September 06, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 9/6

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want A good family night in

inside out 2

Vincent Georgie: The Summer’s single biggest box office hit may not be as strong as the original, but there is more than enough here to recommend for family viewing. This is a big-hearted film.

Synopsis: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts. However, when Anxiety shows up, they aren’t sure how to feel.

Available on Apple TV, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

if you want a humane drama

vera drake

Vincent Georgie: UK director Mike Leigh is being honoured at TIFF this year. His largely improvised scripts and directing have always made for ultimately worthy films. His 2004 drama is one of his very best. Developed through nearly 6 months of improv, he nails the assignment here. Imelda Staunton might be best known for her work on “The Crown” or in the Harry Potter series, but it’s undoubtedly this film that she will always be remembered for.

Synopsis: In 1950s England, housekeeper Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) is a kindly wife and mother who offers selfless devotion and unwavering care to her family, which includes her husband (Philip Davis) and two grown children (Alex Kelly, Daniel Mays). However, unknown to her friends and family, Drake provides abortions to local women with unwanted pregnancies. When the authorities learn of her illegal activities, Drake loses the admiration of many around her — and possibly her freedom.

Available on Apple TV.

if you love amy adams

American hustle

Vincent Georgie: Another TIFF honoree this year is the talented and endearing Amy Adams. One of her finest performances is her leading role opposite Christian Bale in this busy, energetic and stylishly entertaining crime caper. While there is a lot going on in the film, you realize that it’s Adams who is the film’s MVP.

Synopsis: Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) dabbles in forgery and loan-sharking, but when he falls for fellow grifter Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), things change in a big way. Caught red-handed by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), Irv and Sydney are forced to work undercover as part of DiMaso’s sting operation to nail a New Jersey mayor (Jeremy Renner). Meanwhile, Irv’s jealous wife (Jennifer Lawrence) may be the one to bring everyone’s world crashing down. Based on the 1970s Abscam case.

Available on Apple TV and YouTube.

DOUBLE FEATURE

all hail, sophie deraspe!

Vincent Georgie: We were thrilled to have announced earlier this week that Sophie’s new South of France-set film Shepherds will be WIFF’s Opening Night Film this year. Her films, however, have been favourites at the Festival for years. Check out two of her very best.

a gay girl in damascus: the amina profile

When well-known Syrian blogger Amina Arraf, purportedly kidnapped by local authorities during the Arab Spring, was revealed to be an elaborate hoax persona, an entire international community realized it had been catfished.