October Movie Haul -- November Movie Preview

October is coming to an end, and with it, we're closing the book on what was a very strong month of media. I always find October-December to be strong for movies -- with studios making an end-of-year push with their Buzziest Oscar Contenders and late-season Box Office Booms (or busts -- shoutout Digger and The Social Reckoning).

I hit the movie theater not once, not twice, but THREE times in October -- which is not a common occurrence for me. But there were movies that genuinely piqued my interest; whether from the word-of-mouth they stirred up, the subject matter, the casts and directors at work -- and I had a pretty great time with all 3 movies I saw. Extremely different films -- a $15 million Indie-type, a $250 million-budget box office disaster, and a 3-hour documentary with one of the highest critical ratings in film history.

So today, I'm writing up some spoiler-free thoughts on the 4 biggest movies I saw this month -- the 3 theatrical releases, and one from earlier in 2026 that hit streaming this month. And after I talk about what I got to in October -- I'll talk about what's coming in November that's got me excited to hit the theaters. So without further ado, let's dive into some movies!

Movies:

Primetime

Studio: A24

Director: Lance Oppenheim

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Skyler Gisondo, Merrit Wever, Phoebe Bridgers, Anna Faris

The first movie I saw in October was Primetime -- an A24-produced film (common theme in this month's list) set in 2006 focusing on the chaotic production of the Dateline NBC show: To Catch a Predator. The year of Robert Pattinson storms on as he stars here as Chris Hansen -- the eccentric and controversial host of TCAP -- and I think of his 4 movie performances in 2026, Primetime will be the one we see following his name when Oscar/Golden Globe Nominations release.

Side-note, I saw this movie at Ragtag Cinema in Columbia, Missouri -- which is a super neat spot. It's an independent, non-profit place with couches and seats scattered around, a solid screen, and it's located in the back of a bakery. Interesting and cheap spot if you're a COMO native.

This film captures the time it portrays incredibly well -- and that starts with the cinematography. Oppenheim and his team filmed specifically to try and replicate 2000s-style TV visuals by using hidden cameras and the exact same cameras used in mid-2000s TV (Panasonic DVX100B's) to capture heavily-textured, degraded visuals. Essentially, as you watch the movie -- it feels like you're watching a TV show from this era. That combined with the quick-cut, dream-like visuals to show the deterioration of Hansen's psyche throughout the film make it a super unique watch.

Depending on your background knowledge of the story of To Catch a Predator -- the ending can play out as a big shock. But even if you know what happens (like I did), the movie is still successful because of the performances and the strong psychological thriller that plays out. I've talked about Pattinson, but Skyler Gisondo was the other standout for me. Perfectly cast and winds up being almost a co-lead with Pattinson, and he really stood out in the role. His dynamic with the Hansen character adds some depth to both of their arcs.

This is a movie that provokes a lot of thought, is shockingly funny, blends thriller with almost-horror aspects uniquely, and had a super strong start and finish to me (albeit lagging a bit in the 2nd Act). I rated it 4 stars on Letterboxd and highly recommend it.

Digger

Studio: Warner Bros.

Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Starring: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Huller, Jesse Plemons

If you haven't heard anything about this movie, I'll give you a quick background. The concept of the movie was born after 2015's The Revenant -- Inarritu's prior movie -- with Leo DiCaprio originally attached, and Netflix set to distribute. After both parties backed out, it was brought to Tom Cruise, who jumped at the opportunity. And Warner Bros. picked it up (hindsight 20/20, what a mistake that turned out to be), and the movie's been in the works with Cruise since COVID.

This is a movie that relies quite heavily on a major twist about 20-30 minutes into it's runtime. For me, the twist was really the only saving grace from this movie being a creative disaster as well as a financial one -- and I don't know if the movie would've worked for me if I knew the twist going in. So I won't spoil it in this blog -- but I will give my broad non-spoiler thoughts below.

Digger worked for me mainly because of the performance from Tom Cruise at the center of it. This is a movie star role -- I'm not sure there's anyone that could do it as successfully as Cruise does. He gets the opportunity to do more in the part than the trailers would have you believe, and his bravado was the film's saving grace -- because the supporting cast is vastly underserved by the writing. I also think visually it looks really great, and the timing of the twist isn't so late that you're bored by the time it hits -- it's timed-well enough that you can settle in for what the movie really is.

On the negatives, this is a satirical comedy -- but it is one of the least funny movies I've ever watched. I watched it in an empty theater and did not laugh one time. The satirical aspect worked well at times for me -- actually provoking thought and being clever. But at other times it's beating you over the head with it -- which gave me Don't Look Up vibes (a movie I loathe despite Leo being in it). It also doesn't have anything to say or any bite 90% of the time -- it presents all these thoughts about the world, but it's only statement on it is: "we're all fucked, and it's your fault." And as I said earlier, the supporting cast has nothing to do. I like some performances more than others -- but they're all underserved.

