Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
I decided to check out the AMC Screen Unseen on December 9th, and I’m glad that I did! We were presented with “September 5”, a likely awards contender and a refreshingly taut little thriller. The film presents the events of the 1972 Olympics in Berlin from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew. What was meant to be coverage of the games quickly turned into a hostage situation. The media crew must quickly pivot to make sure that coverage of the events are taking place. The events are especially uneasy due to the recovering reputation of the German government as the hostages are Jewish. The film showcases the intense and emotional situation that quickly turns into a national tragedy.
Positives:
I was debating on covering this movie due to the busy awards season ahead, but I’m glad we were surprised with it at the AMC Screen Unseen. The story is presented in a way to make audiences feel like they are back in the 1970’s. The costume design and global events showcased in the media do a good job of presenting the times that these characters are living in. There is also a grainy texture to the camera which is unique. This made it feel like the film was shot entirely during the events, specifically from the perspective of the media filming the events. The performances are also quite effective as they are asked to convey constant stress and unease as the events unfold. Peter Saarsgard is the biggest name involved as the cast is largely composed of actors who the public might not be familiar with. John Magaro, Ben Chapplin, and Leonie Benesch all go toe to toe with Saarsgard and deliver great supporting performances.
The film also conveys a sense of urgency. With these terrible events happening on the world stage, the film builds the tension as the media coverage grows. We see the sweat running from the character’s heads as they try and make sure the news is accurate but not too disturbing for the public. As the team tries to cover the events, it is clear they are ill prepared to cover such an occasion. The constant pivoting and adapting they must endure during the events adds to the pressure of the situation. The perspective of the media was fascinating as they had to review the morality of covering such an event and the ramifications it might have on the public due to showing them on film. This thriller does a nice job at capturing the misfortune of the Israeli athletes who were captured and leaves audiences with a grim presentation of the events.
Negatives:
There’s not a whole lot that I can criticize the movie for on a filmmaking level. Most of the performances and attention to detail help capture a story that was deeply tragic on the world stage. If I were to compare the film to the most memorable of 2024 though, it probably wouldn’t be among them. While there is some good tension within a compact story, it’s not one that I will be telling audiences to get out and see immediately. I’d say it might play better to those who aren’t as familiar with the events because there will be a greater element of surprise. But those who are familiar with these events will likely know what’s coming. Not that this is the film’s fault, just something to be aware of. Credit to the filmmakers for keeping the runtime appropriate. I do believe the film ends rather abruptly, so exploring the aftermath could have been interesting.
Conclusion:
“September 5” is a well crafted little thriller that captures the time in which these events took place. The performances are largely impressive and the tension built is effective. While the story isn’t going to leave the most impactful impression, there is a lot to commend here. Check this one out if the historical events are of interest. It’s nice to break up the blockbuster films with stories like these from time to time.
