On this episode of Why Watch That:

HIGHLIGHTED OFFERINGS FROM AFI FEST 2020 SO FAR:

1. Special Presentation: Opening Night World Premiere: I’m Your Woman

Suburban housewife Jean (Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) lives a seemingly easy life, supported by husband Eddie’s (Bill Heck) career as a thief. But when Eddie betrays his partners, Jean and her baby are forced to go on the run, and Eddie’s old friend Cal (Arinzé Kene) is tasked with the job of keeping them safe. After Cal mysteriously disappears, Jean befriends Teri (Marsha Stephanie Blake), and the two women set out on a perilous journey into the heart of Eddie’s criminal underworld. A decidedly female take on crime dramas of the 1970s, I’m Your Woman is a tale of love, betrayal, motherhood, family and what it takes to claim your life as your own.

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2. World Cinema: Industry

In the latest series from HBO, an ambitious group of graduates compete for a permanent role at Piedmont, a top London bank. Harper, the sole American, with a mysterious past, navigates privilege and egos in this world of international finance, determined to prove herself as the best hire. Boundaries blur and rankings intensify within the group as they are immersed into a company culture driven by success at all costs. AFI FEST is honored to host the North American premiere of the first four episodes of this electric ensemble-drama.

–Sarah Harris

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3. New Auteurs: Nine Days

What if you had just a little over a week to persuade an enigmatic gatekeeper to allow you to be born? How would you proceed? Winston Duke plays the cryptic and somber Will, the figure in charge of selecting the right soul for life on Earth. Will interviews several prospective candidates, aided by his more light-hearted colleague Kyo, played by Benedict Wong. As one soul dies, another takes its place. But the choice of who makes the cut is fraught. The unborn — personifications of human souls — must demonstrate why they deserve life. One applicant, played by Zazie Beetz, challenges Will in unexpected ways. A beautifully crafted, heartfelt sci-fi film that explores the existential, NINE DAYS marks the directorial debut of Edson Oda. An innovative concept thoughtfully plotted, this metaphysical tale is at once artistic, thought-provoking and life-affirming. –Claudia Puig

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4. Special Presentation: World Premiere: Really Love

Set in a gentrifying Washington, DC, a rising Black artist, Isaiah (Kofi Siriboe), spends most of his days pouring his heart into his paintings but still struggles to find his place in the prestigious and competitive art world. At a gallery show, Stevie (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing), an impressive and intelligent law student, catches his eye. A chance encounter is one thing, but the stars align and they meet again, leading to a whirlwind romance. When both Isaiah and Stevie hit crossroads in their careers, they are forced to consider if their relationship is a love for a season or a love for a lifetime.

In director Angel Kristi Williams’s debut feature, she delivers a poignant look at the sacrifices we make for careers and life-changing relationships. This well-crafted script by Felicia Pride and Williams is complemented by an impeccable soundtrack and incredible art. –Eric Moore

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5. Special Presentation: U.S. Premiere: A Suitable Boy

1951. In a newly independent India, passionate literature student Lata Mehra defies tradition and her meddling mother’s wish to choose her a husband. Torn between family duty and the excitement of romance, Lata embarks on a journey of love and heartache as three very different men try to win her heart. Also threatening to break with tradition is the charming but directionless Maan Kapoor, whose romantic entanglements begin to jeopardize his father’s political career. As Lata and Maan attempt to shape their futures, India too is coming of age. Only a few years after independence from British colonial rule, tensions are high as its people prepare to campaign and vote in their first democratic general election. A Lookout Point production for the BBC, internationally distributed by BBC Studios.

–Claudia Puig

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6. New Auteurs: Shadow in the Cloud

On a stormy night during World War II, a female pilot with top secret cargo talks her way on board a bomber plane about to take-off. The crass all-male crew reluctantly agrees, but their suspicions about her identity and the mysterious cargo quickly grow. Just then a shadow appears in the clouds — was it the incoming Japanese fleet? Or caused by some other sinister stowaway?

SHADOW IN THE CLOUD is a thrilling nightmare in the sky and its lead, Chloë Grace Moretz, is a badass to be reckoned with. After her exciting horror short DO NO HARM dominated the festival circuit in 2017, director Roseanne Liang returns with a feature proving she is a dynamic and powerful female voice in genre filmmaking. –Sarah Harris

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7. World Cinema: Sound of Metal

A recovering drug addict, Ruben has finally achieved balance in his life and knows his place in the world. He spends his nights drumming in a heavy-metal band with his girlfriend, traveling from show to show in a ragged RV – it may not be much, but it is full of love. When his ear pops during a performance, Ruben thinks little of it at first, but his hearing quickly deteriorates. When your existence and love is music, what happens when your world suddenly changes?

Riz Ahmed gives a powerful performance as a man on a complicated journey of grief and identity. With clever sound design and a sensitive script, SOUND OF METAL is a profound exploration on both the experience and culture of deafness. –Sarah Harris