The “Prestigiest” Picks of the Prestigiest Month

O ctober is when Hollywood cools it with the superhero sequels and releases important films it hopes will win some golden statues. The publishing world, which is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season, also tends to release its award hopefuls around now. And while TV stopped paying attention to seasons around the time cable started making all the good shows, they still have sweeps season this month. The point is: October is the start of prestige season. In its own way, it’s just as predictable as summer blockbuster season except replace explosions with silent yearning. And while there are signs that this is changing—Dunkirk was certainly a prestige picture even though it was released in July—old habits are hard to break. Here are the picks to enjoy during this prestige season.

Blade Runner 2049 PRESTIGE POINTS: Normally a sequel to a sci-fi classic wouldn’t be considered prestige, but you add Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Harrison Ford, director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) and a blessing by Ridley Scott to the equation and...

Curb Your Enthusiasm PRESTIGE POINTS: After six years, Larry David returns as, well, Larry David to fill the void of critically lauded cringe comedy that grows in our hearts whenever Veep isn’t around. It’s a good reminder that comedies can be...

Mother! PRESTIGE POINTS: Oscar winners Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem team up with director Darren Aronofsky (who directed prestige faves Black Swan and The Wrestler) to tell the spooky story of an unravelling relationship. Any film with...

Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe PRESTIGE POINTS: Until a critical reappraisal of Shania Twain’s oeuvre appears, Joni Mitchell is Canada’s most prestige musician. She’s as influential as she is mercurial. Any biography of...