Two of This Year’s Best Films Are Coming to Max in September

Two of This Year's Best Films Are Coming to Max in September

As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt and a particular fondness for indie films that dare to challenge the status quo, I must say that the upcoming arrivals of “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Civil War” on HBO Max are nothing short of exciting.


In September, the highly praised horror film “I Saw the TV Glow” produced by A24, along with the dystopian thriller “Civil War,” will become available on HBO and its streaming platform, Max. These two films are part of a multi-year agreement between A24 and these networks, which means that all new movies from A24’s renowned production company will be shown exclusively on HBO and Cinemax, and can only be streamed on Max.

Jane Schoenbrun’s movie titled “I Saw the TV Glow” managed something that many horror films don’t: it was well-received by both critics and viewers alike. The movie is eerie and nostalgic, revolving around Owen (played by Justice Smith), a suburban teenager struggling with life, who encounters a strange late-night TV program introduced by his classmate Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine). This show presents a supernatural world hidden beneath their own. As the TV screen casts its pale glow over Owen, his perception of reality starts to fracture. The film tackles themes like identity, gender, and obsession, further solidifying Schoenbrun as an emerging director to keep an eye on.

According to a critique by Will Sayre on MovieWeb, he described the movie “I Saw the TV Glow” as an innovative milestone for the production company A24. Later in his review, he also noted that the film was exceptional in this regard.

Watching the TV Radiate is an absolute must-see for indie film aficionados, ’90s TV enthusiasts, and those passionate about queer cinema.”

Prior to “I Saw the TV Glow”, Schoenbrun was primarily recognized for their 2021 horror film about teenage growth titled “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair“, a story about an adolescent who becomes more engrossed in an online role-playing horror game as she grows increasingly isolated. In addition to Smith and Lundy-Paine, “I Saw the TV Glow” features Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Conner O’Malley, Emma Portner, Ian Foreman, Fred Durst, and Danielle Deadwyler among its cast members.

Alex Garland’s Civil War Was Met With Critical Acclaim but Divided Audiences

Two of This Year's Best Films Are Coming to Max in SeptemberTwo of This Year's Best Films Are Coming to Max in SeptemberTwo of This Year's Best Films Are Coming to Max in SeptemberTwo of This Year's Best Films Are Coming to Max in September

Although Alex Garland’s Civil War isn’t traditionally classified as a horror film, it powerfully portrays a chilling concept. This gripping thriller is helmed by Academy Award-nominated director Garland and boasts an impressive cast including Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman. The story unfolds in a dystopian future America where a group of embedded journalists, led by a team, race to reach Washington D.C. before it’s overrun by insurgent factions. Although it contains intense violence and gore, its horror stems from its unsettling resemblance to contemporary American politics.

The movie titled “Civil War” garnered praise from critics and brought in massive profits at the box office, yet it sparked controversy among viewers predominantly due to its politically charged tone. On social media platforms, numerous viewers have voiced their opinions about the film, while reviews on Rotten Tomatoes show that differing viewpoints can greatly impact the viewing experience. Some audience reviewers praise the film for its engaging plot, stunning visuals, impressive special effects, talented cast, and powerful message, whereas others criticize it for its controversial political stance, excessive violence, and underdeveloped characters.

On September 20, “I Saw the TV Glow” starts streaming on Max, and on September 13, “Civil War” makes its debut on the streaming platform, specifically on a Friday.

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2024-08-14 15:01