It Must Be Heaven (2019)
Dir. Elia Suleiman
Where to Stream: iTunes
Acclaimed Palestinian auteur Elia Suleiman hopscotches around the globe, playing a Marx Brothers-style version of himself. Surprisingly comical, Suleiman reflects along the way on a world increasingly defined by borders, militarization, and what it means to have a ‘home’. In co-production with Palestine, France, Canada, Turkey, Qatar and Germany, this political comedy was a smashing hit on the festival circuit, yet largely missed by Canadian audiences. It is a droll and tender rumination on the director’s lifelong journey to understanding his homeland. Heartwarming while being dually heart-wrenching, It Must Be Heaven is absolutely relevant, and not to be missed.
– Monique Vigneault, Film Editor
Boy (2010)
Dir. by Taika Waititi
Where to Stream: MUBI
Prior to the fame stemming from What We Do In The Shadows, Thor: Ragnarok, and JoJo Rabbit, Taika Waititi was already shedding light on the magic, mundane, and childhood disappointment; especially within the context of Indigenous youth in his native New Zealand. Boy presents the vigorous belief and unshaking faith we all once had in our parental figures as children, only to be let down by their mere humanity, much like Waititi’s later work in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. As an entirely endearing work of art, it presents the harshness that we come to grips with, ever more so for those of us whose environment predetermines us to much less privilege and opportunity, but all the while maintaining an immense charm as it does so.
– Sean Warkentine, Program Director
Happy Together (1997)
Where to Stream: Criterion Channel, MUBI
Dir. Wong Kar Wai
It’s never a bad day to revisit the melancholic filmography of Hong Kong’s most beloved auteur. In Happy Together, one of Wai’s earlier films, heartthrob Tony Leung co-stars alongside Leslie Cheung as a tempestuous expat couple road-tripping through Argentina. With hauntingly beautiful performances from both actors. Fans of the cineaste can also expect the same seductive visuals from the In the Mood for Love director, in this newly restored edition of the film.
– Monique Vigneault, Film Editor
The Gift (2015)
Dir. Joel Edgerton
Where to Stream: Netflix Canada
In The Gift, Jason Bateman’s character, Simon, returns to a community near his childhood home. Without fail, a long-forgotten childhood acquaintance, named Gordo, recognizes him while out shopping with his wife, Robyn, for furnishings to fit their new home. Gordo acquaints himself to their new home, eagerly presenting them with gifts and quickly making himself an ever-present fixture there. The tone darkens as the audience learns more and more about Gordo, escalates with illuminations about the addictions that Robyn has overcome, and snowballs following explanations about the previous relationship between Gordo and Simon. The result is a subversion and inversion of the classic “stalker” genre, leading to a disastrous end. As a thriller, it is certainly flawed, but it should be enough to satisfy those curious enough to sit through it.
– Sean Warkentine, Program Director
