August 15, 2025

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 8/15

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

iF you WERE IMPRESSED BY WEAPONS

BARBARIAN

Vincent Georgie: Setting the box office afire last weekend was Zach Cregger’s film Weapons. We have a major, accomplished, and capable newer filmmaker on our hands here. For those wanting to see more from him, check out his 2022 feature that is equally as impressive, haunting, and expertly crafted. I could not be more excited to see what Cregger’s career evolves into.

Synopsis: A young woman discovers the rental home she booked is already occupied by a stranger. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night, but soon discovers there’s a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest.

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

if you want A FILM TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

GREEN BOOK

Vincent Georgie: Humane, entertaining, and, ultimately, a film about friendship. Filmmaker Peter Farrelly has made one of the more unexpected Best Picture Oscar winners in recent memory. Anchored by appealing and integrous performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali (taking his 2nd Oscar in only 3 years), the film leaves you with a strong sentiment of love for those around you.

Synopsis: Dr Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

if SEXUAL POLITICS INTRIGUE YOU

CARNAL KNOWLEDGE

Vincent Georgie: One of filmmaker Mike Nichols’ best films, he tackles complicated relationships, frank discussions of sex and sexual politics, and provides his ace cast with strong material. Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Ann-Margret, I mean, how can you go wrong? Amazingly, the film received an X rating upon its original release.

Synopsis: Nice guy Sandy (Art Garfunkel) and charming schemer Jonathan (Jack Nicholson) meet as college roommates in the late 1940s. Sandy woos and eventually marries the sweetly virginal Susan (Candice Bergen) without knowing that she had cheated on him with Jonathan. Years later, his marriage faltering, Sandy attempts to mimic Jonathan’s promiscuous womanizing, while the misogynistic Jonathan finally tries his hand at monogamy with the gorgeous but emotionally needy Bobbie (Ann-Margret).

Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

THE COMPELLING SPIKE LEE

Vincent Georgie: This weekend marks the release of Lee’s Cannes-premiering film, Highest 2 Lowest. Let’s take a look back at 2 of Lee’s finest films. The first showcases Lee’s incredibly forthright comfort with dramatizing racial politics (in this case, within an interracial romance) while the second is an incredibly astute crime drama. Lee has both of his casts firing on all cylinders in these films.

JUNGLE FEVER

A married black lawyer named Flipper (Wesley Snipes) begins an affair with Angie (Annabella Sciorra), his white secretary. When the news is leaked through an acquaintance, Flipper’s wife (Lonette McKee) kicks him out of the house. Flipper decides to begin courting his mistress, only to be greeted by disapproval from friends, family, and even strangers. The relationship continues to be strained in a society not ready to accept it, and people are hurt during its inception.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube, and Amazon Prime.

25TH HOUR

In New York City in the days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) steels himself for a lengthy jail term. Brogan is a convicted drug dealer about to start a seven-year prison sentence, and his final hours of freedom are devoted to hanging out with his closest buddies (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper) and trying to prepare his girlfriend, Naturelle Riviera (Rosario Dawson), for his extended absence.