Is Bitter September Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2022 release of Bitter September stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into September 2018, a terrible assassination takes place in the center of Athens. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "September 2018, a terrible assassination takes place in the center of Athens. Zak Kostopoulos, human rights activist and drag queen, is killed in the middle of the day in a busy street. At that moment, Sophia Farantatou is preparing a film about Zak who is her childhood friend. She decides to confront his absence and make this film as a tribute to her friend, a victim of extremism and hatred on a daily basis. With the images at her disposal, she proposes a narrative highlighting the qualities of Zak, a recognized activist and an artist who, beyond his absence, continues to influence her life."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Zak Kostopoulos provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Sophia Farantatou is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 27 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Bitter September truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Bitter September explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Sophia Farantatou respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Bitter September is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Zak Kostopoulos or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Bitter September is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.