Do I understand how this movie with a $250+ MILLION budget was one of the biggest flops of the last decade? Absolutely -- it was a malpractice of marketing. It's almost as if the people marketing this movie hadn't seen it either -- relying solely on mixed critical reviews ranging from "dogshit" to "masterpiece" to try and sell it to the public. That will never work, and is why this movie has made less than $18 million domestically on a massive budget.

But do I think it's worth a watch? Shockingly, I do. I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would, and the Cruise performance is worth the price of admission for me. (There's a scene toward the middle of the movie where he gets a monologue that's electric). I'll likely never watch it again, but it was a 3-Star on Letterboxd watch for me.

You Can See Everything

Studio: A24

Director: Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim

Starring: Nathan Fielder, Elizabeth Holmes, Billy Evans, REDACTED, REDACTED

If you thought I've sounded like a Movie Nerd for the past two entries, prepare for it to reach to new levels.

I'm not sure I've ever been more shocked by the amount of positive buzz a movie's gotten -- let alone a documentary-style movie -- than You Can See Everything has had. From the first trailer I saw, I never thought a Nathan Fielder-led documentary about a public figure like Elizabeth Holmes, who's been covered ad nauseum in all forms of media, would have wide-commercial appeal. And then I saw the ratings come out -- highest rating in Letterboxd history, highest rating in IMDB history, a near-perfect 98% Rotten Tomatoes (not to mention an unheard of 97/100 on Metacritic).

I'm already a Fielder-head -- and I think Lance Oppenheim is one of the best documentarians in the game. But I didn't know much about Elizabeth Holmes -- I hadn't seen The Dropout, I just knew the basics around Theranos and the controversy surrounding her. What I did know is there's a lot of content about her already -- so what more were Fielder and Oppenheim going to explore? What's the truth they're trying to get to the bottom of?

I'm hesitant to go into too much detail -- evidence by the dual REDACTED's in the cast list of cameo/surprise additions. I don't want to get into specifics about what happens and how the film is structured, because this is a movie I would recommend everyone find the time to see. I've never seen a movie that made my mind race the way this did -- it changed the way I think about not only Elizabeth Holmes in general, but how films are made and the people who make them, human nature, what does truth really mean in movies, and so much more. So I won't spoil the movie -- but I will write a bit on why this is my favorite movie of the year.

This is NOT a traditional Documentary. It works as a documentary -- but that's a limiting way to describe what this is. It's unlike any movie/doc I've watched, and it's end-goal is distinctly different than what you normally get. The movie obviously centers around Elizabeth Holmes -- but it goes in directions and explores themes you would never expect looking at it surface-level. The structure of the movie is also so unique and makes it an entertaining watch -- it lulls you into thinking it's one thing, then pulls the rug out from under you and does things you've never seen on screen. I can honestly say I've never watched a documentary that had me on the edge of my seat and reacting viscerally to what's unfolding like this film did.

Another thing I love about this movie is how perfectly Fielder and Oppenheim blend their styles together. Fielder is known for his cringe, awkward comedy -- as well as his deadpan, thorough, often overly-elaborate filmmaking style. Oppenheim is much more traditional and stylistic -- he's comfortable in this form, knows how to tell stories in it, and uses hyper-stylized and format-bending visuals. So if you're not a Fielder fan and are scared off of this movie because of his past work -- it's neutralized by Oppenheim's style, and vice versa. The best elements of each of their strengths are on full display.

The last thing I'll say is just how thought-provoking this film was. I mentioned this with both Primetime and Digger above -- and it's something I seek out in the movies I watch. What makes it different, and more successful, in You Can See Everything than either of those other movies is:

1) how unexpected the thoughts it provokes are, and

2) how it makes you consider those thoughts in very unique way.

That's a very vague way of putting it -- I think it makes more sense when you watch it -- but I just really appreciate how the movie challenged my way of thinking. It forces you to confront your own biases -- conscious or unconscious. To confront your definition of "the truth." It doesn't give you a clear answer to any of the questions it asks -- it forces you to make your own mind up.

It's also just has a lot of Nathan-isms that make me laugh, can be quite emotional at times, is beautifully shot, and the back-half plays out like nothing I've seen on a movie screen before. I can see myself now rewatching this movie many times (hell, I may go see it again in theaters), and I highly recommend you go experience this yourself. It's a no-brainer 5-Stars on Letterbox for me.

The Invite

Studio: A24

Director: Olivia Wilde

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penelope Cruz

Streaming On: HBO Max

To close things out, a movie that wasn't released in the last month, but just hit streaming in October on HBO Max -- The Invite. This was released over the summer just a few weeks before The Odyssey and went under-the-radar, but the reviews I saw were quite positive, so I was very excited when this was available for download for my flight.

