December 12, 2025

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 12/12

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

iF you WANT THE HOTTEST NEW FILM

WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

Vincent Georgie: Always delivering a reliably all-star cast, the unintended trilogy of Knives Out films is always an engaging time. In this film, however, there is a very clear MVP and that’s Josh O’Connor. One of the hottest actors working today, he flexes his comedic muscles to great effect. This latest installment is less funny but more intriguing than you might expect. A strong title to assemble many different family members around.

Synopsis: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus. When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. Wicks’s modest but devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), tightly wound lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), bestselling author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny). After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.

Available on Netflix.

if you WANT a quality true story

christy

Vincent Georgie: Sydney Sweeney, regardless of jean ads, is strong in this compelling and engrossing drama that is ultimately about the triumph of a will to live. Much more than simply a sports underdog story, there is a seriously dramatic, harrowing, and ultimately triumphant story here. Look for stunning supporting performances by Ben Foster and Merritt Wever, who deserve Oscar consideration as Christy’s maniacal husband/trainer and her manipulative mother, respectively.

Synopsis: Christy Martin never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia, until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim. Flaunting a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles start to unfold outside of it as she confronts family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death.

if you WANT A thriller

dead of winter

Vincent Georgie: 5-time Oscar nominee (and 2-time Winner) Emma Thompson is one of our very best actresses, and an always-welcome screen presence. One genre that we have never had the pleasure of seeing her tackle are thrillers and, in the case of this new film, Thompson is the whole show. A perfect choice if you want chills via one of your favourite stars.

Synopsis: A grief-stricken widow stops by a remote cabin after getting lost on the back roads of Minnesota in the middle of winter. She soon finds herself in a desperate fight for survival as she encounters a murderous couple holding a young woman hostage.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

wonderful films for Hanukkah

Vincent Georgie: The first film is the iconic, animated instant-classic from Adam Sandler. Funny, entertaining, and festive to say the least. The second film, while set on Christmas Eve, leans into the note-perfect Jewish humour of Seth Rogen. Especially if you are celebrating in a blended family, this film is a great choice.

eight crazy nights

Davey Stone, a 33-year old party animal, finds himself in trouble with the law after his wild ways go too far. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the judge gives Davey one last chance at redemption, spend the holiday performing community service as the assistant referee for the youth basketball league or go to jail. Davey thinks he’s gotten off easy until he meets Whitey Duvall, the eccentric, elf-like head referee.

Available on Apple TV, Crave, and Amazon Prime.

the night before

For the last 10 years, lifelong buddies Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holidays with a bang. As Isaac prepares to become a first-time father, the friends realize that their annual tradition is coming to a sad end. To make it as memorable as possible, they plan a night of debauchery and hilarity by searching for the Nutcracka Ball, the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York.