"She's the personification of all I've ever aspired to be." Mubi has unveiled an official trailer for "September Says," an enigmatic and spellbinding thriller set against the backdrop of Ireland. Having made its debut at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this captivating cinema offering is poised to grace theater screens in the coming months.
When September is suspended from school, her sister July embarks on a journey of self-discovery and independence. As the family vacations in Ireland, tensions escalate to boiling point, fueled by a series of surreal and unsettling encounters that push them all to their very limits. This haunting exploration of sisterhood is masterfully penned and directed by Ariane Labed, who deftly navigates the dark and twisted narrative. Mia Tharia and Pascale Kann shine as the two姐妹, September and July, respectively, with Rakhee Thakrar delivering a powerhouse performance.
Adapted from Daisy Johnson's novel "Sisters," "September Says" garnered positive acclaim from festivals last year, with critics praising it as "an elegantly disjointed narrative of two sisters that, in its pointed and taut examination of codependency and the isolation it fosters, bears a striking resemblance to Athina Rachel Tsangari's mesmerizing 'Attenberg' and the darkly absurd satirical works of Yorgos Lanthimos."
This film exudes an eerie and surreal atmosphere, perhaps a touch too bizarre for mainstream tastes. Yet, for those brave enough to embark on this cinematic journey, the rewards are manifold.
July and September, though inseparable, are as different as night and day. While September is protective and wary of others, July is open-minded and curious about the world around her. Their complex relationship is a source of concern for their single mother, Sheela, who struggles to understand them. When September is banned from school, July is left to navigate her newfound independence, a shift that does not escape September's notice.
As the three women take refuge in an old holiday home in Ireland, tensions flare, and July finds her bond with September shifting in ways she cannot comprehend or control. The surreal encounters they face push the family to their breaking point.
Written and directed by the Greek-French actress-filmmaker Ariane Labed, "September Says" marks her feature directorial debut following a short film. Produced by Ed Guiney, Lara Hickey, Chelsea Morgan Hoffmann, and Andrew Lowe, this film first premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Mubi will soon release Labed's "September Says" in select theaters - check your local listings for more details.
