Paramount+ has officially announced the streaming release of its much-anticipated historical drama, September 5, set to debut on February 25, 2025, exclusively for viewers in the United States and Canada. This captivating film revisits one of the most tragic episodes of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, bringing to light the harrowing events surrounding the massacre of Israeli athletes.
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum and boasting an impressive cast including Peter Sarsgaard, who plays Roone Arledge, and John Magaro as Geoffrey Mason, September 5 dives deep not only back to the events of the Munich Olympics but also how those events transformed live media coverage. This timely film was initially released to theaters on December 13, 2024, garnering significant attention, especially as its Oscar nominations started rolling out, including recognition for Best Original Screenplay.
Tim Fehlbaum's gripping narrative follows the riveting and often chaotic story of how the ABC Sports team found themselves thrust from sports reporting to covering one of the first terrorist attacks broadcast live to viewers around the world. Just when audiences expected to witness the excitement of the Olympic Games, they were instead introduced to the dangerous situation where Israeli athletes were taken hostage.
At the film's core is the character of Geoffrey Mason, portrayed by John Magaro, who aspires to prove himself amid the chaos. Mason works closely with Arledge, who is the president of ABC Sports, alongside German interpreter Marianne played by Leonie Benesch. The film captures not only the tension of the hostage situation but also the moral dilemmas faced by the news team trying to balance informative coverage with the safety of those involved.
Due to its compelling storytelling and unique perspective on the Munich massacre, September 5 has received considerable acclaim. It has earned 93% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and resonates with audiences, who have rated it 90%. The consensus among critics lauds the film, saying September 5 is “a worthy chronicle of a tragic flashpoint in broadcast media history,” highlighting both the ethical dilemmas and the dedication of journalists during crises.
“September 5 unveils the decisive moment…that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today,” said the official synopsis, encapsulating the film's significance. The film's presentation uses archival footage to ground its narrative and create authenticity around the high-stakes decisions made by journalists under pressure.
The film's significance extends beyond its Academy Award nominations; it serves as pertinent commentary on journalism's evolution and its fundamental role within democracy. “I think of it as one of the most important aspects of being in a democracy...how we’ve spiraled from there to the point where you could have an iPhone covering some horrific event,” said Sarsgaard, reflecting on how September 5 encapsulates the complexity of modern journalism.
Viewers can catch September 5 on Paramount+ starting February 25. It’s bound to garner even more attention as it aligns with the lead-up to the Oscars, where it stands alongside formidable competitors for the Best Original Screenplay award. By presenting this historical event, the film not only pays tribute to those involved but also encourages reflection on the evolution of live news coverage and its societal impacts.