October is an intriguing month for movie lovers, typically showcasing a mix of Oscar-worthy dramas and spine-chilling horror flicks. This year is no different, with ‘Terrifier 3’ and ‘Smile 2’ offering thrills, while ‘Nickel Boys’ and ‘The Outrun’ are poised for awards season. But beyond those, October holds a treasure trove of compelling stories waiting to be discovered. From a long-awaited adaptation of a classic novel to a comedy about the beginnings of a beloved television institution, the month promises an exciting lineup for film enthusiasts.
Salem’s Lot (October 3)
: Finally, after a two-year wait, ‘Salem’s Lot’ will grace our screens. Although initially destined for a theatrical release, Warner Bros. has decided to make it an exclusive offering on their streaming platform, Max. Based on Stephen King’s chilling 1975 novel, this film marks the third adaptation of the story, following a well-received 1978 miniseries starring David Soul and a less-impressive 2004 version with Rob Lowe. This time around, ‘Salem’s Lot gets the feature-length treatment, boasting a substantial budget and impressive CGI effects. The plot remains true to the source material: author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Salem’s Lot, Maine, to write about the Marsten House, a sinister mansion with a dark past. Soon, Mears uncovers the chilling truth – the house harbors a colony of vampires. As the town descends into chaos, Mears and a small band of brave residents find themselves locked in a desperate battle between good and evil.Saturday Night (October 11)
: It’s hard to believe that ‘Saturday Night Live,’ the iconic and often irreverent comedy sketch show on NBC, has been a staple of American television for nearly 50 years. Back in 1975, when it premiered on October 11th, few could have predicted its enduring success. The debut episode, filled with chaotic energy and featuring legendary actors like Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd, and John Belushi, was a watershed moment in television history. It’s no surprise that someone would want to capture this tumultuous era on film, and that someone is Jason Reitman, the director known for films like ‘Thank You for Smoking,’ ‘Young Adult,’ and ‘Labor Day.’ Thankfully, this seems to be one of his stronger efforts, assembling a talented cast of newcomers, including Gabriel Labelle, Rachel Sennott, and Cooper Hoffman, alongside veterans Willem Dafoe and J.K. Simmons, to tell the tale of how ‘Saturday Night Live’ came to be. While the film won’t explain the infamous Ashlee Simpson musical performance that continues to haunt America to this day, it promises a captivating look behind the scenes of this cultural phenomenon.Woman of the Hour (October 18)
: It’s almost unbelievable that a film could be made about ‘The Dating Game,’ the cheesy, often cringe-worthy television show from the 1970s. But even more surprising is that this film is based on a true story involving a notorious serial killer. Anna Kendrick, both directing and starring in the film, has brought to life the real-life story of Cheryl Bradshaw, who appeared on the show and won a date with a man who was, unbeknownst to her, in the midst of a killing spree that claimed the lives of at least five women. The man in question was Rodney James Alcala, who actually did appear on ‘The Dating Game’ in 1978. ‘Woman of the Hour’ delves into the events surrounding this bizarre encounter, showcasing how even the most charming and outwardly harmless person can harbor a sinister secret. Kendrick’s film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year to widespread critical acclaim. Netflix is now releasing it for awards consideration, and it’s sure to be one of their most popular titles, potentially earning a few prestigious awards along the way.
