December 09, 2022

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 12/9

We have some great recommendations for you this week! And don’t forget, next week we are bringing back four WIFF 2022 favourites for in-person screenings at the Capitol Theatre! Get your tickets today.

IF YOU love local

boblo boats: a detroit ferry tale

Vincent Georgie: Certainly a favourite from WIFF 2022, this is an affectionate and inventive love letter to Boblo Island and the nostalgic tales of years past. The sign of a healthy community is when it loves and supports seeing itself on-screen.

Synopsis: When Ste. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships–the oldest in America–awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts who have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. SS Columbia has been whisked away to New York while Claire’s fate rests in the hands of an unlikely band of heroes: a doctor, a psychic and an amusement park fanatic. Martha Reeves, the Motown legend with a lilting voice, narrates this revelatory fable-doc that’s full of heart and hard truths about a challenging restoration, the iconic amusement park’s exciting yet whitewashed history, and the intoxicating ways that nostalgia can inspire and blur memories.

Watch online.

if you want a conversation starter

polytechnique

Vincent Georgie: December 6th marked the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This elliptical and chilling film is endless in its power. This is the film that launched filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Synopsis: A dramatization of the Montreal Massacre of 1989 where several female engineering students were murdered by an unstable misogynist.

Watch on iTunes.

if YOU WANT a courtroom drama

argentina, 1985

Vincent Georgie: This is an entertaining, rousing drama. Argentina has submitted this for Oscar consideration this year and it more than deserves a nomination.

Synopsis: The true story of how a public prosecutor, a young lawyer, and their inexperienced legal team dared to prosecute the heads of Argentina’s bloody military dictatorship.

Watch on Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

women on the verge

This week’s double feature offers two actresses at the heights of their gifts, playing women at the crossroads of conflict and change. The first is Gena Rowlands’ best performance as directed by her husband John Cassavetes. The second film is a major Oscar contender this year anchored by Cate Blanchett’s showboat performance.

a woman under the influence

Mabel Longhetti, desperate and lonely, is married to a Los Angeles municipal construction worker, Nick. Increasingly unstable, especially in the company of others, she craves happiness, but her extremely volatile behaviour convinces Nick that she poses a danger to their family and decides to commit her to an institution for six months. Alone with a trio of kids to raise on his own, he awaits her return, which holds more than a few surprises.

Watch on iTunes.

Watch on The Criterion Channel.

TÁR

Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career. When all elements seem to conspire against her, Lydia’s adopted daughter Petra becomes an integral emotional support for her struggling mother.