We’re nearing the halfway point of summer, which means that the fall film festival season is just around the corner. The Toronto International Film Festival announced a big bulk of films that will be screening at this year’s edition of the fest. While there is still plenty of room for more films to be announced and surprises to come, and the festival being just over 2 weeks away, we felt it was the right time to share the list of our most anticipated films in the lineup so far as a guide for festival goers looking for where to start.
All We Imagine As Light (Special Presentations)
India’s first competitive submission to the Cannes Film Festival since 1994 has spotlighted the strength of the nation’s burgeoning independent film scene, often overshadowed by the towering Bollywood industry. All We Imagine as Light tells the story of two nurses in troubled relationships who leave the bustling metropolis of Mumbai for a road trip to a small seaside town. There, they stumble upon a mythical forest that becomes a space where their dreams begin to manifest. Widely regarded as one of the standout films at Cannes this year, All We Imagine as Light was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix, the festival’s second-highest honor after the Palme d’Or. With an impressive Metacritic score of 93, the film is emerging as a potential frontrunner for Best International Feature Oscar, which would mark a historic first win for India in this category.
Anora (Special Presentations)
Sean Baker is one of the most daring and passionate voices in American independent cinema. A beloved figure in the online film community, Baker is celebrated not just for his fearless storytelling but also for his unwavering support of independent filmmaking. Despite a string of remarkable films that have mostly been overlooked by the Oscars (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket), Baker now appears poised to have a major awards contender on his hands. His latest and most ambitious project, Anora, sees him collaborating with rising star Mikey Madison to tell the story of a 23-year-old stripper in New York who becomes embroiled in intense family drama after agreeing to a green card marriage with the heir to a powerful Russian dynasty. Anora has garnered unanimous praise, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes—a distinction that has recently been a strong predictor of awards season success, especially under the distribution of NEON. Not only is Anora a critical darling, but it also is apparently a rousing crowd-pleaser, making TIFF the perfect festival to kick off its awards season campaign.
Babygirl (Special Presentations)
Halina Reijn made a splash with her star-studded English-language debut, Bodies Bodies Bodies, a fresh, Gen-Z-inspired take on the slasher genre. Refusing to be pigeon-held, Reijn is now exploring new territory with her latest film, a workplace-set erotic thriller titled Babygirl. Nicole Kidman stars as a high-powered CEO who embarks on an affair with a much younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson, while married to a theater director, portrayed by Antonio Banderas. Babygirl, distributed by A24, is poised to spark controversy with its explicit exploration of power dynamics in workplace relationships. Set to premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival, its two leads are already generating buzz for potential awards consideration.
Conclave (Special Presentations)
German filmmaker Edward Berger soared onto the world stage two years ago when his German-language adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, which premiered at TIFF to rave reviews and went on to win four Oscars. Now, Berger is set to return to TIFF with his highly anticipated English-language follow-up, Conclave. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as an idealistic cardinal tasked with selecting the successor of the deceased Pope, only to uncover deep-seated secrets and corruption within the Vatican. Conclave is already generating buzz as a major awards contender, featuring a stellar cast of veteran actors, including Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini—all of whom are long overdue for Oscar nominations or wins. If the trailer is any indication, it promises to be a gripping and meticulously crafted thriller, with outstanding performances and cinematography.
Emilia Pérez (Special Presentations)
Jacques Audiard’s star-studded Spanish-language musical Emilia Perez quickly entered the awards conversation after Netflix acquired it following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Zoe Saldana as a disillusioned lawyer who is tasked with helping a fugitive Mexican cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón), undergoing sex reassignment surgery, evade capture and finally live as her true self, away from a life of crime. Although Emilia Perez received somewhat mixed reactions from critics—much like the divisive response to 2022’s Palme d’Or winner, Triangle of Sadness—it still won major prizes at Cannes, including a shared award for its three lead actors. Similar to Triangle of Sadness, Emilia Perez is said to be a crowd-pleaser and is expected to resonate well at an audience-driven festival like TIFF.
