The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has long been a beacon of cinematic excellence, drawing filmmakers, stars, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe to its vibrant screens. Since its inception in 1976 as the Toronto Festival of Festivals, TIFF has evolved into one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, known for its eclectic mix of films, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to indie gems and international masterpieces.
Every September, Toronto becomes the epicentre of the film industry, where the year’s most anticipated films are unveiled, and careers are catapulted onto the global stage. With TIFF 2024 now behind us, it’s time to look back at the standout films, moments, and trends that made this year’s festival one of the greatest in its illustrious history.
Legacy of Excellence: TIFF’s Evolution
TIFF’s journey from its modest beginnings to becoming one of the “Big Four” film festivals is a story of relentless ambition and cultural impact. Founded by Bill Marshall, Dusty Cohl, and Henk Van der Kolk in 1976, the festival was initially conceived as a showcase for the best films from around the world.
Over the decades, TIFF has expanded its scope, adding numerous initiatives like TIFF Cinematheque, the Film Reference Library, and the TIFF Kids International Film Festival, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the global cinematic landscape.
In 2010, TIFF cemented its status as a year-round institution with the opening of TIFF Bell Lightbox, a hub dedicated to film appreciation, education, and exhibition. The festival’s evolution also saw it become a key player in the awards season, often being the launchpad for films that go on to Oscar glory.
TIFF’s growth reflects its commitment to embracing both the commercial and artistic sides of cinema, making it a vital part of Toronto’s cultural fabric and an unmissable event on the international film calendar.
Highly Anticipated Films
TIFF 2024 brought a slate of highly anticipated films that had audiences buzzing with excitement. Here are some of the most talked-about movies that lived up to the hype:
Saturday Night
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O’Donoghue, and Gilda Radner, with host George Carlin.
Synopsis: “Saturday Night” takes us behind the scenes of the chaotic lead-up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Directed by Canadian filmmaker Jason Reitman, the film captures the energy and excitement of the iconic sketch comedy show’s debut. With a stellar cast portraying SNL’s original lineup, including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Gilda Radner, “Saturday Night” is a perfect blend of comedy and nostalgia.
Why It’s Highly Anticipated: The combination of Reitman’s directorial prowess and the beloved SNL brand made “Saturday Night” one of the most anticipated films at TIFF 2024.
Megalopolis
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight
Synopsis: “Megalopolis” is a futuristic drama that follows city planner Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) as he develops a revolutionary building material called magalon. Set in New Rome, the film explores the tensions between innovation and tradition, as well as the personal struggles of its characters.
Why It’s Highly Anticipated: Francis Ford Coppola’s return to the director’s chair generated significant buzz, and the controversial use of AI-generated quotes in the film’s trailer only heightened the intrigue.
Emilia Pérez
Director: Jacques Audiard
Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón
Synopsis: In “Emilia Pérez,” defence attorney Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldaña) finds herself entangled in the world of a powerful cartel kingpin, Manitas Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón), who seeks her assistance for gender confirmation surgery and reconnecting with their wife, Jessi (Selena Gomez).
Why It’s Highly Anticipated: Jacques Audiard’s unique storytelling and the film’s exploration of complex themes such as identity, power, and relationships made “Emilia Pérez” a highly anticipated entry at TIFF 2024.
Queer
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman
Synopsis: Based on the novel by William S. Burroughs, “Queer” is set in 1940s Mexico and follows Lee (Daniel Craig) as he navigates the expatriate community and becomes infatuated with Allerton (Drew Starkey).
Awards and Accolades: “Queer” received critical acclaim for its adaptation of Burroughs’ novel and Guadagnino’s distinctive style.
Why It’s a Must-See: Luca Guadagnino’s previous works, such as “Call Me by Your Name” and “Suspiria,” have established him as a visionary director.
Anora
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Mikey Madison, Paul Weissman, Lindsey Normington, Emily Weider, Luna Sofía, Vincent Radwinsky,
Synopsis: “Anora,” tells the story of Anora “Ani,” a sex worker from Brooklyn who finds herself in a complicated romance with a wealthy Russian boy. Their relationship is threatened by his powerful family, leading to a gripping narrative that explores love, class, and the struggles of marginalized individuals.
