Movie of the Day: September Says (2024) by Ariane Labed

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/september-says-2025 (UK), https://picl.nl/films/september-says (Netherlands)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29315015/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/23/september-says-review-ariane-labed-daisy-johnson-sisters-tale-of-too-close-siblings-stumbles-on-familiar-gothic-ground

About movie: https://cherrypickers.nl/films/september-says/

Detailed Summary :September Says is the directorial debut of Ariane Labed, adapted from Daisy Johnson’s novel Sisters. The film delves into the intense and complex relationship between two teenage sisters, September and July, who, after a traumatic incident at school, retreat with their single mother, Sheela, to a remote cottage in Ireland. As the sisters navigate their co-dependent bond amidst the isolation, the narrative unfolds with surreal and gothic elements, exploring themes of identity, control, and the boundaries of sisterhood.

Plot Summary: September and July, born ten months apart, share a close yet tumultuous relationship. September, the dominant and protective elder sister, often dictates their interactions, while July seeks her own identity. Following September’s suspension from school, their mother Sheela decides to take them to a secluded cottage in Ireland. The change in environment intensifies the sisters' dynamic, leading to a series of surreal encounters that challenge their bond and individual perceptions of reality.

Director's Vision: Ariane Labed envisioned September Says as an exploration of the fine line between unconditional love and manipulation within familial relationships. She aimed to capture the surreal aspects of everyday life, emphasizing how the supernatural can manifest in ordinary settings. Labed's background in performance art and her experiences with directors like Yorgos Lanthimos influenced her approach to storytelling, focusing on the physicality of characters and the unspoken tensions that define their interactions.

Themes:

• Sisterhood and Identity: The film examines the complexities of sibling relationships, highlighting how close bonds can both support and suffocate individual growth.

• Control and Autonomy: It portrays the struggle for personal autonomy within familial structures, especially when one individual's dominance overshadows another's self-expression.

• Isolation and Reality: The secluded setting serves as a backdrop for the characters to confront their inner demons, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination.

• Coming-of-Age: The narrative captures the turbulent journey of adolescence, marked by emotional upheaval and the quest for self-discovery.

Key Success Factors:

• Strong Performances: Mia Tharia and Pascale Kann deliver compelling portrayals of July and September, capturing the nuances of their characters' complex relationship.

• Atmospheric Cinematography: The film's visual style enhances its gothic and surreal tone, immersing viewers in the sisters' world.

• Adaptation of Source Material: Labed's interpretation of Daisy Johnson's novel brings a fresh perspective to the story, maintaining its core themes while introducing unique cinematic elements.

• Festival Recognition: Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, the film garnered attention for its bold storytelling and directorial debut.

Summary Short: September Says is a haunting exploration of sisterhood, control, and the blurred boundaries between love and manipulation, set against the eerie backdrop of rural Ireland.

Awards and Nominations:

• Cannes Film Festival 2024:

  • Nominated for Un Certain Regard Prize: Best Film

  • Nominated for Caméra d'Or

• Dinard Festival of British & Irish Film 2024:

  • Winner: Golden Hitchcock for Best Film

• Les Arcs Film Festival 2024:

  • Winner: Prix Universciné

• Valladolid International Film Festival (SEMINCI) 2024:

  • Official Selection

Critical Reception:

• The Guardian: Praised the film's intense portrayal of sisterly bonds and its gothic atmosphere, though noted some narrative inconsistencies.

• Sight and Sound (BFI):Highlighted the film's understanding of the complexities of sisterhood and its unsettling depiction of familial dynamics.

• Film Ireland Magazine: Described it as an arresting and witchy debut, commending Labed's confident direction.

• The Film Verdict: Acknowledged the film's atmospheric quality and strong performances, despite noting some structural weaknesses.

• Financial Times: Criticized the film for its lack of coherence but recognized the vivid performances of the lead actresses.

Overall Summary: September Says received a mix of praise and critique, with many acknowledging Ariane Labed's promising directorial debut and the film's atmospheric storytelling, while others pointed out areas for narrative improvement.

Reviews:

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a positive rating, with critics appreciating its exploration of sisterhood and adolescence.

• IMDb: Users have given the film a moderate score, reflecting a range of responses to its thematic depth and storytelling style.

Overall Summary: Audiences have responded to September Says with a mix of admiration for its performances and atmosphere, and critiques of its narrative execution.

Production :The film is an international co-production involving Ireland, France, Greece, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Filming took place in rural Ireland, capturing the secluded and atmospheric setting integral to the story.

Production Companies:

• Element Pictures: Ireland

• BBC Film: United Kingdom

• The Match Factory: Germany

• Haos Film: Greece

Sales Companies:

• The Match Factory: GermanyHandled international sales, facilitating the film's distribution across various territories.

Distribution Companies:

• MUBI: United Kingdom and GermanyAcquired the film for streaming, expanding its accessibility to a broader audience.

Release Dates:

• Streaming: Available on MUBI in the UK and Germany as of February 2025.

• Theatrical Release:Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, with subsequent limited releases in select countries.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Exploration of Complex Themes: The film delves into the intricacies of sisterhood, control, and identity, offering a thought-provoking narrative.

• Strong Directorial Debut: Ariane Labed's transition from acting to directing showcases her unique storytelling perspective.

• Atmospheric Storytelling: The film's gothic and surreal elements create an immersive viewing experience.

Why to Watch This Movie:

• Compelling Performances: The lead actresses deliver powerful portrayals that bring depth to their characters.

• Visual and Auditory Aesthetics: The film's cinematography and sound design enhance its eerie and introspective atmosphere.

• Adaptation of Acclaimed Literature :Fans of Daisy Johnson's Sisters will appreciate the cinematic interpretation of the novel's themes.

What Movie Trend Film is Following:

• Gothic Coming-of-Age: September Says aligns with films that blend coming-of-age narratives with gothic and surreal elements, exploring the darker aspects of adolescence.

What Big Social Trend is Following:

• Reexamining Familial Roles: The film contributes to ongoing discussions about how family dynamics shape individual identity, especially within sibling relationships.

Final Verdict: September Says marks an ambitious and visually arresting directorial debut for Ariane Labed. Through its exploration of sisterhood, control, and identity, it delivers an intimate and atmospheric narrative. While some critics noted areas for narrative refinement, the film's haunting performances and visual style make it a memorable addition to contemporary cinema.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Focus on Strong Character Dynamics: Developing complex relationships between central characters, as seen between September and July, can create a deeply engaging story.

• Embrace Surreal and Gothic Elements: Integrating surreal and gothic aspects can elevate a straightforward narrative into something more evocative and thought-provoking.

• Adapt Literature with a Unique Vision: When working from source material, finding a distinct visual and emotional perspective can set the film apart from other adaptations.

• Explore the Physicality of Performance: Ariane Labed’s background in performance art influenced her emphasis on the physical expressions of her characters, an approach that adds depth and authenticity.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry:

• Encourage Directorial Debuts: Supporting established actors transitioning to directing can bring fresh voices and perspectives into the industry.

• Promote Films Centered on Female Relationships: Stories that focus on the complexities of women’s lives, particularly familial bonds, resonate with audiences seeking more representation and depth.

• Invest in International Co-Productions: Collaborative efforts between multiple countries can result in rich, multifaceted narratives and broader cultural appeal.

• Expand Accessibility through Streaming Platforms: Leveraging streaming services like MUBI allows niche films to find their audience and sustain interest beyond festival circuits.