March 14, 2025

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 3/14

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want a thriller

the wasp

Vincent Georgie: Some films entertain you, others give you a jolt so specific that it stays on your mind the hours and days after seeing it. This is a special brand of film that gets into your head and stays there. Strong recommendation. A word-of-mouth fave from WIFF 2024.

Synopsis: Two estranged friends unveil a dangerous and deceptive plot that forever changes their lives.

Available on Apple TV.

if you want something touching

ghostlight

Vincent Georgie: The definition of a hidden gem, this rare find from Sundance 2024 has left audiences moved, uplifted, teary, and, oddly, at peace. The power and beauty of the performing arts as a catalyst for internal peace. Take a chance on this one. A lovely ensemble performance.

Synopsis: When a construction worker joins a local theatre’s production of “Romeo and Juliet,” the drama onstage starts to mirror his own life.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

if you want some late 90s nostalgia

harriet the spy

Vincent Georgie: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away suddenly 2 weeks ago, and this loss has unleashed a barrage of warm and positive memories from so many fans for her many television and film roles, including her wonderful turn as the titular kid detective. This is a great film to introduce to a new generation, or to revel in if you were around for its initial release in 1996.

Synopsis: Harriet (Michelle Trachtenberg) may only be in the sixth grade, but she’s already found her calling: to be a spy. In a private journal she takes everywhere, Harriet records suspicious activity and keeps a running list of observations on virtually everyone she knows. It seems harmless enough until, one day, someone finds the journal and exposes Harriet’s critical thoughts about her classmates. Suddenly, even her best friends are against her, and Harriet resolves to take revenge.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

THE versatile Michelle pfeiffer

Vincent Georgie: Certainly one of my favourite actresses, and despite her wide success, I would still argue that she is under-appreciated. I’m highlighting 2 films that are not major highlights in her filmmography but do a great job in reminding us what an incredibly versatile actress she is. See 2 very different sides of Pfeiffer. I look forward to her career renaissance.

the russia house

While visiting Moscow, British publisher Barley Blair (Sean Connery) learns of a manuscript detailing the Soviet Union’s nuclear missile capabilities. British intelligence and the CIA consider the book to contain crucial information and recruit Blair to investigate its editor, Katya Orlova (Michelle Pfeiffer). As Blair learns the origin of the manuscript and discovers Russian military secrets, he falls in love with Katya and fights to protect her family.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

frankie & johnny

When Johnny (Al Pacino) is released from prison following a forgery charge, he quickly lands a job as a short-order cook at a New York diner. Following a brief fling with waitress Cora (Kate Nelligan), Frankie develops an attraction for Cora’s friend and fellow waitress Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer). While Frankie resists Johnny’s charms initially, she eventually relents when her best friend, Tim (Nathan Lane), persuades her to give Johnny a chance.