April 05, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 4/5

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you love true crime

american animals

Vincent Georgie: I have recommended this film before and it’s one that is brought up to me fairly regularly as being a “wow” film. Thus, I want to flag it again for anyone that has not seen it. The cast, lead by Saltburn star Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters (of TV’s Jeffrey Dahmer miniseries), is outstanding. The novel way that this film blends truth/fiction and documentary/drama is exceptional. Top scores for this film. Get this one on your watchlist this weekend.

Synopsis: Spencer Reinhard, Warren Lipka, Eric Borsuk and Chas Allen are four friends who live an ordinary existence in Kentucky. After a visit to Transylvania University, Lipka comes up with the idea to steal the rarest and most valuable books from the school’s library. As one of the most audacious art heists in U.S. history starts to unfold, the men question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives are simply misguided attempts at achieving the American dream.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. Watch for free on Plex.

if want a true original

Catherine called birdy

Vincent Georgie: After a rather muffled world premiere at TIFF 2022, Lena Dunham’s latest proved to be one of her strongest works. Unfortunately, it’s a film that seems to have disappeared from the culture. It’s worth a look, if only for the wonderful work of both Bella Ramsey (from “The Last of Us”) and Andrew Scott (aka “Hot Priest”).

Synopsis: In medieval England, the daughter of a financially destitute Lord thwarts her father’s plans to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. When the most vile suitor arrives, her parent’s love for her is tested.

Available on Amazon Prime.

if you want a powerful, topical drama

the whistleblower

Vincent Georgie: Starring an excellent Rachel Weisz, this film tackles dark subject matter with conviction, energy and a gripping sense of urgency. If you want a film that will linger long after it’s over, this is a great choice. A favourite from WIFF 2011.

Synopsis: American policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac is sent to post-war Bosnia as a peacekeeper. When she discovers corruption and crime within her organization, she faces a challenge to expose the culprits.

Available on Apple TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

all hail, tilda swinton

Next week at WIFF Presents, we have an expectedly weird and memorable performance by Swinton in the new film Problemista. Swinton has always been one of our most independent, unusual and self-confident talents. Audiences took notice of her blazing, gender-disinterested starring role in the first film, and, to film fans’ benefit, she became an accidental movie star with her Oscar winning-turn in the second film.

orlando

In 1600, nobleman Orlando (Tilda Swinton) inherits his parent’s house, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I (Quentin Crisp), who commands the young man to never change. After a disastrous affair with Russian princess Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey), Orlando looks for solace in the arts before being appointed ambassador to Constantinople in 1700, where war is raging. One morning, Orlando is shocked to wake up as a woman and returns home, struggling as a female to retain her property as the centuries roll by.

Available on Apple TV and YouTube.

michael clayton

Problem fixer Michael Clayton is brought in to clean up the mess after one of his law firm’s top litigators suffers a breakdown while representing a corrupt chemical corporation in a multi-billion dollar legal suit. Under pressure to appease the firm’s clients, Clayton finds himself torn between his desire to do the right thing and a pressing need to pay off spiralling personal debts.