We are all pumped for the 10 days of film fun and excitement. We here at Screenfish cannot wait to see and share our enthuasiasm about this year’s TIFF with you all. With that being said there are some films we are really looking forward to seeing. Everyone on the TIFF Screenfish team has submitted a few films they are particularly pumped about and the reasons why.
Seun’s Most Anticipated
1. The Piano Lesson
Malcolm Washington makes his feature directorial debut with this adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize–winning August Wilson play, featuring an incredible cast that includes Danielle Deadwyler, John David Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson in a story about a family haunted by the legacy of an heirloom.
2. Unstoppable
Starring Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez comes the story of Anthony Robles’ who through being born without a right leg pushes beyond the limits others may set on him and sets his sights on pro wrestling from the clutches of a volitile household.
3. We Live in Time
From the director of Brooklyn Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh take on an A24 Produced Rom-Com that promises to break new ground in the structure of a rom-com and will make you ponder on the role of time in our lives and how we make the most of it while we are in this world.
4. I, the Executioner
In a riveting sequel to director Ryoo Seung-wan’s 2015 blockbuster Veteran detective Seo Do-cheol returns to a world corrupt in the effects of fake news and the fake heroism of social media vigilante’s that put both justice and societial structure on the line.
5. Piece by Piece
From a unique artist comes a unique auto-bio picture from Pharrell Williams as he and Oscar-nominated director Morgan Neville present Williams’ life in the form of animated lego as it traces his upbringing in Virginia to his rise to stardom that sees him running into the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg who lend their voices to this delightful film full of wonder.
Steve’s Most Anticipated
1. Saturday Night
In the mid-1970s, a show is about to hit the air that will change everything… if they can make it to air first. Set 90 minutes before the first episode of Saturday Night Live aired, Jason Reitman taps into the chaos behind the scenes of TV’s most legendary show. Reitman grew up around all of these iconic players so, for him to take us back to the beginning should be something special.
2. Nightbitch
Marielle Heller directs a film about a mother who is dying for a break from the stress. Also, she may be turning into a dog. While the premise is wild, Heller’s work is always engaging. Mixing in an unhinged Amy Adams seals the deal.
3. Heretic
A chamber horror that shows how a conversation about theology can go horribly wrong. Directed by the scenerists behind A Quiet Place, Heretic has real potential to be something unique as it unravels the complexities of spiritual conversations and their contradictions.
4. Conclave
When suddenly it comes time to select a new pope, the true battle begins behind the scenes. When people think high drama, choosing a pope isn’t usually the first thing to come to mind. But Berger knows how to build characters and this promises to be an intense ride.
5. Universal Language
This is a world where Canada’s two official languages are French and Persian… but loneliness is the common experience. There’s much to explore here in this delightfully quirky set-up that could also have a great deal to say about community and the true nature of Canada’s ‘cultural mosaic’.
Raevin’s Most Anticipated
1. Anora
This Palm D’Or winner like many before it brings a lot of excitement for the latest from Sean Baker whose cinderella love story between a New York based exotic dancer and the son of a Russian Oligarch promises laughs, thrills and to be an overall emotional juggernaut with notable performances.
2. The Last Showgirl
In the latest from Gia Coppola this world premiere follows a veteran Las Vegas showgirl played by Pamela Anderson as she navigates a new life after her long time gig is cut short leaving her a 50 year old with no resume skills except the one she’s honed for decades, dancing!
3. Babygirl
In this critically acclaimed erotic drama Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson led by Halina Rajin bring you a feroucious examination of intimacy and tension a powerful CEO cheats on her husband at a moment where their relationship is carrying the satisfaction it used and she proceeds to carry on an electric affair with her young intern
4. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
An aspiring author finds herself in the fantasy romance she always dreamt of writing and which frankly feels right out of a Jane Austen novel. Supported by her best friend and dreams to be a novelist she leaves her job for an aptly named Jane Austen residency where she meets Oliver Lowe who forces her on a journey of self discovery and reflection. Played by Camile Rutherford, Charlie Anson and Pablo Pauley this charming drama is the debut of director Laura Piani.
