March 22, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 3/22

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want to see the arrival of two new movie stars

anyone but you

Vincent Georgie: This popular new rom-com was the little engine that could at the box office since its rather quiet initial release at the end of 2023. Through word of mouth, the film has been a major hit. Is the film especially excellent? It’s not. But what it does do, without a shadow of a doubt, is confirm the arrival of two charismatic new movie stars that we can’t take our eyes off of: Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Big, long careers ahead…

Synopsis: Despite having an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s initial attraction quickly turns sour. When they unexpectedly find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, the pair pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

if you love something off-kilter

amreeka

Vincent Georgie: This film is big-hearted, hopeful and engaging. There is an energy and humour present in this small but mighty drama. The definition of “hidden gem”. A favourite from WIFF 2009.

Synopsis: A vivacious Palestinian woman (Nisreen Faour) and her teenage son (Melkar Muallem) cope with culture clash and more as they try to build a new life in rural Illinois.

Available on Apple TV.

if you want an edgy thriller

eileen

Vincent Georgie: WIFF audiences enjoyed this film at some early-year screenings, and it’s certainly a title that people keep talking about. Beautifully made, with an incredible sense of style and place, this is a film that has the nerve to “go for it”. Interpret that as you wish.

Synopsis: In 1964 Massachusetts, a young secretary becomes enchanted by Rebecca, the glamorous new counsellor at the prison where she works. Their budding friendship soon takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

genius scares

When it was announced that there would be a cinematic remake of the exceptional TV Movie adaptation from the 1980s, many were skeptical. Premiering to huge box office numbers and, most surprisingly, strong reviews. Bill Skarsgard is tremendous in the part that Tim Curry made famous. The sequel from 2019 is just as chilling.

it

Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare — an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.

Available on Apple TV, Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

it chapter two

Defeated by members of the Losers’ Club, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways. But when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting Pennywise — now more powerful than ever.