October 01, 2021

WIFF’s Weekend Watch List — 10/01

FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON (If you are intrigued by true crime) Vincent Georgie: This new film fascinates, disturbs and compels us to lean in to…

FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON

(If you are intrigued by true crime)

Vincent Georgie: This new film fascinates, disturbs and compels us to lean in to this troubling true crime tale. Definitely an emotional tale and the family interviews are stinging. Perfect narration by Jenifer Lewis adds a lot.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Jason Pollock investigates the controversy surrounding the mysterious death of Kendrick Johnson, a Black teenager whose body was discovered inside a high school gymnasium in Valdosta, Ga.

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VERA DRAKE

(If you want top-notch drama)

Vincent Georgie: Imelda Staunton aka the upcoming Queen Elizabethin the coming seasons of “The Crown” and known widely as Dolores Umbridge in the HARRY POTTER series, is magnificent in this British drama. Receiving a Best Actress Oscar nomination, Staunton gives the film a sincere and conflicted center of gravity. Writer-Director Mike Leigh, working largely from an improvised script and with a regular stable of company actors, has made one of his very best dramas. A top-shelf film.

Synopsis: In 1950s England, housekeeper Vera Drake is a kindly wife and mother who offersselfless devotion and unwavering care to her family, which includes her husband and two grown children. However, unknown to her friends and family, Drake provides abortions to local women with unwanted pregnancies. When the authorities learn of her illegal activities, Drake loses the admiration of many around her –and possibly her freedom.

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ANGRY INDIAN GODDESSES

(If you want to discover a high-energy hidden gem)

Vincent Georgie: An under-the-radar favourite from WIFF 2016, this Indian film has an excellent quartet of actresses leading the story with energy, humour and, ultimately, a surprising and serious third act. The film ropes us in with its charm, as it flips its story and tells us a story that is eventually dark and significant. Take a chance on this one.

Synopsis: Riotous and refreshingly honest, this comedy takes place during a week-long, beachside bachelorette party, where six women from diverse backgrounds share a roller-coaster ride of female bonding.

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DOUBLE FEATURE

HIGHLY ORIGINAL COMEDIES

Both of these films assemble wonderful, fresh and appealing casts of the best twenty-something actors from the American Independent scene. Canada’s Michael Cera leads both films with his slight indie charms, and he is surrounded by terrifically memorable work from Kat Dennings, Ari Graynor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin and Chris Evans. Both films have terrific soundtracks and a scrappy spirit. If you want a low-key and enjoyable night of films, these are two terrific originals.

NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST

Nick and Norah, two high school seniors, pretend to be a couple to ward off their annoying friends, but end up having the most memorable night of their lives.

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Watch on Crave

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SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD

Scott Pilgrim meets Ramona and instantly falls in love with her. But when he meets one of her exes at a band competition, he realizes that he has to deal with all seven of her exes to woo her.