IMDb Picks: September Editors' Picks

M. L. Stedman finds her debut novel translated for the screen by 'Blue Valentine' writer/director Derek Cianfrance; her material in his hands makes for the type of romantic drama that could find art house types in the same theater as devotees of, say, Nicholas Sparks (there really is a first time for everything). Both Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz are being touted for potential Oscar nominations for their respective performances, and honestly, I'm in the mood for some melodrama. — Arno

In theaters on Friday, Sept. 2

In the late 1990s, JT LeRoy, a 20-year-old former runaway, impressed critics with his autobiographical novel about a boy who follows in his mother's footsteps by becoming a prostitute. Hailed for his authentic, streetwise literary voice, LeRoy soon had legions of fans who flocked to his public appearances. As this documentary reveals, LeRoy never existed. He was the nom de plume of an older woman who went to great lengths to conceal her identity. Was it literary fraud or just a pseudonym? This film plays like a thriller and will leave you questioning the nature of identity and why we care so much about "authenticity" in works of fiction. — Sara

Enters limited released on Friday, Sept. 9

Some 17 years after 'The Blair Witch Project' first terrorized and delighted horror fans, a direct sequel is finally here — or at least one that the original co-creators Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez are fully behind (let's not even mention 'Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2'). This time around, director Adam Wingard has fashioned a tale for the millennial set, with just enough continuity — it appears from the trailer — with the original to keep even the most skeptical of sequel cynics satisfied. Does our protagonist James really think he's going to find out what happened to his sister in the haunted forests of Maryland? Perhaps. But it's just that sort of bravado-before-the-moment-of-reckoning that I can't wait to see gradually unfold and eventually crumble. Blair Witch, I'm ready for you. — Bret

In theaters on Friday, Sept. 16

Season 3 left us with so many questions that I need answered. Who’s going to lead S.H.I.E.L.D now that Coulson is in the field? Why did Daisy break with the organization? Why has she gone Goth? Is that an Inhuman thing? Who’s going to step up and be Season 4’s big bad? What role is Ghost Rider going to play? Will he have a skull for a head? And most importantly, will Fitz and Simmons finally get to have a proper relationship this season? Seriously, I’m super invested in them. They’ve built them up for three years. Please cut them a break. — Vanessa

Premieres Tuesday, September 20, on ABC

Andrea Arnold's latest film has the qualities that remind me of the old-school indie films that we rarely see anymore: gritty and beautiful. I was surprisingly moved by the trailer that seems to capture today's youth without the use of a video camera or a cell phone. It's also nice to see Shia LeBeouf back in a role that's not so freaking serious. — Michelle

Enters limited release on Friday, Sept. 30

If it's "AHS" offseason, it's time for all sorts of guessing about what's to come. However, the static surrounding this upcoming sixth season has been perhaps more enigmatic than previous ones, doubtless compounded by a series of puzzling (even for Ryan Murphy) promo videos and a curious lack of a subtitle for this edition (though surely one will be added toward the premiere). Here's what we do know: Most of the usual suspects are back from Season 5, including Lady Gaga. Expect the return of Emma Roberts. And if reports are true (and let's hope they are), welcome Cuba Gooding Jr. to the squad. As for the much speculated-about setting, the internet is rife with suggestion that Season 6 will focus on the (in)famous Lost Colony of Roanoke of the 16th century. Whatever the case, Murphy has promised things to be "more rogue" and "dark" this time around. Get your popcorn ready. — Bret

Season 6 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 14, on FX

After watching Laura Poitras' Oscar-winning documentary Citizenfour, I was left with so many questions about Edward Snowden. Sure, there were a ton of articles written about him, but I was curious to know more about the life of Snowden before he decided to take on the government. Who better to tell that story than conspiracy theorist extraordinaire Oliver Stone? Sign me up! — Michelle

In theaters on Friday, Sept. 16

My life hasn't been the same without Annalise Keating and the Keating 5. We left off last season with so many unanswered questions. *Spoilers Ahead* If you haven't finished Season 2, turn back now ...

