Blu-Ray review by John Larkin
The following reviews contain spoilers related to the real historical events depicted in the film.
SEPTEMBER 5 swept in at the last minute to become not just the best thriller of the year but also my favorite film of 2024. Period. It’s rare to see such a tightly edited film these days, and I had almost forgotten what it felt like to watch something and be completely enthralled—on the edge of my seat rather than shifting uncomfortably in it.
It’s baffling that SEPTEMBER 5 only received a single Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay, especially given the sheer craftsmanship on display. The film’s script, written by its director, Tim Fehlbaum, is a veritable masterclass in tension-building. Fehlbaum, a Swiss filmmaker with only a few prior features, directs with the precision of a seasoned veteran. His ability to capture the relentless intensity of the Munich Massacre—told through the perspective of ABC network employees—demonstrates an exceptional level of control and storytelling prowess.
SEPTEMBER 5 meticulously reconstructs the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Massacre, immersing the audience in the chaos and tension as they unfolded in real time. The film seamlessly melds dramatized sequences with archival footage, blurring the lines between history and cinema in a way that feels both immersive and eerily authentic.
As the hostage crisis escalates, the audience experiences it as the journalists did—through flickering television screens, hastily relayed updates, and the growing realization that no one, not even those reporting the story, could predict how it would end. The newsroom sequences, pulsating with urgency, contrast starkly with the eerie stillness of the Olympic Village, where terrorists and hostages remain locked in a silent, tense standoff. Fehlbaum expertly intercuts these perspectives, using real broadcasts and expertly woven reenactments to create an experience that feels raw and immediate rather than staged.
Anchored by razor-sharp performances, the cast delivers some of the most gripping work of the year—particularly Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, who perfectly capture both the journalistic detachment and the creeping horror of witnessing history unfold. Their performances, alongside the film’s brilliant use of archival integration, make it feel as though we are watching the events unfold firsthand, rather than through the lens of a period piece. Every performance feels lived-in, heightening the film’s authenticity and emotional impact in nearly every moment of its taut 90-minute runtime.
The blu-ray contains five separate behind the scenes featurettes - all of which further illuminate the details surrounding both the filmmaking behind the story and the real events the film depicts. Here is one of them, courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment:
SEPTEMBER 5 is an absolute must-see. It's far from just a thrilling retelling of a tragic historical event—it is a gripping, immersive experience that reminds us of the power of both journalism and filmmaking. I highly recommend picking up the Blu-ray or purchasing it on digital platforms.
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