”October 8″ (also titled “October H8TE – The Fight for the Soul of America”) is a 2025 documentary directed by Wendy Sachs and co-produced by Debra Messing. It is now playing at select theaters near you.
The film examines the surge of antisemitism in the United States following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel. It focuses on pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses, exploring how anti-Israel sentiments evolved into antisemitism. The documentary features interviews with notable figures such as Michael Rapaport, Noa Tishby, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Sheryl Sandberg, Dan Senor, Scott Galloway, and Mosab Yousef. It also scrutinizes the role of social media in amplifying antisemitic sentiments among young people.
Critical reception has been mixed. The Hollywood Reporter noted some instances of cherry-picking and questionable conclusions but acknowledged the importance of the film’s message and the need for corrective action by political, academic, religious, and civil leaders. The Washington Post praised the documentary’s “often-moving first-person student testimony” and its evidence suggesting that Hamas may be behind certain campus organizations but lamented its lack of criticism toward the Israeli government and military. Conversely, Haaretz criticized the film for presenting a “black-and-white picture” of the conflict.
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Audience reactions also vary. Some viewers appreciate the documentary’s illumination of the rise in antisemitism and its potential threats to democracy. For instance, a reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes remarked, “It makes you aware of the dangers of some organized groups and the threats they pose to democracy.” However, discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal differing opinions, with some users questioning the film’s perspective and balance.
In summary, “October 8” delves into the complex and sensitive issue of antisemitism in the U.S. post-October 7, 2023. While it has been commended for shedding light on this pressing concern, some critics argue that it offers a one-sided narrative. As with any documentary addressing contentious topics, viewers are encouraged to approach it with a critical mind and consider multiple perspectives.
Author
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper.
