The Toronto International Film Festival is days away, and this year’s lineup will feature Canadian, North American, and world premieres for 278 films.
Heading into the festival I asked TIFF critics to name their must-see films, why they stand out, and what makes the festival so vital. TIFF runs from September 5 to 15.
Anora, director Sean Baker
“Sean Baker’s Palm d’Or winner Anora makes its highly anticipated debut in Toronto following 2017’s The Florida Project. Baker, alongside the likes of Chloé Zhao, The Ross Brothers, and Clint Bentley, among others, blurs the lines between reality and fiction in a modern form of Cinéma vérité.” – Eric Marchen
“Anora is one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year and was creating buzz for the last few months. Sean Baker’s latest film has an interesting premise, and Mikey Madison is getting award buzz in the titular role. I’m a big fan of Baker and Madison’s previous work, so this one is a no brainer.” – Thomas Ellinidis
The End, director Joshua Oppenheimer
“Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon starring in a musical about the end of the world. Not much else needs to be said. Two of the quirkier actors working today doing a sombre song and dance will surely hit all the right notes.” – Rachel Ho
“I am intrigued by Joshua Oppenheimer’s fallout shelter musical, The End, featuring the always-great Tilda Swinton, especially when following masterpieces The Act of Killing and The Look of Silence. Will this be a hard pivot into narrative fiction? Only time will tell.” – EM
Megalopolis, director Francis Ford Coppola
“This is, unquestionably, the most fascinating film of the fest. Rumours of this movie’s wackiness–including a sequence where someone speaks to Adam Driver’s character in real time on stage–is enough for me to buy my ticket day one. That, along with the fact that this has been Coppola’s passion project for nearly 40 years is all the reason I need to see this high-profile title.” – TE
Nightbitch, director Marielle Heller
“The title alone is enough to turn heads. Add in Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, and the bizarre logline from a filmmaker with acclaimed titles like Can You Ever Forgive Me?, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, and I am infinitely curious about what’s in store with Nightbitch.” – Thomas Stoneham-Judge
The Substance, director Coralie Fargeat
“Other Cannes leftovers include homegrown horror legend David Cronenberg’s profoundly personal effort, The Shrouds, Francis Ford Coppola’s expensive DIY project Megalopolis, and speaking of body horror, The Substance, marks the blood-soaked return of Revenge director Coralie Fargeat to Midnight Madness. If you were to stay up late for any film at this festival, Fargeat’s would appear to be the perfect choice. Those sponsor ads, scored to a rowdy crowd of enthusiastic genre fans, will possess active participation. It’s an absolute blast!” – EM
“The Substance is giving me all the right bad vibes. Demi Moore looks tortured and Dennis Quaid has never been more menacing, from what we see in the trailer at least. There’s a dankness that I can’t wait to see if it pays off, under a glossy, warped lens that feels perfect for a shot at Hollywood.” – W. Andrew Powell
The Seed of the Sacred Fig, director Mohammad Rasoulof
“The buzz surrounding this film following its premiere at Cannes has me absolutely sold. Colleagues who have been lucky enough to watch this already have raved, and I’m incredibly excited to get stuck in.” – RH
Ick, director Joseph Kahn
“Ever since Bodied in 2018, I’ve had my eye on Joseph Kahn and his work. Although he’s mostly involved with music video work (see Jonas Borthers’ “What A Man Gotta Do” or Taylor Swift’s “Delicate” music videos, for example), he effortlessly plays in many realms of entertainment, and I can’t wait to see what he does next in film with Ick.” – TSJ
Daughter’s Daughter, director Huang Xi
“The premise of Daughter’s Daughter reads like a film about to topple over with how many hats on top of hats (on top of hats) are being balanced, and yet, it’s utterly compelling. Huang Xi’s sophomore effort after 2017’s Missing Johnny, I cannot wait to see how Daughter’s Daughter unfolds.” – RH
Saturday Night, director Jason Reitman
“As someone who grew up on SNL, I’m extremely excited for this one. It’s got so many Canadian ties as well, from director Jason Reitman, to Canadian Gabe LaBelle playing Canadian royalty Lorne Michaels, and so much more. The red carpet is going to be glowing with some of the most beloved actors in the industry. At a brisk 100 minutes, this movie, shot in real time, should be at the top of your list.” – TE
“I have high hopes for this send-up of not just the origins of SNL, but the chance to see an up-and-coming band of actors get a big shot that could make them all household names. I’m absolutely fascinated with how Nicholas Braun is going to pull off both Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson, but he’s perfect as Henson in the trailer. Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase is alarmingly perfect.” – WAP
Rez Ball, director Sydney Freeland
“I’m a sucker for a sports movie, and films focused on Indigenous athletes and their stories are few and far between. Produced by LeBron James, Rez Ball looks to be a classically feel good underdog tale.” – RH
