Canadian Film Fest: The Must-See Movies on TV this Week

The Best Films to Watch on TV This Week

Annette Bening Shines in Gripping Drama Nyad

Annette Bening delivers a magnetic performance in the gripping drama Nyad, directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. The duo, known for their exhilarating climbing documentary Free Solo, have once again created a tale of extreme single-mindedness. Nyad focuses on the life of veteran LA sportscaster Diana Nyad, who gained fame for her long-distance swims in her youth. Now at age 60, she takes on the challenge of the 103-mile Straits of Florida swim once again. Bening portrays Diana with aplomb, capturing her obstinacy and unwavering self-assuredness. Jodie Foster delivers a nicely understated performance as Diana’s best friend Bonnie, who becomes caught up in Diana’s relentless pursuit of success. Nyad is a fact-based drama that captivates and inspires.

Pain Hustlers: A Wolf of Wall Street-style Takedown of Big Pharma

Pain Hustlers offers a fresh take on the takedown of Big Pharma and its role in the opioid addiction crisis. Inspired by real events, this bold film takes a comedic angle reminiscent of The Wolf of Wall Street. Emily Blunt stars as Liza, a jobless single mother who discovers a talent for pushing a fentanyl-based cancer drug to doctors when she’s hired by Chris Evans’s pushy sales representative. As the cash rolls in, Liza begins to question the legality of the operation, especially when the firm’s owner, played by Andy García, starts stretching boundaries. Blunt delivers a standout performance, seamlessly transitioning from a partying lifestyle to one filled with moral dilemmas and pity. Pain Hustlers is a timely and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry.

Under the Skin: A Gripping Sci-Fi Chiller

While we await the release of Jonathan Glazer’s latest film, The Zone of Interest, his previous work, Under the Skin, takes center stage. Released in 2013, this exceptional sci-fi chiller stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien who drives around Glasgow, picking up men and subjecting them to horrific acts. The film’s eerie atmosphere is amplified by Mica Levi’s on-edge score and the documentary-like feel, leaving audiences questioning the true nature of the encounters. Johansson’s portrayal of the alien, as she discovers empathy and grapples with her mission, is both captivating and unsettling. Under the Skin is a must-see for fans of thought-provoking and atmospheric science fiction.

Infinity Pool: A Morally Ambiguous Horror

Alexander Skarsgård sheds his virile screen persona in Infinity Pool, a warped horror film from director Brandon Cronenberg that delves into the morality of tourism. Skarsgård plays James, a failed writer on vacation with his wealthy wife in an unnamed, corrupt country. When James accidentally kills a local man, he pays for a clone of himself to take the blame and be executed in his stead. Encouraged by a group of thrill-seeking tourists, including the seductive Gabi (Mia Goth), James spirals into a cycle of orgiastic crime and clone death. Infinity Pool is a chilling exploration of the dark side of human nature, raising questions about the consequences of our actions and the ethics of taking a life.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: A Political Twist on a Classic Horror

This black-and-white production from the National Theatre of Scotland brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic horror novel, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, to life in a unique setting. Directed by Hope Dickson Leach, the play relocates the story to Stevenson’s hometown of Edinburgh, shedding light on the historical and political context of the time. Rather than focusing solely on the body-morphing aspect, the production explores the fears of Victorian society, emphasizing the class divide and the drive for profit. The animalistic Hyde represents the working class trampled underfoot by the elite. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde offers a fresh perspective on a timeless tale.

The Nest: A Gripping Drama of Hubris

Sean Durkin, the director of Martha Marcy May Marlene, presents The Nest, a 1980s-set drama that delves into the pitfalls of familial aspirations and greed. Jude Law delivers a standout performance as Rory, a cocky commodities broker who convinces his American wife Allison (Carrie Coon) to move to the UK with their children. Rory sells Allison the dream of a country house and her own riding school, promising success in the city. However, his self-made image crumbles as his grand plans fall apart. The Nest is a sly exposé of the emptiness of Thatcherite aspiration, highlighting the consequences of unchecked hubris.

Mean Streets: Scorsese’s Gritty Portrayal of Urban Life

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Mean Streets marked Martin Scorsese’s breakthrough into the world of mafia films. Set in the Little Italy of Scorsese’s childhood, the film oozes authenticity and offers a vivid portrayal of urban life. Harvey Keitel delivers a powerful performance as low-level criminal Charlie, while Robert De Niro leaves a lasting impression as the volatile and unpredictable Johnny Boy, Charlie’s childhood friend. Charlie struggles to help Johnny, driven by residual loyalty, but finds that some people are beyond redemption. Mean Streets is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of navigating life in a tough neighborhood.