May 01, 2026

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 5/1

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want a touching drama

what they had

Vincent Georgie: Appealing, soulful performance and strong writing make this terrific adult drama more than worth the watch. Quality and understated.

Synopsis: After her ailing mother wanders off during a blizzard, Bridget returns to her childhood home in Chicago, accompanied by her rebellious daughter. Forced to referee between her father’s stubborn insistence that his wife remain at home and her equally determined brother’s efforts to place her in a “memory care” facility, Bridget struggles to make sense of a lifetime of family conflict. With her mother’s decline becoming increasingly obvious, long-simmering resentments bubble to the surface.

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

if you want a war thriller

the captain

Vincent Georgie: The film is outstanding in its historical recreation, but also in its incredibly astute cinematography and production design. If you were wowed by Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest a few years ago, make sure this film is on your list to see. Swiss actor Max Hubacher is tremendous in the starring role.

Synopsis: A German army deserter finds a Nazi captain’s abandoned uniform during the final weeks of World War II. Emboldened by the authority it suddenly grants him, he amasses a band of stragglers that cedes to his every command — despite the suspicions of some. Citing direct orders from Hitler himself, he soon takes command of a camp that holds German soldiers accused of desertion — and begins to dispense harsh justice.

Available on Apple TV.

if you want a film to love

living out loud

Vincent Georgie: At possibly their most appealing (and that’s saying a lot), the surprisingly wonderful chemistry between stars Holly Hunter, Danny DeVito and Queen Latifah is enough to recommend. A minor hit upon its release in 1998, this hidden gem is adored by those who discover it. Smart, adult and jazzy in all the good ways. Strong recommendation.

Synopsis: After being unceremoniously dumped by her husband, 40-something divorcée Judith Moore (Holly Hunter) tries to make sense of her new existence. She becomes friends with Pat Francato (Danny DeVito), the elevator operator in her high-rise apartment building, who is having marital problems of his own. She also dabbles in a new romance with an attractive masseur, and lets loose in a nightclub ruled by a torch singer, Liz Bailey (Queen Latifah), with whom she soon connects.

Available on YouTube.

DOUBLE FEATURE

high fashion for the weekend

Vincent Georgie: On the occasion of the much-anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2 hitting theatres today, let’s get ourselves in the mood with both the film that started it all and the fashion event that created the buzz.

the devil wears prada

Andy is a recent college graduate with big dreams. Upon landing a job at prestigious Runway magazine, she finds herself the assistant to diabolical editor Miranda Priestly. Andy questions her ability to survive her grim tour as Miranda’s whipping girl without getting scorched.