Critic's Fall Film Picks

Our must-see list for fall films showcases cutting-edge directors and actors who make waves. Some will expand your mind, others may scare and many will tickle the funny bone. But all are guaranteed to entertain discerning audiences who demand the best.

‘MOTHER!’

Sept. 5

Director Darren Aronofsky says, “The best thing about this film will be the surprise of it.” Shrouded in mystery, it’s about a married couple whose world is turned upside down when uninvited guests show up at their doorstep. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pheiffer and Ed Harris. Pay heed to the exclamation mark!

‘LUCKY’

Sept. 29

The late Harry Dean Stanton, a veteran character actor, demonstrates what understated and immense talent looks like in this musing on mortality. A lonely old coot whose life has been strictly routine becomes suddenly enlightened as he re-examines his existence. It’s a career-defining performance for Stanton, and it’s likely an Oscar one. 

‘THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER’

Oct. 17

A surgeon (Colin Farrell) takes a teenage boy under his wing. His wife (Nicole Kidman) begins to wonder why strange things start to happen, like their children losing the ability to walk. Director Yorgos Lanthimos (“The Lobster”) creates a mood of dread lurking around every corner.

‘THE SNOWMAN’

Oct. 20

The trailer alone is chilling. Michael Fassbender plays a detective investigating murders perpetrated on the first snow of winter. His nemesis leaves creepy, miniature snow statues near the victims, taunting the detective. Beautifully shot in Norway and directed by Tomas Alfredson, the film is sure to intrigue.

‘WONDERSTRUCK’

Oct. 20

Director Todd Haynes and Julianne Moore team up for the fourth time in this unique film, in which two stories unfold simultaneously: one about a Midwestern young boy in 1977 and the other about a young girl in 1927 living in New York. The two characters are strangely connected. Half of the film is silent and shot in black-and-white. 

‘SUBURBICON’

Oct. 27

George Clooney directs this kooky crime drama set in 1959, written by the Coen brothers. A home invasion kicks off a series of events that get seriously out of control. Clooney observes, “By the end, it feels like an acid trip.” Stars Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac. The trailer is one terrific tease.

‘THE SQUARE’

Oct. 27

Psychological mind-games ensue as an art curator navigates his messy life, sinking into a quiet depression. Will he survive an existential crisis or crack?

‘THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING, MISSOURI’

Nov. 10

It’s always refreshing to see Frances McDormand, especially when she goes feisty. In this comedy-crime drama, her character takes matters into her own hands when her daughter’s murderer remains  at large. When she erects three billboards addressing the issue, fur flies with the chief of police. Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell Peter Dinklage and John Hawkes round out an amazing cast. Directed by Martin McDonagh. 

‘MUDBOUND’

Nov. 17 

When two men, one white, one black, return to Mississippi at the end of WWII, an unlikely friendship evolves into horrific racial violence. It was a time when poor white men felt threatened by working black men. Director Dee Rees chooses to cast optimism on this all too familiar struggle, which is welcome in these trying times. Starring Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan and Mary J. Blige. 

‘CALL ME BY YOUR NAME’

Nov. 24

In 1983, an American scholar arrives in Italy to intern with a professor of antiquities. Sparks fly when he falls for his mentor’s young son. In this coming-of-age film from director Luca Guadagnino, a summer of love and desire will forever change the lives of two people meant to be together.