First of all: Michaela and Asher ... Are they going to be a thing? Also, did Caleb actually commit suicide or do I smell foul play? Uhh, and being left with the image of Wes with blood splattered on his face is burnt into my brain forever. What the ...?! I can't wait to see what twists and turns Shondaland has for us for Season 3. You can start watching "How to Get Away with Murder" with me on Sept. 22. #TGIT — Akimi

Season 3 premieres Thursday, Sept. 22, on ABC

I saw a sneak peek of 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' earlier this year, and it definitely left me wanting more! From the clips and trailers I've seen so far, it looks very different than the novel. I'm really curious to see how the story comes to life with the Tim Burton touch. — Akimi

In theaters on Friday, Sept. 30

Did You Know: Tim Burton aimed to use as few visual effects as possible. He explains, "It was nice to shoot on location, to be connected to a place and geography while having people actually floating, as opposed to doing it all digitally." Check out more IMDb Trivia here.

In this era of zombie fascination, The Girl With All the Gifts looks to change up the story, spinning it from the point of view of a child who is undead yet managing to hold onto her sense of self. Sennia Nanua stars as Melanie, the young girl infected with the virus. Paddy Considine, Glenn Close, and Gemma Arterton round out the cast as the soldier, scientist, and teacher who are tasked with finding a cure. If you can't wait until Sept. 24, check out the book it was based on by Mike Carey. — Vanessa

In U.K. theaters starting Friday, Sept. 23

In the trailer for "Fleabag," Phoebe Waller-Bridge's performance as the titular character seems tragic and hilarious at the same time. Her off-color delivery and unabashedly tragic imperfection make her a character that you both identify with and champion as she rides the waves of massive change in her life. I can't wait to go along for the ride. — Lance

Series premiere Friday, Sept. 16, on Amazon Video

I saw Other People at Sundance back in January, and rewatching the trailer just now nearly made me burst into tears. The 2016 Sundance Film Festival opener is SNL writer Chris Kelly's first feature film (he both wrote and directed it), and it's loosely based on his own experience dealing with his mother dying in 2009. Because the film is highly personal, you really get a sense for its heart and authenticity. The dialogue is so honest and raw that it rings universal to conversations you've probably had with your own families. Molly Shannon and Jesse Plemons do some outstanding and memorable comedic and dramatic work here. I can't wait to see it again! — Chako

Enters limited release on Friday, Sept. 9

Fun fact: Kelly co-wrote the wildly popular SNL Adele Thanksgiving sketch in 2015.

Watch our 2016 Sundance interview with Other People star Bradley Whitford here.

The pilot for "This Is Us" proves that it is possible for a broadcast network to develop a compelling original drama. The NBC dramedy is about a group of people with the same birthday whose seemingly unconnected lives turn out to intersect in surprising ways. The multi-dimensional characters are grappling with real-life issues like career dissatisfaction and overeating. The first episode made me laugh, cry, and marvel at its clever structure. The stellar cast includes Emmy-nominee Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, and Justin Hartley. — Sara

Series premiere Tuesday, Sept. 20, on NBC

I have always loved movies about characters who are wronged and then go on to do amazingly positive things with their anger. Instead of seeking revenge, they seek to live well, empower others, and make the world a better place because they understand that is the greatest revenge. The Dressmaker seems like that kind of movie. Kate Winslet stars as a glamorous woman who uses the haute-couture skills she gained in the international fashion industry to transform the lives of women in her rural Australian community. Instead of tearing people down with her anger, she builds others up, and I can't wait to see how the full story goes. — Lance

In U.S. theaters starting on Friday, Sept. 23

If you go swimming with these sharks, they might make you a millionaire! "Shark Tank" returns to Fridays this fall for its eighth season to help give folks a chance at the American Dream. Billionaire Mark Cuban, real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, "Queen of QVC" Lori Greiner, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion expert Daymond John and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary (aka Mr. Wonderful) are all back in the tank. — Shara

Season 8 premieres Friday, Sept. 23, on NBC

Love that there's such a hunger for documentaries on the American music scenes of the 1960s and '70s that we're now being treated to profiles on the people who really made it happen behind the scenes. Most of them, like Danny Fields, are as enigmatic and unwound as the talented artists they helped shape and promote. — Arno

Enters limited release on Friday , Sept. 30