April 28, 2023

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 4/28

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

IF YOU WANT A POWERFUL TRUE STORY

752 IS NOT A NUMBER

Vincent Georgie: 5 members of our University of Windsor community were among the 176 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attack of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 from Tehran. The film is an engrossing examination of that crash.

Synopsis: Toronto dentist Hamed Esmaeilion is determined to uncover the truth behind the crash of Ukrainian Flight PS752 shortly after takeoff from Tehran on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 on board, including Hamed’s wife and nine-year-old daughter.

Available on iTunes and Crave.

if you want a TIMELY drama

SORRY WE MISSED YOU

Vincent Georgie: British filmmaker Ken Loach’s specialty is unfussy kitchen-sink-type dramas about the lives of ordinary Brits trying to live dignified lives in an economic system that works against them. This WIFF 2019 fave is effective because of how timely it is. What happens when you have to miss out on your own life as you attempt to live it?

Synopsis: Ricky and his family have been fighting an uphill battle against debt since the 2008 financial crash. An opportunity to wrestle back some independence appears with a shiny new van and the chance to run a franchise as a self-employed delivery driver. It’s hard work, and his wife’s job is no easier. The family unit is strong, but when Ricky and his wife are pulled in different directions, everything comes to a breaking point.

Available on iTunes and YouTube.

IF YOU WANT A ROM-COM CLASSIC

THE GOODBYE GIRL

Vincent Georgie: When Neil Simon writes a pitch-perfect romantic comedy and then you cast a very appealing Marsha Mason and an iconic Richard Dreyfuss, you get one of the best rom-coms ever. Intelligent, touching and satisfying.

Synopsis: Former Broadway hoofer Paula McFadden and her young daughter, Lucy (Quinn Cummings), are outraged to find that Paula’s former lover has fled to Europe and subleased their apartment to hyper Chicago actor Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss). Neither Marsha nor Elliot is prepared to acknowledge the other’s right to the apartment, but they reluctantly agree to share it. Despite their opposite natures and constant bickering, when Elliot’s play fails, Marsha is surprisingly affected.

Available on iTunes and YouTube.

DOUBLE FEATURE

THE IMAGINATIVE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN

Nolan can be relied upon for conceptually interesting, twisty narratives set in fluid worlds. While INCEPTION is the more beloved title (and it’s indeed the stronger film), TENET is worthy thanks to its cast and its production design. Nolan frequently gives us “I’ve never seen that before” moments on-screen.

INCEPTION

Dom Cobb is a thief with the rare ability to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets from their subconscious. His skill has made him a hot commodity in the world of corporate espionage but has also cost him everything he loves. Cobb gets a chance at redemption when he is offered a seemingly impossible task: Plant an idea in someone’s mind. If he succeeds, it will be the perfect crime, but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb’s every move.

Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Crave and YouTube.

TENET

A secret agent is given a single word as his weapon and sent to prevent the onset of World War III. He must travel through time and bend the laws of nature in order to be successful in his mission.