This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) promises a diverse lineup of films that are sure to captivate audiences. From bombastic musicals to heartwarming soccer-driven flicks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Despite ongoing Hollywood labor strikes, the red carpet is expected to feature a host of star-studded ventures and intriguing films. Here are ten notable titles that have caught the attention of our Canadian Press reporters:
1. “Aggro Dr1ft”
If the marketing gimmick of being “shot entirely in infrared” doesn’t capture your interest, the name Harmony Korine certainly will. Known for his risk-taking and divisive films like “Kids,” “Gummo,” and “Spring Breakers,” Korine’s latest offering is a sensory experiment that follows an assassin named BO in pursuit of a demonic Florida crime lord. This film is perfect for those seeking a thrilling Midnight Madness experience.
2. “The Boy and the Heron”
Studio Ghibli presents Hayao Miyazaki’s last animated film, “The Boy and the Heron.” Set during the Second World War, this coming-of-age tale follows a young boy who embarks on a magical journey with a grey heron after losing his mother. With its sold-out North American premiere at TIFF, this film marks the end of Miyazaki’s renowned legacy.
3. “Dicks: The Musical”
Prepare for a bombastic and unabashedly queer musical experience with “Dicks: The Musical.” This Midnight Madness opener tells the story of two (sort of) identical twins who plot to reunite their divorced parents. With deranged dance routines and salacious sing-alongs, this film, directed by Larry Charles (“Borat”), features a star-studded cast including Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Megan Thee Stallion.
4. “Dream Scenario”
Nicolas Cage stars in the offbeat comedy “Dream Scenario,” directed by A24. Cage plays a hapless academic who discovers that he is appearing in strangers’ dreams, initially as a banal backdrop but increasingly as an aggressive night terror. This satirical film takes a swipe at celebrity culture and groupthink, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Cage’s versatile acting career.
5. “Dumb Money”
Based on a true story, “Dumb Money” directed by Craig Gillespie (“I, Tonya”) follows analyst Keith Gill, played by Paul Dano, who turned a $53,000 investment into millions by promoting GameStop’s stock on social media and Reddit. This financial bio-drama explores the grassroots investor revolution against hedge-fund control, a topic that captivated online traders for months.
6. “Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe”
Canadian children’s TV icon Ernie Coombs, aka Mr. Dressup, is the subject of this documentary by director Robert McCallum. Going beyond the famous “tickle trunk,” this film delves into Coombs’ impact on multiple generations through archival interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with famous fans. Michael J. Fox, Eric McCormack, Bif Naked, and more share their memories of this beloved TV personality.
7. “Next Goal Wins”
Director Taika Waititi returns to TIFF with the feel-good sports comedy “Next Goal Wins.” Michael Fassbender stars as a Dutch-American football manager who takes on the challenge of leading a losing local team from American Samoa in a qualifying run for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This uplifting film promises to be a standout hit at the festival.
8. “Quiz Lady”
Sandra Oh and Awkwafina team up in this comedy about two sisters who must pay off their mother’s gambling debts and rescue a kidnapped pug. They use their knowledge of trivia to compete on a game show and raise the necessary funds. Awkwafina shines as a devoted game show enthusiast, while Oh brings chaos to the role of her sister. Directed by Jessica Yu, “Quiz Lady” offers laughter and excitement.
9. “Woman of the Hour”
Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with “Woman of the Hour,” a non-linear look at the true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who infamously appeared on a dating game show in the 1970s. The film explores how women navigate interactions with men to ensure their safety. Kendrick stars alongside Daniel Zovatto, known for his role as a cult leader in HBO Max/Crave’s “Station Eleven.”
10. “Zone of Interest”
Director Jonathan Glazer takes a daring and unsettling approach with “Zone of Interest,” a romance set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. The film follows a Nazi officer who falls in love with the commander’s wife at Auschwitz. Glazer’s skill for creating disturbing and thought-provoking cinema promises to make this film one of the festival’s riskier selections.
These ten films are just a taste of what TIFF 2023 has to offer. Additionally, titles such as “Boy Kills World,” “Close To You,” “Knox Goes Away,” “Monster,” “Stop Making Sense,” and “Wicked Little Letters” deserve honorable mentions. With a lineup this diverse and exciting, the Toronto International Film Festival is undoubtedly the place to be this year.
— Written by David Friend, Noel Ransome, Cassandra Szklarski, and Nicole Thompson in Toronto
© 2023 The Canadian Press
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