This month's Top Cinematic Picks and Engaging Series to Binge on Max
There are some intriguing shows and films arriving on Max this month, such as The Owl, a spin-off series from 2022's Batman film. Additionally, there's a comprehensive, two-part documentary about The Godfather, and Killer Instinct: The Serial Killer and The Redeemer, a docu-series headed by Michael Bay, covering a notorious serial killer.
The Owl
This villainous backstory reveals the origin of Batman's arch-nemesis, The Owl. The Owl unfolds in the grim, urban Batman universe set by Matt Reeves, starring Colin Farrell reprising his role from Batman as Oswald Cobblepot, an underworld thug with a sinister plan to overtake Gotham City, which, I presume, involves transforming into an owl and exacting vengeance upon the Batman.
Available from September 19.
Genius Mind David Chase and The Godfather
The Godfather revolutionized television viewing when it debuted in 1972, and Genius Mind, an HBO original docu-series, delves into why this series outshone every other show. Packed with interviews from the show's cast, crew, and most notably, its creator David Chase, Genius Mind is an essential watch for fans of The Godfather and anyone captivated by the creative process behind a TV series.
Available from September 7.
Killer Instinct: The Serial Killer and The Redeemer
Executive Producer Michael Bay's inaugural true-crime documentary series ventures into some exceptionally disturbing territories. It tells the story of William Hadden Clark, a transvestite, cannibal, and serial killer. Killer Instinct explores Clark's crimes and personal background, implying that one doesn't end up so depraved without a considerable degree of psychological damage. True crime fanatics should not overlook it.
Available from September 2.
The Child and the Crane (2023)
Anime maestro Hayao Miyazaki's The Child and the Crane was praised universally by critics and garnered an Academy Award for Best Animation upon its release, making it a must-see for film connoisseurs. The exquisite, hand-drawn graphics are simply mesmerizing, and every frame glimmers with the Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli magic.
Available from September 6.
Shelter in the Woods
Any horror film enthusiast would understand that nothing good occurs in a cabin situated deep in the woods, and this Max/Investigation Discovery series proves that this rule applies to real life as well. The grisly incidents and murders depicted in each episode of this true crime show happened in secluded, wooden cabins.
If Shelter in the Woods doesn't satisfy your craving for true crime, Investigation Discovery and Max will also be premiering Disappeared and Ritual Killings and Murders on the Frontier in September.
Available from September 9.
I See the Television Glow (2024)
Director Jane Schoenbrun (We're All Going to the World's Fair) continues her examination of the anxiety and terror hidden behind the pixels in the digital realm with I See the Television Glow, a psychological horror film about a sinister late-night television show known as The Pink Haze. Produced by A24, I See the Television Glow is one of those "elevated" horror films, so if you're a horror fan with more than two gray cells, give it a shot.
Available from September 20.
Pottermania
Gather your robes and wands: Max is flooding its digital channels with Harry Potter content in September, providing all eight Harry Potter films, along with the "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Magical Movie Mode," which includes directors' commentary, deleted scenes, trivia quizzes, and more.
Here's a complete list of films:
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone: Magical Movie Mode (2001)
Available from September 1.
Last month's highlights
Gorilla Frenzy
Gorilla Frenzy is an HBO original documentary focusing on nurse-turned-exotic-animal-broker Tonia Haddix, who defies law enforcement, animal rights activists, and common sense, advocating for a gorilla capable of ripping her face off at any moment due to its ferocious nature, not its infantile characteristics. Also included are interviews and portraits of other gorilla moms.
Available from August 18.
Office work is quite thrilling on screen, right?! Season 3 of "Provocative Profession" carries forward the narrative of the cutthroat, maneuvering, and underhanded politics in the back rooms of London's esteemed investment bank, Pierpoint & Co. It's a place where people I'd rather avoid in real life compete fiercely in the corporate finance world. HBO claims that this season, Pierpoint is making a leap into the future by placing its bets on moral investment, while characters like Yasmin, Robert, and Eric find themselves central figures in the sensational IPO of Lumi, an eco-friendly energy company led by Sir Henry Blunderbus.
Streams from August 11.
Elizabeth Taylor: The Secret Recordings
In 1964, acclaimed actress Elizabeth Taylor recorded an extensive collection of interviews spanning over 40 hours. This HBO original production, "Lost Whispers," presents these intimate recordings for the very first time. They delve into the complexities and contradictions of fame, shedding light on the influences that shaped Taylor's diverse roles as an actress, advocate, and the most radiant beauty in existence.
Streams from August 3.
NFL: The Rookie's Dilemma with the Chicago Bears
The enduring HBO reality series "Tough Love" is venturing into the locker room of the struggling Chicago Bears. Can the team's top-drafted quarterback, Caleb Willow, revitalize The Bears from their 2023 record of 7 wins and 10 losses to a record of potentially 11 wins and 6 losses in 2024? Tune in to find out.
Streams from August 6.
Rick and Morty: The Anime Adaptation
For those craving more "Rick and Morty," Max is launching a spin-off series that transports the titular characters into an anime universe. Directed by Takashi Sano, "Rick and Morty: The Epic Journey" is a 10-part series showcasing Rick's recuperative period in a pseudo-world between multiverses, Summer aiding Space Beth in fighting the Galactic Federation, and Morty falling head over heels for a timeless entity.
Streams from August 16.
UFO Sightings: Myth or Reality, Season 1
Spoiler alert: Myth
Streams from August 8.
Partners in Crime: Unravelling the Mystery of Lyric and Elizabeth
This HBO original true crime documentary explores the heart-wrenching tale of the kidnapping and murder of Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins in Evansdale, Iowa, in 2012. The cousins vanished while riding their bikes close to a park, and an unknown assailant took them away in broad daylight. Their bodies weren't found until months later, leaving law enforcement and family members baffled about the motive and perpetrator behind this senseless crime. This documentary offers a chilling look into the theories surrounding the case through interviews with family members and authorities.
Streams from August 8.
With Max's expanding entertainment library, you won't miss out on the 'best shows and movies on Max'. Stream 'The Godfather' documentary series 'Genius Mind' to learn about the show's creation process, available from September 7. Additionally, if you're a horror fan, 'Shelter in the Woods' is a true crime series set in secluded cabins, airing from September 9.