Awards and Accolades: “Anora” won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, cementing its status as a critical darling.
Why It’s a Must-See: The Palme d’Or is one of the most coveted awards in cinema, and “Anora” earned it with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances.
The Substance
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Hugo Diego Garcia
Synopsis: “The Substance” delves into the world of Hollywood and the pressures of aging in the industry. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a fading Hollywood actor, resorts to a black market drug to create a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) in a desperate bid to stay relevant.
Awards and Accolades: The film won Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting its strong writing and thought-provoking themes.
Why It’s a Must-See: With its timely exploration of ageism in Hollywood and the moral dilemmas of the entertainment industry, “The Substance” resonated with critics and audiences.
Nutcrackers
Director: David Gordon Green
Cast: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson
Synopsis: “Nutcrackers” tells the heartwarming story of Michael (Ben Stiller), a Chicago real estate developer who suddenly finds himself responsible for his sister’s four boys after a tragic accident. As he navigates the challenges of parenthood, Michael learns valuable lessons about family and love.
Why It’s Notable: David Gordon Green’s unique blend of comedy and drama, coupled with Ben Stiller’s charismatic performance, made “Nutcrackers” a standout premiere at TIFF.
The Last Showgirl
Director: Gia Coppola
Cast: Pamela Anderson, Dave Bautista, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd
Synopsis: “The Last Showgirl” follows Shelley (Pamela Anderson), a Las Vegas showgirl who has dedicated 30 years of her life to the stage. When the show is abruptly cancelled, Shelley and her fellow performers must confront the reality of life after show business.
Why It’s Notable: Gia Coppola’s star-studded ensemble cast and her exploration of the lives of aging performers made “The Last Showgirl” a poignant and memorable premiere.
Nightbitch
Director: Marielle Heller
Cast: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowden, Emmett James Snowden, Zoe Chao, Mary Holland
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, “Nightbitch” tells the story of Mother (Amy Adams), an exhausted stay-at-home mom who begins to exhibit strange, canine-like behaviours as she grapples with the challenges of motherhood and her husband’s frequent absences.
Why It’s Notable: Marielle Heller’s unique take on motherhood and Amy Adams’ powerful performance made “Nightbitch” a standout premiere at TIFF.
We Live in Time
Director: John Crowley
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, Adam James, Marama Corlett, Aoife Hinds
Synopsis: “We Live in Time” chronicles the love story of Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield), from their first encounter to the life-altering medical diagnosis that challenges their relationship.
Why It’s Notable: John Crowley’s emotional drama and the exceptional performances by Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield made “We Live in Time” a must-see premiere at TIFF.
Documentaries and True Stories
TIFF 2024 featured a compelling lineup of documentaries and true stories that shed light on fascinating subjects and real-life events.
Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara
Director: Erin Lee Carr
Subject: Canadian music artists Tegan and Sara Quin
Synopsis: “Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara” delves into the complicated impacts of fame, as experienced by the musical duo Tegan and Sara. The documentary focuses on a catfishing scheme that targeted Tegan, exploring the consequences of online deception and the darker side of celebrity culture.
Why It’s Notable: Erin Lee Carr’s insightful direction made this documentary a gripping exploration of fame, identity, and the digital age.
Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe
Director: Cosima Spender
Subject: Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli
Synopsis: “Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe” takes viewers on a journey through the life and career of the renowned Italian singer. Using interviews, archival performance footage, and personal moments, the documentary provides an intimate look at Bocelli’s 30-year career and his impact on the world of music.
Why It’s Notable: Cosima Spender’s film offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most beloved singers of our time.
The Fire Inside
Director: Rachel Morrison
Subject: Boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields
Synopsis: “The Fire Inside” tells the inspiring true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing and the first American boxer to win consecutive Olympic medals. The film follows Shields from her early days as a young boxer to her rise as a champion.
Why It’s Notable: Rachel Morrison’s directorial debut is a powerful and uplifting story of determination and triumph.
