What is the downside of a miracle? Directed by Christian Sparkes, The King Tide takes place in a close-knit—but isolated—community off the coast of Newfoundland. Let by its loving mayor Bobby (Clayne Crawford), the townfolk live simple lives as struggling fishermen. Things begin to change though with the arrival of Isla, an infant who literally washes up…
Is there another film at TIFF this year that is as pure-hearted and fueled with love as Robot Dreams? Set in 1980s New York City, Robot Dreams tells the story of Dog, a lonely pup who lives a quiet life alone. Then, while watching TV one night, he sees an ad for robot companions and he immediately springs…
In Motherland, writer/director Jasmin Mozaffari tells the story of Babak (Bahtash Fazlali), an Iranian immigrant who has found love in America in 1979. However, this is also a time when Iranians are viewed with suspicion on American soil. After accepting an invitation to meet his fiancé’s parents, he nervously attempts to connect with his potential in-laws….
Directed by Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall tells the story of one woman’s fight for her innocence after her husband mysteriously dies in front of her at home. Performances within the film are muted, but therein lies their power. The relationship between this mother and her son feels earnest and honest as they attempt to hold…
What does it mean to reach for your dreams? Directed by Jason Karman, Golden Delicious follows Jake (Cardi Wong), an Asian-Canadian teen whose father dreams of him becoming a basketball star. Though he’s been dating his girlfriend for some time, Jake is struggling with his sexuality and disinterested in getting intimate physically with her. Things become even…
In their follow-up to the first-ever film entirely animated in oil paintings, D.K Welchman and Hugh Welchman return to the style with a more unknown period piece. The Peasants takes a look at a 19th-century Polish farming village and, more specifically, a young woman named Jagna. Sought after by the men in the village, Jagna…
Set in 1975, Kanaval tells the story of Rico (Rayan Dieudonne), a young boy who lives with his mother on the coast of Haiti. However, when a playful jaunt into an annual celebration goes terrifyingly wrong, he and his mother flee to Quebec to find refuge. After taking up with an older couple who welcome them into…
With Evil Does Not Exist, one can’t help but wonder if the title of Oscar Winning Director Ryseuke Hamaguchi’s film is meant to be ironic or is, in fact, trying to reveal the good nature of our humanity. For a long time, it seems like the latter as Hamaguchi involves us in his carefully-built world…
Who knew that financial movies about the world finance would become so hot? After the success of Johnson’s BlackBerry earlier this year, Dumb Money is another film that speaks to the role of technology and its impact on the world of finance. However, unlike BlackBerry, Dumb Money embraces the ridiculous nature of truth with style and flair that makes the movie a…
Memory, the first American drama from Mexican auteur Michel Franco tells a story of connection, loss, and yes, memory. Featuring wonderful performances from Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgard as Silvia and Saul, the film begins when Silvia goes to her high school reunion. When Saul follows her home after she leaves early, she finds him…
