The Toronto International Film Festival ended yesterday. I’m still worn out from humping it back and forth to the Entertainment District for 9 days. Subway 2 to 4 times daily. Lots of stairs. 18 films. It was a whole lot of fun, though. Here’s my takeaways.
Opening & Closing Films (“The Swimmers” & ”Daliland”) - While nicely done (and in the case of “Daliland,” pretty to look at), they didn’t really get inside their characters, so the viewing experience felt flat.
People’s Choice Award - As the name suggest, these always go to a super-relatable movie and this year is no exception. “The Fablemans” by Steven Spielberg, with “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” picking up the award for Midnight Madness. I heard a lot of great things in the lineups about “Weird.”
MY TOTAL FAVS:
“Emily” - a backstory of sorts to “Wuthering Heights.” On shaky ground historically, but an assured directorial debut by actress Frances O'Connor.
“The Inspection” - Elegance Bratton’s story of a gay man trying to reconcile with his mother and make it through Marine Boot Camp. Another assured directorial debut.
“The Whale” - If you like Darren Aronofsky you’ll love this emotional roller-coaster ride. Touted as Brendan Fraser’s big comeback, deservedly so.
“The Wonder” - from Emma Donoghue’s novel of the same name. Starring the actress of the moment (I mean that in a good way), Florence Pugh. Another emotional journey that packs a punch. Available on Netflix Nov. 16.
OTHERS THAT STOOD OUT:
“Bros” - the first gay mainstream film released by a big studio. It’s your standard rom-com, but with biting gay commentary and two white, cis gendered actors who are very nice to look at. I cried, oh how I cried.
“The Eternal Daughter” - Tilda Swinton. Need I say more? Okay, Tilda Swinton in a puzzler of a film, a meditation on grief that confounds but sticks with you. Both my festival partner and myself found ourselves thinking about it for days.
“Joyland” - a gender bending Pakistani drama, an ensemble piece about the costs of breaking from the strictures of society and family.
All of these got distribution deals, so look for them at a theater or streaming platform near you.