January 23, 2026

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 1/23

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

iF you WANT TO SEE AN ICONIC SUNDANCE FILM

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

Vincent Georgie: This 2006, eventual Oscar-Winner is inextricably associated to its Sundance World Premiere. With its indie-approved, appealing cast, melancholic tone and fresh creative vision, this one is the poster child of what Sundance does best.

Synopsis: The Hoover family — a man (Greg Kinnear), his wife (Toni Collette), an uncle (Steve Carell), a brother (Paul Dano) and a grandfather (Alan Arkin) — puts the fun back in dysfunctional by piling into a VW bus and heading to California to support a daughter (Abigail Breslin) in her bid to win the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. The sanity of everyone involved is stretched to the limit as the group’s quirks cause epic problems as they travel along their interstate route.

Available on Apple TV, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

if you WANT SOMETHING THRILLING

SENNA

Vincent Georgie: Highly quality action footage, visceral editing and a compelling true story. Strong choice for a memorably exciting screening. World Premiere at Sundance 2012.

Synopsis: Ayrton Senna becomes a three-time Formula One racing champion and Brazil’s national hero before his untimely death at age 34.

Available on Amazon Prime.

if you MISS JOAN

JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK

Vincent Georgie: Profoundly funny, a skilled writer and fearless in her love and defence of humour, Rivers remains in a league of her own. This documentary is a step-above similar celeb-docs, thanks to the candid access they have to its star. A World Premiere at Sundance 2010.

Synopsis: This revealing documentary follows the life and career of Joan Rivers, a veteran comedienne arguably more known for her extensive plastic surgery than for her talent. The film explores her early years in the comedy industry and touches on her longtime professional relationship with Johnny Carson, who is one of many celebrities featured, along with George Carlin, Phyllis Diller, Kathy Griffin and Rivers’ own daughter and frequent screen partner, Melissa Rivers.

Available on Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

QUALITY, LIGHT DRAMAS

Vincent Georgie: As Sundance 2026 kicks off, let’s look back at two dramas that exemplify so much of what we love about the Festival: American independent filmmakers, eclectic casts of beloved character actors given more substantial roles and a touching but quirky sensibility. Take a look at these two Sundance gems.

THE SPITFIRE GRILL

After being released from jail, Percy Talbott (Alison Elliott) travels to a town in Maine looking for a new beginning. When she arrives, she finds work at a restaurant owned by the crabby Hannah (Ellen Burstyn). She also befriends a waitress named Shelby (Marcia Gay Harden) and begins a romance with an attractive local named Joe (Kieran Mulroney). But when Hannah falls ill and Percy plans to help her sell the restaurant, Shelby’s husband (Will Patton) becomes suspicious of her intentions.

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

THE STATION AGENT

The life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and wills him a railroad depot in New Jersey.