August 28, 2026

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 8/28

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

IF YOU HAVE BOOKS & CAMPUS ON YOUR MIND

DEAD POETS SOCIETY

Vincent Georgie: A contemporary classic thanks both to Robin Williams’ memorably charismatic dramatic performance, but also the talented ensemble of young stars of the future, this film has stood the test of time. Both touching and rousing, this one will remind you of the beauty of personal growth and self-investment via education. Oscar-winner for Tom Schulman’s screenplay.

Synopsis: A new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With Keating’s help, students Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke) and others learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.

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

IF YOU MISSED IT THIS SUMMER

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES

Vincent Georgie: A surprise critical hit, this film proved to be just as popular with audiences looking for something funny, touching and starry. A real sleeper of the Summer of ’26. Easy recommendation.

Synopsis: George Hardy is a shepherd who loves to read murder mysteries to his sheep, never suspecting that they can understand him. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep decide to solve the crime themselves, even if it means leaving their meadow for the first time and facing the fact that the human world isn’t as simple as it appears in books.

Available on Amazon Prime.

IF YOU WANT A CRIME DRAMA

LITTLE ODESSA

Vincent Georgie: Filmmaker James Gray made one of the very best films of 2026 with his upcoming Paper Tiger, a story of the dangerous mixing of Russians and Jews in the shadier corners of New York. Let’s take a look back at one of his earlier films, dealing with similar themes to superb effect via an excellent cast.

Synopsis: Long separated from his Russian family, hit man Joshua returns to Brighton Beach for a contract killing for the Russian Mafia. His abusive father, Arkady, banned him from returning after Joshua committed his first murder. He takes up residence in a hotel, and soon everyone knows he has returned. He goes home to visit his dying mother, Irina, and prepares for the assassination, getting drawn back into the criminal community he left behind.

Available on YouTube.

DOUBLE FEATURE

LIGHTHEARTED ROMANCES

Vincent Georgie: Come for the soft romance that’s perfect for Summer viewing, but stay for the appealing and fresh performances across the casts. Both films are generally underseen but widely appreciated by those that have caught up with their charms.

SALMONS FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Dr. Alfred Jones is a fisheries scientist who one day receives an unusual request: A businesswoman named Harriet Chetwode-Talbot wants his help in fulfilling a wealthy sheik’s request to bring sport fishing to Yemen. Jones declines at first, but when the British prime minister’s spokeswoman latches on to the project as a way to improve Middle East relations, he joins in. Romance blooms as Jones and Harriet work to make the sheik’s dream come true.

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

LETTERS TO JULIET

While visiting Verona, Italy, with her busy fiancé, a young woman named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) visits a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. Finding one such letter from 1957, Sophie decides to write to its now elderly author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). Inspired by Sophie’s actions, Claire sets out to find her long-lost lover, accompanied by her disapproving grandson (Christopher Egan) and Sophie.