May 02, 2025

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 5/2

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

iF you want a film that will make you cheer

the woman who loves giraffes

Vincent Georgie: I had the pleasure of meeting up with the film’s director, Alison Reid, earlier this week. It was joyous reminiscing about her wonderful film, screened at WIFF Presents back in 2018. If you don’t know who Dr Anne Dagg is, you will want to change that quickly. Wonderful film. No-brainer recommendation.

Synopsis: Dr. Anne Innis Dagg retraces her 1956 journey to South Africa to study giraffes in the wild.

Available on Apple TV.

if you want something timely

the two popes

Vincent Georgie: After the recent death of Pope Francis, many Catholics and non-Catholics alike are taking renewed interest in Brazilian filmmaker Fernando Meirelles’ entertaining and witty 2019 film, featuring Oscar-nominated performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce (as Pope Francis).

Synopsis: Behind Vatican walls, Pope Benedict and the future Pope Francis must face their pasts and find common ground in order to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.

Available on Netflix.

if you want something off-kilter

the double

Vincent Georgie: Back at WIFF 2013, we brought you an odd jewel of a film where Jesse Eisenberg meets his more-charismatic better self, and these new “twins” are headed for conspicuous disaster. A singular vision from filmmaker Richard Ayoade.

Synopsis: An awkward office drone (Jesse Eisenberg) becomes increasingly unhinged after a charismatic and confident look-alike takes a job at his workplace and seduces the woman (Mia Wasikowska) he desires.

Available on Apple TV.

DOUBLE FEATURE

they don’t make them like they used to

Vincent Georgie: Funny (as in actually, well, funny..), energetic, filled with appealing stars who have rarely been more entertaining, packing movie theatres with diverse audiences, and remaining high on the re-watch list for decades to come. I offer you two bona fide, beloved hits.

mrs. doubtfire

Troubled that he has little access to his children, divorced Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) hatches an elaborate plan. With help from his creative brother Frank (Harvey Fierstein), he dresses as an older British woman and convinces his ex-wife, Miranda (Sally Field), to hire him as a nanny. “Mrs. Doubtfire” wins over the children and helps Daniel become a better parent — but when both Daniel and his nanny persona must meet different parties at the same restaurant, his secrets may be exposed.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.

wedding crashers

Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) and John (Owen Wilson) are divorce mediators who spend their free time crashing wedding receptions. For the irrepressible duo, there are few better ways to drink for free and bed vulnerable women. So when Secretary of the Treasury William Cleary (Christopher Walken) announces the wedding of his daughter, the pair make it their mission to crash the high-profile event. But their game hits a bump in the road when John locks eyes with bridesmaid Claire (Rachel McAdams).