October is a gift to cinephiles. It’s home to a barrage of critically acclaimed prestige films beginning their rollout following festival runs and a time to immerse oneself in the horror genre. The latter is especially true with the curation at places such as TCM or The Criterion Channel, which has everything from the ’90s to art-house horror. With the new releases, there’s a mix of big, studio genre films, such as the latest in the “The Exorcist” series to launch the month, to foreign favorites, such as the highly anticipated “The Anatomy of a Fall.” It’s part of why this time of year is always so interesting for a film fan, as there’s something for everyone, and while not everything might not be a direct hit, there’s plenty more to seek out afterward. October alone features new films from Martin Scorsese, Kitty Green, and Alexander Payne.
“The Exorcist: Believer”
With October comes horror films, and “The Exorcist: Believer” is ready to kick things off. As the sixth installment to the “Exorcist” franchise, the latest directed by David Gordon Green and written by Peter Sattler, Green directly follows the original 1973 film “The Exorcist” from director William Friedkin. Ellen Burstyn reprises her role as Chris MacNeil, this time as a guide to fellow parents whose daughters are suffering from seemingly demonic possessions. Leslie Odom Jr., Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, Libya Jewett, and Olivia Marcum also star.
Release Date: In theaters October 6 via Universal Pictures.
“Foe”
Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal, two of their generation’s most exciting and interesting actors, join forces in the latest from “Lion” director Garth Davis. Aaron Pierre joins them in this romance story, would-have-beens, and artificial intelligence that follows a couple in the future whose lives are thrown into turmoil. The film is based on the 2018 novel by author Iain Reid, who also penned the adaptation. The film made its premiere at the 2023 New York Film Festival.
Release Date: Available in theaters on October 6 via Amazon Studios.
“The Royal Hotel”
Director Kitty Green delivered a powerful, indicting drama in her first first, the 2020 “The Assistant.” In her follow-up, she reteams with star Julia Garner for a similarly stress-inducing thriller. Jessica Henwick and Hugo Weaving also star. Our critic who saw the film at Telluride praised Garner in particular, writing that, “The Emmy winner is such a talent she can have you on the edge of your seat just cracking open a beer bottle.”
Release Date: In theaters October 6 via NEON.
“Fair Play”
A big Sundance hit, “Fair Play,” starring Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor, looks to reignite the erotic thriller. The film, written and directed by Chloe Domont in her feature directorial debut, follows a young, newly engaged couple whose lives and relationships are pushed to the limits following an unexpected promotion at the hedge fund they both work at. Eddie Marsan co-stars as the duo’s boss, with our critic praising his performance, writing, “…Marsan is absolutely chilling as the kind of guy who hasn’t raised his voice since before these people were born, and hasn’t had to…”
Released Date: Available to stream on October 6 on Netflix.
“Dicks: The Musical”
With one of the best-named films of the month, “Dicks: The Musical,” between the name and the appearance of pop star Megan Thee Stallion is guaranteed to get attention. The musical comedy, directed by Larry Charles, is based on the off-Broadway musical by Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson, “F**king Identical Twins.” Sharp and Jackson reprise their roles and join Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Bowen Yang as God (read our review).
Release Date: In theaters October 6 via A24.
