April 19, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 4/19

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you LOVE TRUE CRIME

WHAT JENNIFER DID

Vincent Georgie: This latest ripped-from-the-headlines true crime doc on Netflix is a cut above many others for how palpably dark, fascinating and engaging its story is. It will definitely hold your attention, as you marvel and recoil in equal measure.

Synopsis: Investigating a violent crime that shook a quiet Canadian town. Mysterious intruders broke into the home of Vietnamese immigrants, terrorized the family, and left a traumatized daughter as the only witness.

Available on Netflix.

if you LIKE YOUR FILMS WITTY

COUP DE CHANCE

Vincent Georgie: This smart, appealingly-acted film is not just a thriller but a witty thriller at that. Woody Allen has not made a good film in over a decade and this is a nice creative rebound. Credit the terrific French cast, not to mention legendary cinematographer Vittorio Storaro’s lush work.

Synopsis: A young married woman runs into an old school friend and is immediately smitten. The two friends grow increasingly close, eventually leading to infidelity and even a crime.

Available on Apple TV.

if you LOVE AN UNDERDOG STORY

WILD ROSE

Vincent Georgie: Earlier this week, hundreds of WIFF fans gathered at the Capitol to see the hilarious Wicked Little Letters starring not only Olivia Colman but the endearing and very funny Irish actress Jessie Buckley. Take a look at the film that put her on the map thanks to her showstopping, toe-tapping performance.

Synopsis: Fresh out of prison, a Scottish woman juggles her job and two children while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star. She soon gets her chance when she travels to Nashville, Tennesse on a life-changing journey to discover her true voice.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

ALL HAIL, FILMMAKER ALEX GARLAND

Vincent Georgie: Last weekend, Garland’s latest film Civil War dominated the North American box office. Take a look at two of his previous films, both high-quality, intelligent and exciting experiences.

EX MACHINA

Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) a programmer at a huge Internet company, wins a contest that enables him to spend a week at the private estate of Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac), his firm’s brilliant CEO. When he arrives, Caleb learns that he has been chosen to be the human component in a Turing test to determine the capabilities and consciousness of Ava (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful robot. However, it soon becomes evident that Ava is far more self-aware and deceptive than either man imagined.

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and CTV.

MEN

Harper retreats to the countryside to be alone in the wake of a tragedy, but her unease at the town’s leering and uncannily similar men grows into a fully-fledged nightmare as her arrival awakens something primal in the forest.