Vice Is Broke
Director: Eddie Huang
Subject: The rise and fall of Vice Media
Synopsis: “Vice Is Broke” is a documentary that investigates the rise and fall of the Montreal-based media company Vice. Through interviews with Vice alumni and an evaluation of the media moguls who invested in the company, the film explores the company’s attempts to tap into the youth market and its eventual downfall.
Why It’s Notable: Eddie Huang’s documentary provides a fascinating and critical look at the inner workings of a media empire. The film offers insights into the challenges faced by modern media companies and the consequences of chasing trends and youth culture.
Superboys of Malegaon
Director: Reema Kagti
Subject: Filmmaker Nasir Shaikh and his hometown of Malegaon
Synopsis: “Superboys of Malegaon” is a heartwarming film that tells the true story of Nasir Shaikh, a filmmaker from the small town of Malegaon in India. Shaikh brings together a group of locals to make a film, showcasing the power of community and creativity.
Why It’s Notable: Reema Kagti’s film is a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of cinema.
Hidden Gems and Surprise Hits
Beyond the highly anticipated films and notable premieres, TIFF 2024 also provided a platform for hidden gems and surprise hits that captivated audiences with their unique stories and exceptional filmmaking.
40 Acres
Director: R.T. Thorne
Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O’Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas
Synopsis: Set in a post-apocalyptic future, “40 Acres” follows Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler), who lives on a generational farm with her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) to protect their family. Their peaceful existence is threatened when Hailey’s eldest child, Emanuel (Kataem O’Connor), meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas), putting the family in jeopardy.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: R.T. Thorne’s film offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending elements of family drama with a compelling narrative about survival and trust.
Riff Raff
Director: Dito Montiel
Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Pete Davidson, Bill Murray
Synopsis: “Riff Raff” is a crime comedy that follows Vince (Ed Harris), a former criminal who has turned his life around after falling in love with Sandy (Gabrielle Union). Their plans for a peaceful New Year’s Eve are disrupted when Vince’s son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) shows up unannounced with his girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), leading to a chaotic reunion.
Why It’s a Surprise Hit: Dito Montiel’s star-studded ensemble cast delivers a hilarious and entertaining film that blends comedy with crime drama.
Bonjour Tristesse
Director: Durga Chew-Bose
Cast: Lily McInerny, Claes Bang, Chloë Sevigny
Synopsis: Based on Françoise Sagan’s novel, “Bonjour Tristesse” tells the story of Cécile (Lily McInerny), who is on a French seaside vacation with her father Raymond (Claes Bang). Their relaxing getaway is disrupted when Anne (Chloë Sevigny), a friend of Cécile’s late mother, arrives, causing tension and complications.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Durga Chew-Bose’s adaptation of the classic novel offers a fresh and nuanced exploration of family dynamics and coming-of-age themes.
Babygirl
Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas
Synopsis: “Babygirl” follows Romy (Nicole Kidman), an executive who starts cheating on her husband (Antonio Banderas) with an intern at her company, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Their sexual relationship creates complicated power dynamics and tensions, leading to a gripping exploration of desire, power, and consequences.
Why It’s a Surprise Hit: Halina Reijn’s film offers a provocative and thought-provoking examination of workplace relationships and the complexities of power dynamics. Nicole Kidman’s powerful performance adds depth and nuance to the story.
The Assessment
Director: Fleur Fortuné
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, Minnie Driver
Synopsis: Set in the near future, “The Assessment” explores a world where parenting is controlled due to concerns about overpopulation. Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel) are nervous about their application to be parents, having to go through a seven-day assessment that causes tension and challenges for the couple.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Fleur Fortuné’s film offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the future of parenting and the ethical dilemmas surrounding overpopulation.
Wrapping Up
The Toronto International Film Festival 2024 was a celebration of cinema in all its forms, from highly anticipated films and award winners to hidden gems and thought-provoking documentaries.
TIFF 2024 showcased the diversity and depth of contemporary cinema, offering audiences a rich and varied selection of films that entertained, inspired, and challenged. Now, we are left with a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, impressive films, and important conversations that will continue to shape the future of cinema.