As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the streaming landscape undergoes its own seasonal shift. This month, a treasure trove of captivating films is set to depart various platforms, leaving cinephiles with a limited window to experience these cinematic gems. From a classic horror tale to an underrated murder mystery, the selections on our list promise to thrill, intrigue, and leave a lasting impression.

Unravel the Mysteries Before They Disappear

The Last of Sheila: A Whodunit Masterclass

Serving as the inspiration for Rian Johnson's Glass Onion, The Last of Sheila is a masterful whodunit that effortlessly blends suspense, humor, and unexpected twists. Directed by Herbert Ross and co-written by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, this 1973 gem follows a group of friends invited to a scavenger hunt yacht party by their wealthy friend, whose wife Sheila died in a mysterious car accident a year earlier. As the party unfolds, the guests soon realize there's more to the invitation than meets the eye, and the stakes quickly escalate as the mystery takes a deadly turn.Praised for its clever plotting and captivating performances, The Last of Sheila is a must-see for fans of the genre. The film's singular screenwriting duo, Perkins and Sondheim, bring their unique perspectives to the table, crafting a narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. With its intricate web of secrets and lies, The Last of Sheila is a true cinematic treasure that deserves to be experienced before it vanishes from the Criterion Channel on October 31st.

Dark Waters: A Chilling Real-Life Thriller

Directed by the acclaimed Todd Haynes, Dark Waters is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the harrowing real-life story of corporate malfeasance and environmental devastation. Starring Mark Ruffalo as Robert Bilott, a corporate defense lawyer who uncovers the shocking truth about the DuPont corporation's secret dumping of toxic "forever chemicals" in a small town, the film is a chilling exploration of the consequences of greed and the power of uncovering the truth.Haynes' masterful direction and Ruffalo's powerful performance combine to create a cinematic experience that is both enthralling and deeply unsettling. The film's unflinching depiction of the human toll of corporate negligence, from children with blackened teeth and gums to the desiccated corpses of poisoned livestock, is a haunting reminder of the real-world horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly innocuous products and practices. As Dark Waters departs Netflix on October 31st, it's a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of a well-crafted, socially conscious thriller.

Barbarian: A Shocking Descent into Depravity

Zach Cregger's Barbarian was one of the most surprising and memorable horror releases of 2022, and it's easy to see why. The film takes a seemingly mundane premise – a woman renting an Airbnb in an unfamiliar town – and twists it into a harrowing descent into the depths of unrepentant depravity and evil. What starts as a tense, unsettling experience quickly escalates into a shocking and unforgettable journey that subverts audience expectations at every turn.Praised for its savvy storytelling, incisive social commentary, and wickedly entertaining execution, Barbarian is a must-see for horror fans looking to cap off the Halloween season with a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. The film's ability to surprise and unsettle its audience, all while maintaining a delicate balance of suspense, humor, and genuine terror, is a testament to Cregger's skill as a filmmaker. As Barbarian departs Prime Video on October 31st, it's a final chance to witness one of the most thrilling and thought-provoking horror releases in recent memory.

The Omen: A Timeless Horror Classic

No list of must-see films departing streaming platforms this month would be complete without a nod to the horror classic, The Omen. Directed by Richard Donner and starring the legendary Gregory Peck, this 1976 masterpiece tells the chilling story of a family in Washington, D.C., who adopt a child named Damien, only to discover that the child is not what he seems, and that a much darker force may be at work behind his strange behavior.While the film's ability to terrify may have diminished somewhat over the decades, The Omen remains a must-watch for horror fans and cinephiles alike. Peck's powerful performance anchors the film, elevating it beyond a simple supernatural thriller and into the realm of a gripping family drama. The film's iconic sequences and unforgettable scares have cemented its status as a horror classic, and as it departs Hulu on October 31st, it's a final chance for audiences to experience the timeless terror of The Omen.