December 13, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 12/13

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you LOVE A STAR PERFORMANCE

MARIA

Vincent Georgie: A high-profile title from WIFF 2024, this meditative treatment of the life of famed Greek opera singer Maria Callas is nothing if not a podium for the excellent Angelina Jolie to remind us of her many gifts as not just an actress, but as a star. Jolie only works sporadically, and it’s a treat to have her here in full force, the best she has been since her Oscar-nominated turn in Changeling. Be warned that this is not a straightforward music biopic and, in this case, that’s a good thing.

After years in the public eye, legendary opera singer Maria Callas withdraws to her Paris apartment, grappling with memories from a tumultuous life.

Available on MUBI.

if you Want A FAMILY DRAMA

DAD

Vincent Georgie: A truly intergenerational story, this long-forgotten film is worth discovering. Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson, and Ethan Hawke play three generations of men in a family. It’s a treat to see Lemmon thriving, just as it’s interesting to be reminded of the talents of a young Hawke. Danson also holds more than his own. A nicely told family story.

Synopsis: Businessman John Tremont (Ted Danson) has never had to worry about his father, Jake (Jack Lemmon). But, when his mother dies, John suddenly realizes that the defiant, proud, and aging man needs someone to look after him. Initially uneasy about taking Jake in, John begins to reevaluate his own life as he cares for his father. The time with his dad makes John realize, among other things, how important it is that he mend his crumbling relationship with his own son (Ethan Hawke).

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you want A COMEDY

GIRL MOST LIKELY

Vincent Georgie: Panned upon its release for no clear reason, this energetic comedy puts the talents of a pre-Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig, and a having-the-time-of-her-life Annette Bening to very good use. This one is a lot of fun and worth the ride. A funny favourite from WIFF 2012.

Synopsis: After losing her job and her boyfriend, a woman (Kristen Wiig) moves in with her estranged mother (Annette Bening) and finds an assortment of strange characters inhabiting the home.

Available on Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

all hail, DANIEL CRAIG

Vincent Georgie: Craig is receiving serious Oscar buzz for his starring role in Queer, a film that we’re gearing up for next week at the Capitol Theatre.

While he is, of course, best known as Agent 007, let’s highlight two terrific lead performances Craig has given showcasing his ability for dramatic material (the first film) and comedic mystery (the second film). Both films are ringing endorsements for the range of his skills.

DEFIANCE

In 1941, Nazi soldiers are slaughtering Eastern European Jews by the thousands. Three brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), and Asael (Jamie Bell), manage to escape and take refuge in the forest where they played in childhood. Seeking a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones, the brothers turn their daily struggle for survival into a battle against the Nazis. As news of their exploits spreads, others join the fray, willing to risk their lives for even brief freedom.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

KNIVES OUT

The circumstances surrounding the death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey are mysterious, but there’s one thing that renowned Detective Benoit Blanc knows for sure — everyone in the wildly dysfunctional Thrombey family is a suspect. Now, Blanc must sift through a web of lies and red herrings to uncover the truth.