Relay, director David Mackenzie
“The cast is what initially drew me to this film–starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed (an actor who I will watch in anything)–this film from the director of Hell or High Water looks like it will be dramatic and thrilling.” – TSJ
The Wild Robot, director Chris Sanders
“I am a major advocate for animation and truly believe it deserves more recognition among the public beyond being ‘for kids’. Chris Sanders’ latest endeavour seems to be another attempt at breaking the norm. With a stacked cast that includes Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill, this is easily worth keeping your eye out for.” – TE
“Is this going to be the animated film that leaves me teary at TIFF this year? It seems very likely.” – WAP
Shook, director Amar Wala
“Shook caught my attention after reading an interview with director Amar Wala, sharing that he used Good Will Hunting‘s framing of Boston as a reference point to how his film would show Scarborough. A city often maligned and misrepresented, I welcome a more authentic approach, especially in a film seemingly ripe with heart.” – RH
More critics recommended films:
- Babygirl by director Halina Reijn, starring Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, and Antonio Banderas
- The Friend by directors Scott McGehee, David Siegel, starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Sarah Pidgeon
- Pepe by director Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias, starring Jhon Narváez, and Sor María Ríos
- Piece By Piece by director Morgan Neville, starring Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliott
- Presence by director Steven Soderbergh, starring Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, and Chris Sullivan
- Seeds by director Kaniehtiio Horn, starring Horn, Dallas Goldtooth, and Meegwun Fairbrother
- The Shrouds by director David Cronenberg, starring Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, and Guy Pearce
On the 49th annual TIFF:
“Among the buffet of film festivals, TIFF has plenty to offer, overwhelmingly so that backups aren’t an issue; it’s curating a fulfilling list without making yourself sick and tired by the end, which is easier said than done, I’m afraid,” Eric Marchen wrote. “Those who cover the festival gauntlet in week one know how hectic life can get.”
“If I could recommend anything to first-time attendees and seasoned patrons, it is to pace yourself accordingly. Don’t be afraid to slow down and adapt to the ongoing festivities. The TIFF cold is a real thing, not to mention burnout. Also, if you can eat something healthy and drink water when possible, do that too. Be good to yourself.”
“On a sad note, film festivals continue to struggle financially, grapple with their identity, and search for a new home, as in the case of Sundance. I’m unsure what the future may hold with TIFF’s 50th anniversary one year away. However, I can say that I enjoy the moment and have for decades. There’s nothing else comparable to TIFF; that’s why you should experience it for yourself.”
“Last year’s TIFF left me feeling a bit lacklustre,” Rachel Ho, wrote. “A variety of reasons came together at the same unfortunate time to deliver a festival that felt a little restrained–SAG-AFTRA and WAG strikes thinned out the guest list, impending financial difficulties seem to loom over the Lightbox, and most importantly, TIFF missed out on a number of big ticket premieres that Venice and Telluride won instead.”
“This year, though, the line-up looks absolutely stellar with some big names scheduled to attend. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in Toronto waiting in line, walking down King St., and desperately looking for a place to charge all our devices. Here’s hoping we all find a movie or two that stops us in our tracks and remind us why we love films.”
“The Toronto International Film Festival is my opportunity to be a thought leader on some of the most buzzworthy films of the year,” Thomas Stoneham-Judge wrote. “This is where I can walk into screenings with no influence from robust marketing campaigns or overplayed trailers and just take in a film for what it is. The result is that every year, I leave TIFF with unforgettable theatrical experiences.”
Critic bios:
Eric Marchen has been a film critic, host, and interviewer for well over a decade, hosting Rogers TV’s Cinema Seen, in addition to co-hosting the Untitled Movie Podcast. If you need him, he’s probably the first guy sitting in the theatre before a press screening.
Rachel Ho is the film editor at Exclaim! Magazine and co-founder of The Asian Cut. Her work has been published by The Globe and Mail, CBC Arts, POV Magazine, and others. She is a member of the Toronto Film Critics Association and an international voter for the Golden Globe Awards.
Thomas Ellinidis is the founder and Editor-In-Chief of One Take News, one of the rising voices in geek culture and entertainment. Since 2021, he’s amassed over 100,000 followers, breaking exclusive news for upcoming films and speaking with some of the most prominent stars in Hollywood.
Thomas Stoneham-Judge is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief behind ForReel, showcasing authentic perspectives on film and supporting the ambitions of his team. For their TIFF coverage, subscribe at ThisIsForReel.com.
