IMDb Staff Picks for October: Adrienne C.
IMDb is made for fans, by fans. Take a look at our #StaffPicks as Adrienne shares her top five top titles for the month of October.
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- CreatorMike FlanaganStarsCarla GuginoBruce GreenwoodMary McDonnellSiblings Roderick and Madeline Usher have built a pharmaceutical company into an empire of wealth, privilege and power; however, secrets come to light when the heirs to the Usher dynasty start dying.The granddaddy of American gothic horror is getting a 21st century facelift in Mike Flanagan’s latest Netflix series. Based on several short stories by Edgar Allen Poe, the eight-episode show is populated with more than 20 long-time Flanagan collaborators. But it’s the addition of Mark Hamill that really has me ready to face whatever frights the director has in store. Flanagan often uses his source material as a jumping off point for entirely new tales of terror, and "Usher" appears to be no exception. A drama about a pharmaceutical empire may seem like a far cry from Poe’s original story of familial madness, but if I know anything about the acclaimed director’s approach, it’s not to count your ravens before they’ve hatched.
- DirectorSamuel BodinStarsLizzy CaplanAntony StarrCleopatra ColemanAn eight-year-old boy tries to investigate the mysterious knocking sounds that are coming from inside the walls of his house, unveiling a dark secret that his sinister parents have kept hidden from him.You likely missed 'Cobweb' during its initial release over Barbenheimer weekend, but you’d be remiss to leave it off your October Watchlist. With its pumpkin-laden setting and gloomy autumn color palette, this dreamlike fairy tale is the perfect movie for a cold Halloween night. Horror veterans will probably guess What’s Going On Here early, but the film’s clever plot, pitch-perfect performances, and judicious use of violence keep even the most well-worn tropes feeling fresh. Come for the eerie fall vibes. Stay for the best-executed jump scare of the decade.
- DirectorChloe DomontStarsPhoebe DynevorAlden EhrenreichEddie MarsanAn unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple's relationship to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement.I’m over the moon that domestic thrillers seem to be back in fashion. The salacious sub genre about attractive people committing terrible crimes lost its luster after the ‘90s, but writer-director Chloe Domont seems poised to bring these cautionary tales into the 21st century. Rather than rehash tired stereotypes, ‘Fair Play’ wades into the murkier waters of fragile male egos, corporate expectations, and contemporary gender politics, bringing a much-needed feminist lens to the “mad love” motif.
- CreatorDavid JenkinsStarsRhys DarbyJoel FrySamson KayoThe year is 1717. Wealthy land-owner Stede Bonnet has a midlife crisis and decides to blow up his cushy life to become a pirate. It does not go well. Based on a true story.OK I’ll admit I just started Season 1 of this high seas adventure from David Jenkins, but all signs point to it becoming my next big obsession. After the exquisitely devastating events of "Good Omens 2," I was desperate for a show with a similarly winsome vibe. “Our Flag Means Death” delivers comedy and action in equal parts, but it’s the perfect odd couple pairing of new pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and cynical professional Ed Teach (Taika Waititi) that makes this show such a joy. I’m a sucker for “opposites attract” storylines, and watching these two learn and grow from each other gets me every time.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioRobert De NiroLily GladstoneWhen oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.I’d lose all credibility if I didn’t include Martin Scorsese’s latest on this list, wouldn’t I? Fortunately, I’m truly excited for the director’s 27th feature (!!!), which explores the real-life murders of Osage tribe members in the 1920s. If the subject matter concerns you, you’re not alone. Scorsese made significant rewrites to the script during pre-production to ensure the film wasn’t “all about the white guys.” While I can’t say what that will look like on screen, my hope is that it means the wonderful actress Lily Gladstone will get a much-deserved place in the spotlight in her role as Mollie Burkhart.