What to watch this weekend September 13, 2024: Movie awards contenders

Controversial indie hit “Civil War” is now on Max, and is our top pick to watch this weekend. Director Alex Garland’s thriller is A24’s most expensive and second-highest-grossing film to date. It ignited a firestorm of discussion when it was released this spring over its political content — or lack thereof. It uses its setting of a near-future America riven by a new civil war to tell a story about the psychology of war correspondents, a bold choice that you will feel strongly about, whether you admire it or think it’s an empty provocation. 

In practice, “Civil War” is a dystopian road movie following four journalists — played by Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson — as they travel from New York City to Washington, D.C. to document the fall of the government as rebel forces take the capital. You’ve probably seen the chilling clip of Jesse Plemons asking “What kind of American are you?” Now’s your chance to see it in context, from the comfort of your own home. It’s a long shot for the Oscars, but it could get a nomination for Best Sound.

Here are some other movies to stream this weekend:

“In a Violent Nature”: This unorthodox horror movie combines a meditative atmosphere with gruesome slasher violence, shown from the killer’s perspective. It’s — somewhat explicitly — an attempt to imagine what a “Friday the 13th” movie directed by Terrence Malick would look like, and it’s successful. This one’s for fans of minimalist aesthetics and maximalist gore. It’s now streaming on the niche horror service Shudder, which is also included in AMC+.

“Robot Dreams”: This whimsical film was nominated for Best Animated Feature last year, and it’s finally on VOD. It’s a dialogue-free story of a lonely dog who becomes best friends with a robot in 1980s New York City. It’s imaginative and delightful, but make sure you have tissues handy, because it gets pretty sad.

“Kneecap”: You’ve probably never heard Irish-language hip-hop before, but you’ll be a fan after you watch this raucous and rebellious indie comedy about the titular group. The film takes the form of a biopic/tall tale about the Belfast trio’s origins, both as a rap group and as political activists who party for the cause of Irish republicanism. Michael Fassbender co-stars as Kneecap member Móglaí Bap’s father, a former IRA member. “Kneecap” is available to rent or buy on VOD.