5. Bound in Heaven
The debut from acclaimed screenwriter Huo Xin this film is a reflection on the inner lives of those who seem to be living an ideal life. Xia You is a finance professional whose life seems perfect but at home violence both psycholigcal and physical breaks out regularly. One day to escape this she runs into Xu Zitai a terminally ill man who connects with Xia You in a way she has never before, a romance tinged by the darkness of death and violence.
Jason’s Most Anticipated
1. The Substance
Demi Moore portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading star who in her need to be seen as a starlet again decides to tries a new black market drug that promises self-actualization which results in the creation of Sue played by Margaret Qually but as Elisabeth is forced to share more of her time in the limelight with Sue. Soon she must reckon with her choices which leads to body horror that may be unmatched in its thematic power.
2. Ick
A satire of science fiction and horror finds its protagonist in a high school science teacher who must do battle with an alien paristic alien entity and deal with the aparthy of the small town it threatens to change for the worse. Ick examines the dangers of ignorance and the need for those who will speak out to get people to listen. Coupled with pop aestehtics and a hit millenial soundtrack this Midnight Madness film promises a breakneck abandon.
3. The Deb
In a bold and audacious movie musical coming out of Australia Rebel Wilson delivers her debut with outrageous events and slyly hilarious material. The film follows two teenage cousins, one who was popular but now is cancelled and another who is underprivillaged and beginning to embrace feminsim. The two initally clash but end up teaming up to put a mark on their high school’s debutante ball.
4. Emilia Perez
Featuring fearless performances from Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and the amazing Karla Sofía Gascón, the latest from director Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, TIFF ’12; The Sisters Brothers, TIFF ’18) audaciously merges pop opera, narco thriller, and gender affirmation drama. Rita is a briliant lawyer who is given the unique and freeing task of helping Manitas a notrious cartal head transition and create a new life while letting the old one, including Manitas’ family move on with their lives.
5. Without Blood
In this parable like tale of revenge, war and family Angelina Jolie takes us to Italy to witness one woman’s confrontation of a man who inflicted devastation upon her family and which explores the impacts and effects war has on family, women and girls.
Daniel’s Most Anticipated
1. Queer
Lee mingles with the expatriate set in postwar Mexico City, wandering its streets, frequenting its gay bars, and ingesting whatever illicit substances are available. Lee sets his sights on a journey to the Amazon in search of the potentially telepathic ayahuasca — and he wants handsome young bi-curious Oklahoman Allerton accompany him. Their travels will yield a string of unexpected encounters that will change Lee forever. Directed by Luca Guadagnino starring a Oscar potential in Daniel Craig with Drew Starkey this film is one to watch.
2. The Mother and the Bear
In a snow-swept Winnipeg, school teacher Sumi (Leere Park) is hospitalized after a fall. On hearing the news, her anxious mother, Sara (Kim Ho-jung), flies over from Seoul to be with her comatose daughter — and once Sara sets herself up in the young woman’s apartment, she discovers she doesn’t really know Sumi at all.
3. All We Imagine as Light
Moving from urban bustle to seaside idyll, this exquisitely beautiful and heartfelt fiction feature debut from Payal Kapadia (A Night of Knowing Nothing) follows two nurses experiencing personal turning points tinged with the possibility of romance. Moving from urban bustle to seaside idyll, All We Imagine as Light locates dreamlike reverie in emotional shifts and everyday experiences.
4. Rez Ball
Fronted by the charismatic local hero Nataanii Jackson the team is searching for a way out of its current losing streak, which frustrated community members blame on Coach Hobbs, herself a former basketball star. However, as personal obstacles and struggles get in the way, it becomes clear that dramatic change and healing will need to happen for this team to achieve its basketball dreams. Executive Produced by Lebron James and Co-Written by Reservation Dogs creator Sterlin Harjo, the third feature from Sydney Harland looks to be a promising look at complex topics that come with the quest of glory in sports.
5. The Fire Inside
Young Claressa Shields sneaks into a boxing gym, eager to spar with the boys. Local volunteer coach Jason Crutchfield quickly takes her under his wing. Claressa proves fiercely talented but soon Crutchfield must go beyond the duties of a coach to keep her on track as she starts to feel not just the pressure of winning, but also the glare of her beleaguered hometown of Flint, Michigan seeking hope in her resilience. Directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison and written by Oscar Winner Barry Jenkins.
