October 10, 2025

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 10/10

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

iF you WANT a FILM TO BE GRATEFUL FOR

FORREST GUMP

Vincent Georgie: Sincere, touching, entertaining and inherently re-watchable, the film was a world-wide sensation for a reason. Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis nails the tricky tone of the film and creates a world that is arguably magical realism. The spectacularly enjoyable (and effective) soundtrack and winning performances make this one a wonderful re-watch, especially if you need to gather all the relatives around it while the turkey is in the oven. Winner of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture.

Synopsis: Slow-witted Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) has never thought of himself as disadvantaged, and thanks to his supportive mother (Sally Field), he leads anything but a restricted life. Whether dominating on the gridiron as a college football star, fighting in Vietnam or captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest inspires people with his childlike optimism. But one person Forrest cares about most may be the most difficult to save — his childhood love, the sweet but troubled Jenny (Robin Wright).

Available on Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

if VIDEO STORES ARE WHERE YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH MOVIES

I LIKE MOVIES

Vincent Georgie: Filmmaker Chandler Levack’s latest film Mile End Kicks is the much-anticipated Opening Night Film at WIFF 2025. Do take a look at her debut feature that was seen at WIFF a few years ago: a charming, funny and very accurate depiction of all the suburban kids that fell in love with movies at plaza-based video stores.

Synopsis: Socially awkward 17-year-old cinephile Lawrence Kweller takes a part-time job at Sequels video store, where he forms a complicated friendship with his older store manager, Alana. Lawrence hopes to earn enough money to achieve his dream of attending film school at NYU.

Available on Apple TV, CBC Gem, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

if you WANT SOMETHING EXCITING

CAUGHT STEALING

Vincent Georgie: A crime thriller with frequently funny undertones, filmmaker Darren Aronofsky uses star Austin Butler’s charms to full effect. Butler’s charisma is key to the film’s success. A polished, quality production that is ideal for Saturday night viewing with a drink in hand.

Synopsis:When his punk-rock neighbour asks him to take care of his cat for a few days, New York City bartender Hank Thompson suddenly finds himself caught in the middle of a motley crew of threatening gangsters who all want a piece of him.

Available on Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

DARK HUMOUR

Vincent Georgie: For all the film fans that like their chocolate dark and their drinks stiff, check out two films that offer their comedy wry. The first film is a British classic that is a must-see for any true indie film fan, while the second is an unjustly forgotten comedy that reinforces the appeal of Jason Bateman. A dear filmmaker friend reminded me of how great these two films are, all to the benefit of our audience this weekend.

WITHNAIL AND I

Two out-of-work actors — the anxious, luckless Marwood (Paul McGann) and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) — spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday “by mistake” at the country house of Withnail’s flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty (Richard Griffiths), they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.

BAD WORDS

Guy Trilby (Jason Bateman), a 40-year-old misanthrope, makes waves at a regional spelling bee when, due to a loophole in the rules, he is allowed to enter — and later wins. Hurling insults at every turn, Guy advances to the national contest in Los Angeles, accompanied by a reporter (Kathryn Hahn) who wants to discover his hidden motives for entering the bee. As the competition gears up, friendless Guy inexplicably forms a bond with a young speller who is feeling parental pressure to win.