“First They Killed My Father“
Synopsis: Loung Ung is 5 years old when the Khmer Rouge assumes power over Cambodia in 1975. They soon begin a four-year reign of terror and genocide in which nearly 2 million Cambodians die. Forced from her family’s home in Phnom Penh, Ung is trained as a child soldier while her six siblings are sent to labor camps.
What You Need to Know: While she’s always chosen worthwhile projects and stories to tell, Angelina Jolie has yet to truly wow us as director, despite serviceable work on “By the Sea“, “Unbroken” and “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” We’re hoping that with her latest, the Netflix produced “First They Killed My Father,” we finally get to see the actress turned director deliver on the talent that’s been hinted at. Marred perhaps by an unflattering story about how they cast the film’s leading actress, the story itself remains a powerful one.
Release Date: September 15th
“Stronger”
Synopsis: The inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become a symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
What You Need to Know: Following the release of the tone deaf, Mark Whalberg and Peter Berg flick “Patriot’s Day,” you’d be forgiven for being wary of a second film based on the Boston Marathon bombing in as many years. That being said, at the very least with director David Gordon Green and stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany on board you know this will be played more delicately, and closer to the heart.
Release Date: September 15th
“Woodshock”
Synopsis: Kirsten Dunst stars as Theresa, a haunted young woman spiraling in the wake of profound loss, torn between her fractured emotional state and the reality-altering effects of a potent cannabinoid drug.
What You Need to Know: Another film that we don’t know much about, it hardly diminishes the ultimate intrigue that “Woodshock” has created with just a single teaser. Coming from independent darling A24, the teaser immediately casts a dreamy and mysterious atmosphere, piquing our curiosity. From the duo Laura and Kate Mulleavy and starring the always wonderful Kirsten Dunst, the film marks the first feature length outing for the directors.
Release Date: September 22nd
