A24’s Civil War, I Saw the TV Glow Are Both Coming To Max

A24 has risen from total obscurity to become one of the most dominant new movie studios in recent history, perhaps by default (they’re the only guys in town now who don’t rely entirely on pre-existing IPs and sequels). Most of their films garner instant critical acclaim, like Civil War and I Saw The TV Glow, two releases from last April and May respectively. If you were curious but not enough to buy a ticket, soon anyone with a Max subscription will be able to check them both out, as they’ll arrive on the service next month.

Earlier this year the media was wary of Civil War, believing at best it would be A24’s first bomb and at worst it might actually incite a civil war (yup). Somehow it avoided doing either of those things AND won critics over. It’s about two journalists covering the titular war who are trying to make it across the country to interview the President before Washington DC is seized by rebel forces. The movie is not only tense and thrilling but, believe it or not, apolitical (how else can you describe something where California and Texas are on the same side).

I Saw The TV Glow stars Bridgette Lundy-Paine and Justice Smith as two high school students obsessed with a turn-of-the-century TV show. When events from the show start to blend in with their reality, they wonder if they’re going nuts, or if the show is really of a supernatural nature. Reaction to this one was more mixed — this is more of an arty film that doesn’t aim to please everyone. What you get out of it will depend on your own tastes and who you are.

Civil War will premiere on Max September 13 and I Saw The TV Glow will premiere a week later on September 20. Both films will also air on the linear HBO channel a day after their Max premieres.