by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
The year is 1972, and the Munich Summer Olympics are at their height. The ABC Sports Crew are having their moment as they cover the biggest global sports story of the year. But danger is right there under everyone’s noses. A group of terrorists kidnapped the Israeli athletes, setting off one of the most infamous hostage situations in the 20th century. This team of journalists is put in a situation where they must step up or step aside.
What makes this such a compelling cinematic experience? September 5 is the type of thriller that has a great hook and a claustrophobic setting that brings the tension to fever pitch. Most of the film takes place within the confines of this broadcast installation. We are not in there with the hostages where the direct danger is, so director Tim Fehlbaum needs to capture the indirect tension and suspense experienced by these journalists. There is extensive use of archival footage, which helps create an authentic atmosphere to make the danger feel even more real. The film is shot in a way that feels like it is from the 1970s, which accentuates the same feeling. Slick editing and strategic storytelling beats help craft a thriller with some serious moments. It all builds to tragedy, and Fehlbaum deftly captures the emotion of the situation.
There is a lack of discourse in the film regarding a conflict which has evolved quite a bit over the last few decades. The film is still an effective thriller in what it is focusing on, but it does lose a bit of bite from avoiding some of the dimensions of the conflict. But that is not to say that September 5 does navigate some compelling thematic layers. Leonie Benesch portrays Marianne Gebhardt, the main German member of the squad who provides some interesting context to the film. This hostage situation is the most egregious affront towards Jewish people since the Holocaust. There are also the dimensions of the film that focus on the struggle of Germany trying to balance the needs of the hostages, while trying to keep face in a post-World War II geopolitical landscape. This lens introduces a compelling perspective of the greater forces getting in the way of progress. There is also an engaging navigation of gatekeeping in the real of journalism as well. We have a whole crew of sports journalists being told that they cannot handle such a serious situation. This relatable thread helps humanize the characters who are the actual focus of this narrative. Unfortunately, there is just a bit of a disconnect from the victims of this tragic event.
But with that being said, the cast is the biggest strength of Fehlbaum’s film. There are so many great performers who bring so much to the film. Peter Sarsgaard is a talented but underrated actor who helps ground the film as the leader of this crew. He has confidence and strength in pushing his crew to keep coverage. John Magaro is one of the best character actors in indie film, and he delivers a great performance as a character the audience can get behind. Ben Chaplin is a significant veteran presence who has an important role as a Jewish man to bring that perspective. He is able to bear that weight well, especially in his sometimes-charged interactions with Marianne. Benjamin Walker is also a strong addition as Peter Jennings, an on-air reporter who has a bit of arrogance in the face of his sports-focused colleagues. The cast is filled with talented and effective character actors who fill out the film as well making this environment feel so unique.
September 5 is a strong, claustrophobic thriller for sure. It delivers a strong pace and plenty of suspense. It features some strong ideas for Fehlbaum to explore, even if some of the most important layers of the tragedy are left mostly untouched, and a strong cast pulls things together in an engaging and engrossing way.
Rating: Liked It
September 5 will be in theaters on January 9
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd