October 20, 2023

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 10/20

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want a hot new documentary

the pigeon tunnel

Vincent Georgie: Fresh off its World Premiere at TIFF, any new Errol Morris film is a celebration for movie lovers. This one is no exception.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Errol Morris pulls back the curtain on the storied life and career of David Cornwell, the former spy known to the literary world as John le Carré.

Available on Apple TV+.

if you want something kinky

sanctuary

Vincent Georgie: Come for the intriguing premise, and stay for the perfect chemistry between stars Margaret Qualley (aka Andie MacDowell’s daughter) and Christopher Abbott (aka from every indie film in the past decade).

Synopsis: In the wake of inheriting his father’s hotel chain, Hal tries to end his long and secret relationship with Rebecca, a dominatrix. A battle of wills ensues over the course of one fraught night, with Rebecca and Hal struggling to keep the upper hand.

Available on iTunes, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

if you want to discover a film that got lost

the killing of two lovers

Vincent Georgie: In January 2020, this film received outstanding reviews at Sundance 2020. It was clearly on a major path to find its audience over what was going to be a promising 2020. Well, that didn’t happen. Come see one of the titles that got totally lost during COVID. A spare, tense and captivating American indie.

Synopsis: A man desperately tries to keep his family of six together during a separation from his wife. They both agree to see other people, but he struggles to come to terms with her new relationship.

Available on iTunes, YouTube and Crave.

DOUBLE FEATURE

showstoppers from wiff

Every year at Festival, there is one title that our audience responds to with such visceral excitement and sustained enthusiasm, that it nearly overtakes the whole Festival. In 2014 and 2017, those films were unquestionably the thrilling WHIPLASH, and the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it LOVING VINCENT (reminder: we have the latest film from the makers of LOVING VINCENT this year at WIFF 2023, called THE PEASANTS. It’s incredible).

whiplash

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man’s life. But Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Available oniTunes and Amazon Prime.

loving vincent

A man visits the last hometown of Vincent Van Gogh, to deliver his final letter. Taking place in 1890 France, the man investigates what might have taken place in the last days of the painter.