September 5 Review

As the holiday movie season fills theaters with blockbusters and family films, a quieter yet deeply impactful story is emerging in September 5. Directed by Tim Fellbaum, this gripping drama revisits the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Olympics through a unique lens—the ABC news crew who reported live on the tragedy.

If the story sounds familiar, it’s because Steven Spielberg’s Munich previously explored the aftermath of this event. However, September 5 tells a different side of the story, bringing us into the high-pressure world of live journalism during a time of unimaginable crisis.

Revisiting a Historic Tragedy

For those unfamiliar, the 1972 Munich Olympics were marred by a devastating terrorist attack in which Israeli athletes were taken hostage, leading to a tragic loss of lives. While Spielberg focused on the broader geopolitical fallout, Fellbaum zeroes in on the people tasked with reporting this unfolding nightmare in real time.

The film, written with input from those who lived through the events, delivers an authentic and visceral portrayal of the newsroom’s response. John Magaro shines as Jeffrey Mason, a reporter at the center of the story, delivering a performance both grounded and emotionally charged. Supporting performances by Peter Skarsgard and Corey Johnson round out the stellar cast.

An Authentic Period Piece

What truly immerses the audience in September 5 is its meticulous attention to detail. From the old cameras and walkie-talkies to the grainy footage seamlessly blending real and recreated visuals, every frame transports you back to 1972.

The film captures the chaos and urgency of live broadcasting, showcasing how decisions were made with limited information and immense stakes. This behind-the-scenes look evokes the intensity of shows like HBO’s The Newsroom or Apple TV+’s The Morning Show.

A Perspective-Focused Story

While the film’s newsroom perspective is compelling, it does come with a tradeoff. The hostages and their captors remain largely in the background, as does the public reaction to the tragedy. A deeper dive into these elements could have added more layers to an already gripping narrative.

Still, September 5 succeeds in its mission to highlight the role of journalism in shaping how the world experiences and remembers such events.

Final Thoughts

September 5 is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and stories about the power of the media. With its exceptional performances, period-accurate production, and compelling narrative, it’s a film that demands your full attention.

I highly recommend catching it in its limited December release or during its wider rollout in January.

Have you seen September 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and check out more reviews on Heroic Review!

Rating

Dope!

8