What to watch: Say his name!
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Welcome back to the Afterlife.
While I’m sipping on some coffee from Tim Hortons at the Toronto International Film Festival (and perhaps indulging in a few Timbits), many of you are diving back into Tim Burton’s quirky universe of the deceased in the new horror-comedy sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Michael Keaton returns in his iconic role as the hilariously chaotic bio-exorcist, making it a nostalgic viewing, especially for those who grew up in the ’80s. Additionally, don’t miss Nicole Kidman’s Netflix series “The Perfect Couple” or the latest season of Gary Oldman’s spy drama “Slow Horses” on Apple TV+.
As I enjoy my Canadian brew, let’s get into the highlights:
Watch Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reunite in Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
Seeing the original “Beetlejuice” in theaters back in 1988 was a memorable experience for me as a 12-year-old. Like Lydia Deetz, the goth teen played by Winona Ryder, I enjoyed the weird and wonderful, and that movie was truly unique: chaotic, odd, and utterly brilliant. Unfortunately, the new sequel falls short: it’s filled to the brim, featuring glimpses of brilliance but lacking the original’s energy, as Keaton’s Beetlejuice feels more subdued than usual. (Check out my ★★½ review.) My friend Felecia Wellington Radel has also put together a useful parent’s guide for the sequel.
A highlight was the recent cast reunion for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” with the cast and Burton in New York City. Keaton shared his favorite scenes from the original film, while Ryder and Jenna Ortega, who portrays Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, reflected on their chemistry. “I never imagined Lydia being pregnant or in love,” Ryder said. “But it was truly magical when I met Jenna.”
Watch ‘The Perfect Couple’ on Netflix and ‘Slow Horses’ Season 4 on Apple TV+
If you enjoy HBO’s “The White Lotus” but want something lighter, dive into “The Perfect Couple” (available on Netflix), adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s popular novels. This light-hearted mystery focuses on a couple in New England—an aloof bestselling author (Kidman) and her laid-back husband (Liev Schreiber)—who aim to host a lavish wedding for their son, only for a corpse to disrupt the celebration. In her ★★½ review, TV critic Kelly Lawler describes this soapy drama as “a fluffy doughnut with tasteless filling.”
If you’re in the mood for something deeper, check out Season 4 of “Slow Horses” (streaming on Apple TV+), which follows a group of dysfunctional British operatives led by the peculiar Jackson Lamb, portrayed by Gary Oldman. It’s one of his favorite roles—quite an achievement considering his impressive career which includes iconic figures like Dracula and Winston Churchill. He stated in a recent interview with Marco della Cava that he chooses projects by often saying “No” to everything. “If it keeps coming back, it might be worth looking into,” he suggested.
Stay tuned for our coverage of Oscar-worthy films at the Toronto Film Festival
I’m not just here to tell you what to watch now but also to highlight the exciting films heading your way soon. I’m buzzing with excitement to catch various films around this lovely Canadian city that are poised to make a mark this awards season. (It’s never too early to start preparing your Oscar predictions!) TIFF has historically been a launchpad for best picture winners, with recent mentions like “Parasite,” “Nomadland,” and “Spotlight.” This year, I’m looking forward to films like “Nightbitch,” featuring Amy Adams as a mother who suspects she’s transforming into a dog.
There’s a fascinating line-up of films to watch, including a story about a woman who believes she’s transforming into a dog; “The Life of Chuck,” a Stephen King adaptation starring Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill; “Conclave,” a tense papal thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes; and “We Live in Time,” a poignant drama featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh that is sure to bring some emotional moments.
I’ll be compiling a list of the best films I come across during the event, so be on the lookout for a special TIFF Watch Party in your inbox on Tuesday morning, where I will share all the standout moments.