tiff movie review — Movie Reviews

'The Wild Robot' Review: A Visually Stunning Masterwork [TIFF 2024]

Every few years, an animated film hits screens everywhere and children and adults alike, are spellbound. 'The Wild Robot', based on the popular children’s novel of the same name, is undoubtedly one of these films. [TIFF 24]

‘Saturday Night’ Review: Reitman Resurrects the Rabble of 30-Rock Originators [TIFF 2024]

For 50 years Saturday Night Live has been the bedrock of late night comedy, but the story of its premiere night is apparently crazier than any sketch. Director Jason Reitman brings the rabble of 30-Rock originators back to life in 'Saturday Night'. [TIFF 24]

'Queer' Review: A Story Of Longing And Lost Love [TIFF 2024]

'Queer', The newest film from auteur Luca Guadagnino is sure to leave audiences entranced with its bold storytelling and impressive performances. [TIFF 24]

'The Substance' Review: Identity, Fame, and a Ton of Blood [TIFF 2024]

An electric body horror that would wake up any viewer, no matter the time of day - 'The Substance' is a must see for horror fans everywhere. Beyond being thematically rich, this film is a thrilling watch, technically strong and heralded by utterly convincing performances. [TIFF 24]

Horror, TIFFTayler WellsSeptember 10, 2024tiff movie review, Tiff 2024, The Substance, Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Coralie FargeatComment

‘The Life of Chuck’ Review: A Charming Cosmic Study of the Human Spirit [TIFF 2024]

Novelist Stephen King and director Mike Flanagan are both maestros of horror, but ‘The Life of Chuck’ shows the tremendous sensitivity both men have towards life, love and humanity. [TIFF 2024]

'Nightbitch' Review: Motherhood Can Be Ruff [TIFF 2024]

'Nightbitch' doesn’t quite meet the mark that was originally set by the novel on which it's based, but Amy Adams undeniably delivers a strong performance that will likely be all too relatable. [TIFF 24]

'Oh, Canada' Review: Richard Gere Returns to Tip-Top Form in Paul Schrader's Latest [TIFF 2024]

Being one of Paul Schrader’s stronger films in recent years, 'Oh, Canada' is sure to satisfy fans of the filmmaker. Its themes of reflection and mortality, mixed with a strong performance from Gere combine to make this a worthy movie watching experience. [TIFF 24]

'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

'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.

'La Chimera' Review: A Delightfully Whimsical Archaeological Adventure [TIFF 23]

To describe ’La Chimera’ without an excess of adjectives is no easy task. The plot is rather simplistic on paper, but an array of spirited performances, inspired direction, and dream-like cinematography makes ‘La Chimera’ a truly transportive viewing experience.

'Empire of Light' Review: Sam Mendes' Ode to Cinema is an Insincere Drag [TIFF 2022]

Empire of Light is well acted, well shot, and of course competently constructed. However, it is a hollow film that has very little to actually say. It is consistently insincere in its presentation, and for that it ultimately ends up feeling rather dull.

Festival Review, Drama, TIFFFilm SpeakSeptember 17, 2022tiff movie review, TIFF 2022, SAM MENDES, Olivia Colman, Roger Deakins, FilmComment

'Aftersun' Review: A Tender Glimpse at a Father-Daughter Bond on Vacation [TIFF 2022]

Ultimately, Afterson was one of the best of the Toronto International Film Festival this year, with real performances and raw, honest filmmaking. Filmmaker Charlotte Wells is able to find her own style easily, regardless of this film being her debut feature.

'All Quiet on the Western Front' Review: A Familiar but Welcome War Drama [TIFF 2022]

While the prospect of yet another World War One movie may seem like a put-off to some at initial glance, All Quiet on the Western Front is able to bring an uniquely cinematic experience to the table.

‘Something You Said Last Night’ Review: A Beautifully Understated Vacation Story [TIFF 2022]

Something You Said Last Night is primed to be a gem ripe for discovery coming out of this year’s TIFF Festival, and will hopefully gain an audience and bestow its extremely resonant experience onto the larger film world.

‘Le Coyote’ Review: No Sophomore Slump for Director Katherine Jerkovic [TIFF 2022]

Le Coyote does not make any large pronouncements on life, and the high stakes revolve only around a single family’s attempt to heal itself. It is a slice of life which countless people endure on a daily basis, and the film’s strengths come from its authenticity and unruffled style, making it one of the most poignant and emotionally genuine films of the year.