tiff 2023 — Movie Reviews

'Wildcat' Review: A Well-Intended Bio Pic That Keeps Us at Arm's Length [TIFF 2023]

While the subject is naturally interesting and there seems to be potential for an immersive film, Ethan Hawke’s ‘Wildcat’ does not persuade the viewer to explore the story for any amount of time after the screen fades to black.

'Dream Scenario' Review: The Birth of a New Nick Cage Classic [TIFF 2023]

Kristoffer Borgli’s ‘Dream Scenario’ is without a doubt one of the best films at the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. The script and direction are perfectly woven together and a fully locked in Nick Cage absolutely brings this film together and makes it an incredible experience.

'Fair Play' Review: Buy Into This Psychosexual Corporate Thrill Ride [TIFF 2023]

‘First Play’ serves more as a thriller than a drama though and takes a certain level of comfortability with serious topics to be able to watch. Hopefully, with it’s success on the platform, Netflix will go back to giving more artists a creative domain to showcase their newest works.

'Gonzo Girl' Review: A Drug-Fuelled Explosion of Toxic Masculinity and Wannabe Relevance [TIFF 2023]

Willem Dafoe becomes an erratic, unpredictable, drug-fuelled personality, partnering with Camila Morrone as she delves into this chaotic world as Patricia Arquette’s directorial debut, ‘Gonzo Girl’ discusses toxic masculinity in a unique setting.

'The Peasants' Review: A Heart-Breaking Painting Crafted in Rich Color [TIFF 2023]

‘The Peasants’ follows four seasons within a Polish village. Each frame is hand-painted, which creates a beautiful, gallery-like dimension to the work, allowing the viewer to feel they are witnessing a historical fable come to life.

'Perfect Days' Review: The Perfect Film [TIFF 2023]

Wim Wenders creates a poignant snapshot of beauty in the mundane in ‘Perfect Days’. Featuring a phenomenal performance by Kōji Yakusho, audiences are reminded to stop and smell the roses, no matter where you are and what you’re going through.

TIFF, Drama, Festival ReviewTayler WellsSeptember 13, 2023tiff movie review, tiff 2023, tiff, perfect days, perfect days review, wim wenders, koji yakushoComment

'Fallen Leaves' Review: Lonely Lovers in the Unforgiving World [TIFF 2023]

‘Fallen Leaves’ is tender and sweet, despite some dark themes that surround the main characters both personally and in the world around them. With an achingly short runtime of 81 minutes, this deadpan tragicomedy shouldn’t be missed.

'The Boy and the Heron' Review: An Epic Coming of Age Adventure Fuelled by a Mother-Son Bond [TIFF 2023]

For those avid Studio Ghibli lovers, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ may be a little more mature than expected, but completely needed. Everything in this story is meticulous and deliberate, maintaining a special creativity and adventure shining through every moment.

'Evil Does Not Exist' Review: A Hypnotic Lullaby on Humanity and Nature [TIFF 2023]

The first minutes of ‘Evil Does Not Exist’ is so careful, it could almost come across as boring, if it weren’t for its beauty. The film is a great reminder of deliberate pacing and storytelling, and one of the highlights of TIFF 23 so far.

TIFF, Drama, Festival ReviewTayler WellsSeptember 11, 2023evil does not exist, tiff, tiff 2023, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Drive My CarComment

'Anatomy of a Fall' Review: A Mystery that Questions the Importance of Truth [TIFF 2023]

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a mystery-turned-courtroom drama layered with dysfunction and obsession. The film features a near perfect script with Sandra Hüller’s extraordinary acting at the centre.

TIFF, Festival Review, DramaTayler WellsSeptember 7, 2023anatomy of a fall, justine triet, tiff, tiff 2023, Palme D'OrComment