Sometimes in filmmaking, timing is everything. Consider the timeliness and relevance of the release of Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5, which is both a gripping historical drama and a thought-provoking meditation on the power and responsibility of media in times of crisis. Through the lens of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics tragedy—one of history’s most harrowing moments in which 11 Israeli athletes and coaches were taken hostage by the Palestinian militant organization Black September —the film transports viewers into the cramped, chaotic world of an American sports broadcasting team forced to pivot from triumph to turmoil.
By focusing exclusively on the newsroom’s response, Fehlbaum delivers a fresh perspective on a live broadcast that captivated one billion viewers and fundamentally changed media forever.
What makes September 5 so compelling is its razor-sharp focus on the ethical quandaries of live journalism. Eschewing the violence and chaos on the ground, Fehlbaum and co-writers Moritz Binder and Alex David zero in on the decisions in the ABC control room that shaped unprecedented global coverage.
The film interrogates the role of journalists not just as chroniclers of history, but as participants in shaping its narrative. From prematurely broadcasting false updates about the condition of the athletes with the haunting implications of their live feed potentially aiding both authorities and terrorists, the story dives deep into the murky gray areas of media ethics.
Visually, September 5 is a triumph of restrained realism. The handheld, shaky camerawork and lo-res, desaturated 16mm-style visuals paired with actual footage from the event, evoke the disarray and urgency of a newsroom on the brink of unraveling.
Fehlbaum sidesteps the verbal spectacle often seen in newsroom dramas, opting instead for deliberate pacing and a near-palpable tension that mirrors the uncertainty of real-world decision-making. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, immersing us in the singular chaos of the moment without over-dramatizing it.
At its core, September 5 is as much about humanity as it is about history. For fans of Spielberg’s Munich (2005), which explored the events through the perspectives of the hostages and terrorists, this film serves as a brilliant companion piece. It shifts the focus entirely to the unseen battle waged in the newsroom, offering a nuanced perspective of the ethical landmines faced by live broadcasters under pressure.
The performances are understated yet magnetic. The cast, featuring Peter Sarsgaard as ABC executive Roone Arledge, John Magaro as Geoffrey Mason, a control room producer, and Leonie Benesch as an amalgam of German to English language translators, perfectly captures the inner turmoil of journalists juggling professional responsibility with moral uncertainty. Fehlbaum’s matter-of-fact direction ensures that the human element never gets lost amidst the political implications at the film’s heart.
September 5 is cinema at its most intelligent and emotionally resonant. It recognizes the weight of documenting history in real-time, showcasing both the triumphs and tragedies of journalism. Whether you're a history buff or sports fanatic, this film is essential viewing. Fehlbaum has crafted a masterful reminder of why storytelling—both ethical and analytical—matters.
A poignant and vital reflection on media and morality, September 5 cements its place as one of the most important films to explore the intersection of journalism, ethics, and history. Don’t miss this riveting masterpiece of filmmaking.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 95 mins
Director: Tim Fehlbaum
Writer: Moritz Binder; Tim Fehlbaum; Alex David
Cast: Peter Sarsgaard; John Magaro; Ben Chaplin
Genre: Drama | History
Tagline: Based on a true story
Memorable Movie Quote: "News will tell us what it means afterward, and I'm sure they're gonna try. But this is our story, and we're keeping it."
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Official Site: https://www.september5movie.com/
Release Date: January 17, 2025 - Limited
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: February 7, 2025 (Apple)
Synopsis: During the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, an American sports broadcasting team must adapt to live coverage the Israeli athletes being held hostage by a terrorist group.
