October promises to deliver on the teases many of the reviews left us with, with new films from favorites such as Edgar Wright and Wes Anderson to the latest Palme d’Or winning film “Titane” which has dazzled and disgusted audiences in equal measure. Fittingly for the season, there are several horror films to seek out as well.

READ MORE: Fall 2021 Movie Preview: 60+ Must-See Films

Otherwise, from big blockbusters to much delayed and highly buzzed-about tentpole features to smaller indie films that deserve just as much if not more love, it’s a bustling month for new releases. 

READ MORE: The Best Films Of 2021, So Far

“Venom: Let There Be Carnage“
Tom Hardy returns in the dual role of Eddie Brock and Venom for the sequel to the 2018 film with “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” In this round of ridiculous maybe, Brock must face down the serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) after he too becomes a host to an alien symbiote. Directed by Andy Serkis, the series has been divisive, with some definite vocal fans and those who can’t get behind the mess of the film. Our critic wrote of it “… it’s just overwhelmed by its sweatiness, twitching with the withdrawal from Monster Energy drink energy it emits from its humid pits.”
Release Date: October 1 in theaters via Sony Pictures.

“Titane“
The second feature from “Raw” director Julia Ducournau, “Titane,” has already taken the viewing public by storm with its radical narrative and fearless filmmaking. The film earned Ducournau the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes, making her the second female director to take the first prize. The body horror follows Alexia (played by Agathe Rousselle), a woman who has a titanium plate fitted into her head after being injured in a car accident as a child. That’s about as much knowledge you should have before seeing the film. Our critic wrote “… “Titane” is bold in its reference points, no-holds-barred in its approach to some of the hottest-button issues of the day, and brash – and often very funny – in its deliciously grisly and inventive image-making.”
Release Date: October 1 in theaters via Neon.

“Lamb“
With perhaps one of the strangest synopsis of the year, “Lamb,” the latest from studio A24, follows a childless couple living in rural Iceland who discover a peculiar newborn in their sheep barn. After deciding to raise her as their own, they’re faced with forces outside of their control that is determined to return the creature to the wilderness that birthed her. Valdimar Jóhannsson directs in his feature film debut with Noomi Rapace, Hilmir Snær Guðnason and Björn Hlynur Haraldsson starring. Our critic who saw it at Cannes found it predictable but wrote “Lamb” indeed is more of a slow build-up of dread than it is a real shocker…” 
Release Date: October 8 in theaters via A24.

“Mass“
Having premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, the Fran Kranz drama “Mass” offered a stirring showcase for the four lead performers. Starring Martha Plimpton, Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, and Reed Birney, the film follows the conversation between two couples following the aftermath of a violent tragedy. Our critic wrote of Kranz’s approach to the harrowing storyline, writing, “Whatever the case, it is highly effective, and his talent undeniable, even if it does sometimes seem like it’s a talent for dragging nails screeching down your psychological chalkboard, or for torturously slow emotional band-aid removal.”
Release Date: October 8 in theaters via Sony Picture Classics.

“No Time to Die“
After troublesome pre-production and multiple release delays due to COVID, the end of Daniel Craig’s era as James Bond comes to a close, 15 years following his debut as the iconic character. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (“Beasts of No Nation“) with a writing credit from “Fleabag” creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the film also stars Rami Maleck, Naomi Harris, Ana de Armas, Ben Whishaw, and Léa Seydoux. Our critic commended Craig’s performance, in particular, writing “No Time to Die” is his perfect ending, a moment worth toasting as a wistful rejection of a character that’ll never be the same without him.“
Release Date: October 8 in theaters MGM.