Upcoming Releases and Events in Film, TV, Theater, Music, Dance, Exhibitions, and Art
New Films to Watch This Month
“The Long Walk” (Sept. 12)
This dystopian horror film, directed by Francis Lawrence, blends elements of “The Hunger Games,” the Appalachian Trail, and the fast-paced action of “Speed.” A group of young men participates in a brutal competition where they must march for long distances, with anyone falling below three miles per hour facing execution. The film promises a mix of intense physical challenges and psychological tension.
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” (Sept. 12)
As the final film in the beloved Downton Abbey series, this movie follows the Crawley family as they navigate the 1930s, dealing with family scandals and financial struggles. Directed by Simon Curtis and written by Julian Fellowes, it brings back the iconic cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, and Michelle Dockery, offering fans a nostalgic return to the world of the upstairs-downstairs drama.
“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” (Sept. 12)
Rob Reiner’s sequel to his 1984 mockumentary returns with the legendary band Spinal Tap. Now older, the members (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer) reunite for a final show, bringing their signature humor and musical prowess back to the stage.
“The History of Sound” (Sept. 12)
Set against the backdrop of World War I, this film follows two young men (Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor) who meet at the Boston Music Conservatory, are separated by war, and later reunite to collect folk songs in rural Maine. Directed by Oliver Hermanus, it explores the complexities of their relationship through music and time.
“Dreams” (Sept. 12)
Part of Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud’s Oslo trilogy, this coming-of-age drama focuses on a teenage girl who develops a crush on one of her teachers. It continues the exploration of personal growth and emotional connections that characterized the previous films in the series.
New TV Series and Season Returns
“Task” (HBO, Sept. 7)
Created by Brad Ingelsby, this crime thriller features Mark Ruffalo as an FBI agent working to stop a crew targeting drug houses. Critics have praised it as “perhaps the best crime thriller of the year.”
“Guts & Glory” (Shudder/AMC+, Sept. 9)
This reality competition show pushes contestants to face fears inspired by horror films, taking the concept of fear-based challenges to new extremes.
“Only Murders in the Building,” Season 5 (Hulu, Sept. 9)
The hit mystery dramedy returns with new cast members, including Keegan-Michael Key, Christoph Waltz, and Renée Zellweger, following the death of a beloved doorman at the Arconia.
“The Girlfriend” (Prime Video, Sept. 10)
Robin Wright directs and stars in this thriller about a mother suspecting her son’s girlfriend is not who she seems. Based on the book by Michelle Frances, the six-part series delves into themes of trust and deception.
“Mussolini: Son of the Century” (MUBI, Sept. 10)
This eight-part dramatization of Antonio Scurati’s historical novel explores the rise of Benito Mussolini, played by Luca Marinelli. Directed by Joe Wright, it offers a deep look into the life of the Italian Fascist leader.
Theater and Performing Arts
“House of McQueen” (The Mansion at Hudson Yards, New York, opens Sept. 9)
This off-Broadway biographical drama tells the story of Alexander McQueen, featuring Luke Newton as the young couturier. It highlights the designer’s journey and creative process.
Music Events
Paul Jacobs (St. Peter’s Church, New York, Sept. 9; Church of St. Mary the Virgin, New York, Sept. 16)
To mark 25 years since his 18-hour marathon performance of J.S. Bach’s complete organ works, Paul Jacobs will perform two concerts. The first includes Bach’s “The Art of Fugue,” while the second re-creates a 1840 program by Felix Mendelssohn.
Gustavo Dudamel & Yunchan Lim (Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall, New York, Sept. 11-16)
The New York Philharmonic’s music and artistic director designate opens the season with South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim performing Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3. The program also features a world premiere by Leilehua Lanzilotti and Charles Ives’s Symphony No. 2.
Ed Sheeran, “Play” (Sept. 12)
Ed Sheeran’s new album, “Play,” is the first in a series of records dedicated to electronic-media symbols. Singles like “Sapphire,” “Azizam,” and “Old Phone” have already charted on the Billboard 100.
Dance Performances
“Monkey off My Back or the Cat’s Meow” (Park Avenue Armory, New York, Sept. 9-20)
Choreographer Trajal Harrell combines elements of Japanese butoh and New York voguing in this North American premiere. The performance blends pop culture, historical references, and political commentary.
Exhibitions and Art Shows
“Sing a New Song: The Psalms in Medieval Art and Life” (The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, Sept. 12-Jan. 4, 2026)
This exhibition explores the impact of the Psalms on Europe from the sixth to 16th centuries, showcasing manuscripts and objects that reflect their cultural significance.
“Jaws: The Exhibition” (Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles, Sept. 14-July 26, 2026)
Marking the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s classic, this exhibition features props, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactive displays that highlight the film’s lasting influence.
“Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World” (Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Mass., Sept. 13-Feb. 16, 2026)
This exhibition celebrates Singaporean designer Andrew Gn, showcasing nearly 100 works that reflect his creative vision and contributions to fashion.
“Richard Aldington: Versatile Man of Letters” (The Grolier Club, New York, Sept. 11-Nov. 15)
This exhibit honors Richard Aldington, a poet and literary figure who was part of the Imagist movement. It includes over 100 objects, such as letters, photographs, and first editions, offering insight into his career.
Art Exhibitions
“New Photography 2025: Lines of Belonging” (Museum of Modern Art, New York, Sept. 14-Jan. 17, 2026)
This 40th-anniversary edition of the museum’s photography series features 13 international artists, highlighting contemporary trends in the medium.
“Sèvres Extraordinaire! Sculpture From 1740 Until Today” (Bard Graduate Center, New York, Sept. 10-Nov. 16)
This is the first American exhibition to explore the Sèvres Manufactory, tracing its evolution over nearly three centuries through almost 200 objects.
“Man Ray: When Objects Dream” (The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, Sept. 14-Feb. 1, 2026)
This exhibition focuses on Man Ray’s development of the rayograph, a camera-less photographic technique that influenced the Dada and Surrealist movements.
“Robert Rauschenberg’s New York: Pictures From the Real World” (Museum of the City of New York, Sept. 12-April 19)
Celebrating the centennial of Rauschenberg, this show highlights his use of found objects and photography in his art, emphasizing his unique perspective and creative process.
“Survey: Antony Gormley” (Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas, Sept. 13-Jan. 4, 2025)
This major museum show traces the career of British sculptor Antony Gormley, from his early experiments in the 1980s to his present work, showcasing his evolving formal approach.
Last Call: Off-Broadway Plays and Exhibits
“Ava: The Secret Conversations” (City Center Stage I, New York, through Sept. 14)
Elizabeth McGovern stars in this off-Broadway play, re-creating Ava Gardner’s late-in-life meetings with journalist Peter Evans. Critics have called it an “entertaining if scattershot drama.”
“A Room of Her Own: Women Artist-Activists in Britain, 1875-1945” (Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Mass., through Sept. 14)
This exhibit highlights 25 women artists who forged paths in the art world despite discrimination and social upheaval. Critics have praised it as an “invigorating exhibit” that revives appreciation for these overlooked artists.