I will say, I wasn't quite as excited for this movie despite the rave reviews -- and it had nothing to do with the subject matter. I'm not the biggest Seth Rogen fan these days -- I think in recent years I've grown tired of his shtick. I was not a fan of Olivia Wilde's most recent movie Don't Worry Darling -- and I've been cold on the last decade or so of Edward Norton performances. So knowing that's 75% of the cast of the entire movie -- I had doubts on whether it would click for me.

But I was happily proved wrong -- The Invite proved to be one of the funniest, most well-written, and well-performed movies of the year. Wilde especially was impressive for me -- from her direction to her performance leading the movie. She plays the anxious, chaotic housewife role to perfection -- my favorite part was how she played it when her character's emotions were clearly boiling over and she had to try and stay collected.

Rogen impressed me as well -- his character is intentionally unlikeable, but you also see his point of view, even if he voices it in frustrating ways. Norton and Cruz are used incredibly well -- their dynamic as a couple is a great counterweight to Rogan/Wilde, their characters play to the actors' strengths, and they challenge the leads in funny and unique ways.

In addition to it just being really funny, I thought it was also deep and kind of sad. The central premise of the movie -- what it is on paper -- is outrageous and creates funny situations. But there's a lot of intensity and confrontation of conflict, and tackles real relationship issues that resonate, even if the specific example/situation is over-the-top. Really enjoyable watch, I rated it 4 stars on Letterboxd.

Speaking of -- if you're on Letterboxd -- shoot me a follow @lukeloew if you enjoy hearing my movie thoughts. I always leave at least a short review/quick-thoughts on any new movie I see on there.

Upcoming Movies in November

Now that October is in the rearview, it's time to look forward to what's to come in November in the movie world. I'm going to include some movies that released in October that I haven't seen yet and will continue their theatrical runs into November -- as well as any movies that are releasing this month.

Whalefall

Release Date: October 16th

Studio: 20th Century

Director: Brian Duffield

Starring: Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, Emily Rudd

Kicking things off with a movie you can go see now in theaters -- Whalefall. This movie follows a young scuba diver played by Abrams who goes for a dive off the coast of California, but is swallowed by a massive sperm whale. With mounting pressure and a diminishing oxygen tank, he must find a way to escape and survive. Think Jonah and the Giant Whale from the Bible in modern times, starring one of the hottest up-and-coming actors and a wily veteran in Brolin.

Excitement Meter: 6/10

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York

Release Date: October 30th

Studio: Sony Pictures

Director: Noah Segan

Starring: John Torturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Steve Buscemi, Jamie Lee Curtis

John Torturro stars as an aging, old-school pickpocket living in New York City -- struggling to make a living in the modern world that's becoming less and less cash-forward. When he steals from the wrong person -- he embarks on a dangerous race before a crime family can track him down. This crime-thriller is earning early praise backed by a powerful Torturro performance, as well as capturing a gritty, throwback NYC aesthetic. I love me some Torturro and think the supporting cast is strong -- so I'm excited to check this one out in theaters or on streaming.

Excitement Meter: 7/10

Club Kid

Release Date: November 6th

Studio: A24

Director: Jordan Firstman

Starring: Jordan Firstman, Diego Calva, Reggie Absolom, Cara Delivingne

Premiering at Cannes Film Festival back in May, this is a film that's received rave reviews and positive word-of-mouth as one of the smaller-scale standouts of 2026. Directed by and starring Jordan Firstman, it follows his character Peter, who's a party-boy club-promoter who has his rapid lifestyle upended when he finds out he has a biological son named Arlo. It carries a 100% on 65 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85% on Metacritic, with reviews praising the chemistry between Firstman and Absolom, as well as balancing tone and genre between the fast-paced queer party scene in NYC, and the grounded family elements. Not a movie that would've normally hit my radar, but when reviews are this positive -- it raises my excitement meter considerably.

Excitement Meter: 8/10

Wild Horse Nine

Release Date: November 6th

Studio: Searchlight Pictures

Director: Martin McDonagh

Starring: John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Parker Posey, Steve Buscemi

In all the Oscar "Best Picture" Rankings you'll see right now -- you'll be hard-pressed to see one that doesn't include Wild Horse Nine. It hit the Venice Film Festival in September and has had palpable buzz ever since. Martin McDonagh has directed two of my favorite dark comedies (Banshees of Inesherin, In Bruges), and he's back with another featuring a stacked cast. Rockwell and Malkovich are two CIA agents who are sent to Easter Island on a mysterious assignment -- Rockwell being Malkovich's protege. Malkovich's performance and chemistry with Rockwell are earning early praise, and this is certainly a movie that will be in the conversation come Awards season -- so keep an eye out for this one.

