September 5 can best be described as a journalistic thriller, showcasing that humans are not perfect while detailing the tragic events of that day.
There is something about movies that tells the story of real-life events that makes them that much more relatable. Admittedly, I had heard of the hostage crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympics, but did not know much about it. September 5 details the events of that horrific day in history from the journalists’ perspective. The result is a suspenseful, intense, thriller, that also depicts the flaws in humanity.
That day was the first time that something like this was broadcast live across the world. Because of this, there was no precedence and no one really knew how to handle it. What can you show on live television? What should you shy away from? Keep in mind that the parents of these hostages will be watching, so what should be done to respect them? So many questions and absolutely no answers.
The film takes place in, more or less, one newsroom. The journalists who are in charge of covering the hostage situation are, in actuality, from the sports team. So, not only are they experiencing something no other journalists have before, they are used to covering sporting events. This adds even more pressure, which bleeds through to the viewers in a way that will have them on the edge of their seats (even if they know the outcome).
September 5 is one of the best-paced films of the entire year, there is no doubt about that. It wastes absolutely no time getting into the nitty-gritty of it all and then breezes by in a cool ninety minutes. The editing is outstanding. Even though nearly the entire movie takes place in one room, things are kept interesting and intriguing. It never slows down.
As a journalist myself, I often put myself in the shoes of the people on screen. What would I do? What decisions would I make? It is hard to say unless you are actually in the situation that these people are in. Seeing the way things were done back then, how they were able to rewire the phone so that it could be heard live over the air, every little detail is interesting in its own way.
The entire cast is incredible. They bring these people to life in a way that feels simple and natural. Viewers will instantly believe them. Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Leonie Benesch, Ben Chaplin, Benjamin Walker — they all bring something to the table. On top of that, whoever made the call to use actual news footage to help tell the story is brilliant.
There are a few jokes weaved in to throw in some much-needed comedic relief at times, but overall September 5 is a chilling emotional. Make no mistake, this movie is a thriller, and the best one of the year at that. It is intense and unsettling. There are moments that moved me to tears simply because I felt so connected to these people and the news story they were telling.
September 5 is haunting. It is unsettling. But it is also a fantastic watch. If you can, see this one the big screen, in a room full of people, because, trust me, you are going to want to have people around you when the dust settles. It is that unnerving.
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About September 5
During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting crew finds itself thrust into covering the hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.
September 5 is in select theaters now, before expanding on January 17, 2025.