6 must-see films before SIFF ends Sunday

The Seattle International Film Festival is in full swing with a record number of submissions and a return to in-person screenings.

Celine Song’s “Past Lives” kicked off the opening night ceremonies at the Paramount. But it was the announcement of SIFF’s acquisition of the Cinerama Theater that became the big highlight of opening weekend.

For anyone who missed opening weekend, there are still plenty of great movies to see!

KUOW arts reporter Mike Davis offers up one must-see movie for every remaining day of SIFF.

Tuesday, May 16

"The Last Exit"

I love a good secret in cinema (and theater!). What’s better than having a hidden truth lurking beneath the surface of a central plot? We know it’s there and we anxiously wait for the big reveal. This film hinges on a big secret, but the story follows two criminals who take a family hostage. A dead accomplice, stolen goods, and the pursuit of a brutal crime lord fill out the plot line for this story. The film is highlighted by a riveting performance from actor Joely Richardson in the lead role.

SIFF Cinema Uptown 9:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17

"My Animal"

SIFF has a section of films labeled as Wild, Terrifying, and Fantastic! (WTF), and I have some gems in this section. Maybe it’s just my taste. But trust me, there are multiple must-sees for film lovers. “My Animal” is one of them. Using the style of '80s horror cinema fused with the style of John Carpenter, this queer fairy tale takes a teenage Canadian outcast, a new-in-town figure skater, love, lust, and animalistic secrets, and spins them together into a bloodbath. I love slasher flicks, especially the films we got from the '80s, and considering that the director was inspired by Carpenter, who wrote the “Halloween” movies in the '80s that I enjoyed, I think this film will be a good watch. Small town, sex crazed teens, jump-scares, gore, and werewolves… I’m in!

SIFF Cinema Egyptian 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 18

"Bad Press"

This thrilling documentary follows Indigenous reporter Ellis Angel as she battles the Muscogee Nation Tribal Council over freedom of the press. This journey shows the importance and power of informed voting, the critical need for a free press, and how difficult it can be fighting against corruption and power.

SIFF Cinema Uptown 5:45 p.m.

Friday, May 19

"Egghead & Twinkie"

This film looks like fun! What better way to spend a Friday night than seeing a buddy comedy about a recently-out teen and her best friend as they embark on a 2,000-mile road trip to meet an online crush, a stranger described by their username, “BigDykeEnergy”? Yes, we know the friendship will be tested, and we can bet on one friend falling for the other, and a few additional classic twists, but the fun is in the journey, not the destination. And this flick sounds like it will have lots of laughs, tender moments, and self-discovery.

AMC Pacific Place 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 20

"Theater Camp"

This mockumentary tells the tale of a run-down theater camp facing foreclosure when its owner falls into a coma. With a rival rich theater camp standing in their way, the talent-deficient counselors rally the teens to put on a show at the end of the summer that will save the camp. This comedy will feature big laughs and heartfelt moments, as the adults and teens try to overcome impending doom and save their camp.

SIFF Cinema Uptown 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 21

"I Like Movies"

SIFF’s closing night celebration will include a live DJ, drinks, food, and an afterparty. But I’m here to talk about films, and “I Like Movies” will be a highlight of this year's festival. Yes, the plot is eerily similar to the one-season Netflix show “Blockbuster.” But, as a millennial who was born with just enough time to actually experience renting movies from Blockbuster, I really enjoyed that show. And this film, which follows a 17-year-old film buff who is working a job at a local film store but has high hopes of attending film school at NYU, feels like the perfect way to cap a film festival. Packed full of nostalgia for anyone who has rented a movie in-person, this feel-good story will take us back to a time when selecting a movie to watch at home on a Saturday night was actually a communal event — one that took you off the couch and put you in a store staffed with people who loved movies.

SIFF Cinema Egyptian 5 p.m.