Excitement Meter: 9/10

The Mosquito Bowl

Release Date: October 30th

Studio: Netflix

Director: Peter Berg

Starring: Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgard, Ray Nicholson, Tom Francis

An entrant for the homebodies as this film will hit Netflix the week of Thanksgiving, but is in theaters for the adventurous cinephiles. The film is a war drama following a group of college football players who enlist and join the marines following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The core cast is full of strong actors, and the release time couldn't be better in my opinion -- I think this is a movie that'll rack up the views over Thanksgiving weekend on Netflix.

I did drop it 2 points on my excitement meter when I saw a clip from the movie where Pat McAfee plays a drill sergeant just horribly.

Excitement Meter: 5/10

Fjord

Release Date: 10/23 (wide - but limited theaters)

Studio: NEON

Director: Christian Mungiu

Starring: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve

As far as theatrical release, this is a tough movie to nail down. You can find it in select theaters right now and for the next couple weeks, but it isn't as wide as other films on this list. But this is a movie that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival this summer -- and has been dubbed one of the most polarizing movies of the year.

A psychological thriller set in Norway after a husband and wife relocate their family there, and the film involves an incident that incites child protective services involvement, which leads to a narrative examining religious freedom and cultural conflict. I love a polarizing movie (I had Eddington as my #5 movie of 2025), and I love Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve -- so I'm very excited for this one.

Excitement Meter: 8.5/10

I Play Rocky

Release Date: November 6th

Studio: Amazon MGM Studios

Director: Peter Farrelley

Starring: Anthony Ippolito, AnnaSophia Robb, Tracy Letts, Matt Dillon

It wouldn't be a 2026 movie release month without a biographical film in the mix. This one's pretty self explanatory through the title -- the movie follows Sylvester Stallone's journey as he writes and vouches for himself to play the role of Rocky in the 1970's. It's a super interesting story -- and if you don't know it already, I think it'll be a lot of fun to see how it plays out on the big screen. Anthony Ippolito plays Stallone in the film, and he really nails the look (and the voice for the most part through the trailers), so I do think this will be a step above some of the other biographical drama releases in recent years.

Excitement Meter: 7/10

How to Rob a Bank

Release Date: November 13th

Studio: Amazon MGM Studios

Director: David Leitch

Starring: Nicholas Hoult, John C. Reilly, Pete Davidson, Anna Sawai, Zoe Kravitz

If you've been to a movie theater in the last month or so, odds are you've seen either a trailer or movie poster for How to Rob a Bank. An action-heist-comedy from director David Leitch, this movie follows a crew of criminals that utilize social media-savvy to livestream bank robberies to millions online. The trailers sort of give me Now You See Me meets Tower Heist vibes -- a group using unique methods to take down establishments, with the more comedic tone of Tower Heist (I love that movie and won't hear any slander on it). But despite it looking like two movies I like, this is very likely a wait-for-streaming flick for me.

Excitement Meter: 4/10

Paper Tiger

Release Date: November 13th

Studio: NEON

Director: James Gray

Starring: Adam Driver, Miles Teller, Scarlett Johansson

Another movie that received positive buzz from film festival season, and one with it's sights set on Best Picture nominee during Awards season in early 2027. Paper Tiger is a crime drama set in 1980's New York, and it follows two brothers played by Teller (Irwin, an engineer) and Driver's Gary (a former cop). Gary convinces Irwin to accept a business proposition that leads to them getting tangled up with the Russian mafia. Irwin's wife (played by Johansson) is left to try and hold the family together as things get chaotic. The festival reviews praised the lead performances and the high-tension atmosphere it creates. If you like crime movies and thrillers, this is one to keep on your radar.

Excitement Meter: 8.5/10

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Release Date: November 20th

Studio: Lionsgate

Director: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Joseph Zada, McKenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close

And to close things out, we have a franchise movie coming our way from the world of Panem. The 6th installment of The Hunger Games franchise -- and the 2nd prequel following 2023's Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes -- comes Sunrise on the Reaping. This story follows the 50th annual Hunger Games -- 24 years before the Katniss/Peeta Games that the first movie followed -- which is the Games that Haymitch Abernathy participated in. As we know if you've seen the original movies, Haymitch is a polarizing figure in the story, and this movie gives us his origin story through the 2nd Quarter Quell. We'll also see younger versions of characters we see in the OG trilogy, including President Snow (Fiennes), Effie Trinket (Fanning), Plutarch Heavensbee (Plemons), and Caesar Flickerman (Culkin). I'm a straight nerd when it comes to The Hunger Games, and while the 2023 prequel didn't do it for me -- I have high hopes and a high excitement level for this movie.

Excitement Meter: 9.5/10

That's all for today -- come back at the end of November for another month recap and December preview!