Netflix's film slate for the fall of 2019 is massive with releases such as Scorsese's The Irishman and Soderbergh’s The Laundromat. 10 films will premiere in theaters before their streaming debut.

Netflix bows to the powers that be
As a Netflix subscriber had you really expected to be one of the first to enjoy the films that your subscription money has helped finance? Think again seems to be the message here.

Netflix is turning its back on "members" - the company's own term for paying subscribers - in an effort to appease the powers that be; theaters and film directors. If you want to be the first to see the latest Netflix films you must turn off your glorious 4K HDR TV and head to the local theater.

No less than 10 films from Netflix's fall slate will debut in theaters first. Some of them will get a theatrical premiere more than a month before the streaming debut. For example, Steven Soderbergh’s The Laundromat will premiere in theaters on September 9 and online on Netflix on October 18. Martin Scorsese's The Irishman starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino will premiere in theaters on November 1 and online on November 27.

- "I don’t understand why perpetuating a model that feels more and more disconnected with the population is good," Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said in 2017 referring to Amazon's decision to release movies in theaters first.





Or a golden middle way?
For the less skeptic observer this may be seen as a golden middle way. Netflix still refuses to cave in to major cinema chains' demands for 90 days of exclusivity. By partnering with indie cinema chains it can still get its films onto the big screen, appease film directors, and qualify for major awards such as the Oscars. How many of its more than 150 million subscribers will even notice? In some countries, the new films - or only some of them - will not be released in theaters at all.

The fall line-up looks very strong, which is good news for Netflix. Later this year, Disney and Apple will launch their own streaming services. Apple has yet to announce specifics for Apple TV+ but Disney+ will cost 7 dollars per month.

Besides the theatrical releases, Netflix has confirmed new titles such as El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie that will debut online on November 10.

Still, it is clear that Netflix has once and for all abandoned its "member first" philosophy. Last year, it released 4 films in theaters. This year, it will expand the window of exclusivity and release 10 films in theaters. Members will just have to wait.

Netflix's fall film slate
 
The Laundromat
A widow (Meryl Streep) investigating insurance fraud uncovers two lawyers in Panama exploiting the world's financial system. Steven Soderbergh directs.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas
Release dates: September 27 (US & EU theaters) -  October 18 (Global Netflix)
Dolemite Is My Name
When Hollywood shuts him out, multi-talented Rudy Ray Moore strikes out on his own to make the 1975 blaxploitation film "Dolemite." Eddie Murphy stars.
Release dates: October 4 (US theaters) - October 11 (EU theaters) -  October 25 (Global Netflix)
The King 
Hal, a wayward prince, ascends the English throne upon his father’s death, and must navigate the palace snake pit, and inherited war and chaos.
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson
Release dates: October 11 (US & EU theaters)  - November 1 (Global Netflix)
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese's epic saga of organized crime in postwar America, as told by a hit man, stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
Release dates: November 1 (US theaters) -  November 8 (EU theaters) - November 27 (Global Netflix)
Earthquake Bird
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Riley Keough, Naoki Kobuyashi
Release dates: November 1 (US theaters) - November 8 (EU theaters) - November 15 (Global Netflix)
Marriage Story
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach directs this incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.
Release dates: November 6 (US theaters) - November 15 (EU theaters) - December 6 (Global Netflix)
Klaus 
A young postman forms an unlikely friendship with a reclusive toymaker in this animated Santa Claus origin story from the co-creator of "Despicable Me."
Release dates: November 8 (US theaters) - November 15 (Global Netflix)
I Lose My Body (J'ai perdu mon corps)
Adventure, young love and childhood memories intertwine as a severed hand crosses Paris in search of its owner in this award-winning animated film.
Release dates: November 15 (US theaters) - November 22 (EU theaters) - November 29 (Global Netflix)
Atlantics 
Starring: Abdou Balde, Aminata Kane, Ibrahima Mbaye
Release dates: November 15 (US theaters) - November 22 (EU theaters) - November 29 (Global Netflix)
The Two Popes
Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce star in this intimate look at a historic turning point in the Catholic Church. Directed by Fernando Meirelles.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Juan Minujín
Release dates: November 27 US theaters) - November 29 (EU theaters) - December 20 (Global Netflix)