Hard Truths (Special Presentations)
Legendary British auteur Mike Leigh is making his return to TIFF with the world premiere of his highly anticipated reunion with Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Stepping away from his recent focus on period pieces, Leigh is returning to familiar territory by directing a contemporary drama. While plot details remain under wraps since the film recently completed production, it has been described as a family drama delving into the complexities of human relationships—very much in line with Leigh’s most celebrated work. Hard Truths has the potential to rejuvenate Leigh’s career after the disappointment of Peterloo and could even earn Jean-Baptiste a second Oscar nomination.
Heretic (Special Presentations)
Horror films rarely get recognition at TIFF outside of the Midnight Madness section, so when one appears in the Special Presentations or Gala Presentations lineup, it’s something special. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ Heretic stars Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher as two Mormon missionaries who find themselves caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they try to convert the seemingly sweet but diabolical Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant. Trapped in his labyrinthine home, they must rely on their faith to survive. Once known as the charming lead in high-profile romcoms, Grant has recently embraced more antagonistic roles that showcase his range as an actor. Grant appears to be having a blast in this role, making it a film that will likely be a thrilling experience to watch with a TIFF audience.
Megalopolis (Gala Presentation)
Francis Ford Coppola stands as the patriarch of one of cinema’s most illustrious families. Though his filmography may be uneven in quality, there’s no denying that Coppola is among the greatest filmmakers of all time, responsible for some of the most revered films in history, including The Godfather series and Apocalypse Now. Following a series of commercial and critical failures, Coppola took an extended hiatus, leading many to speculate that he had unofficially retired from filmmaking. However, over the past few years, he has been quietly developing his ambitious sci-fi drama, Megalopolis. Unable to secure studio backing for a project of this scale, Coppola funded the film himself. When Megalopolis premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, it left audiences baffled. Some have labelled it one of the worst and most unintentionally amusing films in recent memory, while others have praised Coppola for taking a huge swing. Regardless, Megalopolis is a must-see at the festival, if only to participate in the discourse surrounding it
Nightbitch (Special Presentations)
Marielle Heller quickly made a name for herself as a fresh and exciting directorial voice with films like Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), both of which premiered at TIFF. Her highly anticipated follow-up, Nightbitch, will have its world premiere at the festival. Based on the acclaimed novel by Rachel Yoder, the film stars Amy Adams as a woman who pauses her career to become a stay-at-home mom, only to find her domestic life driving her to the brink of madness as she begins to take on dog-like characteristics. Nightbitch marks a significant departure from Heller’s previous work, venturing into much weirder territory. With Adams’ recent career struggles, this film presents a promising opportunity for her to return to form and will hopefully provide her a role that she can really sink her teeth into.
Pedro Páramo (Platform)
Rodrigo Prieto, one of the most accomplished cinematographers working today, recently had a major year, having worked on two of the biggest films of 2023 – Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Now, Prieto is stepping into the director’s chair with his debut film, Pedro Páramo, which will compete in the Platform section at TIFF. Set in a seemingly abandoned Mexican town where the past and present intriguingly coexist, this Spanish-language drama explores themes of desire, corruption, and inheritance. If there’s one thing certain, Pedro Páramo promises to be a stunning visual spectacle.
Piece By Piece (Special Presentations)
Morgan Neville is undeniably one of the most talented documentarians working today. In an era where many biographical documentaries feel formulaic, Neville has a gift for creating deeply moving portraits of influential pop culture figures. His latest film, Piece By Piece, is his most ambitious and unconventional project to date. The documentary chronicles the illustrious career of producer and artist Pharrell Williams—told entirely through LEGO animation. Piece By Piece boasts an impressive voice cast of artists who have worked closely with Pharrell, including Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani, among others, many of which will likely show up for the world premiere at the festival. While the concept might initially seem puzzling, the sheer talent involved makes it hard not to be intrigued by this unique interpretation of Pharrell’s life and career.
Presence (Centerpiece)
Despite his high-profile status as a filmmaker, Steven Soderbergh chose to screen his latest film in the Centerpiece section rather than Special Presentations or Galas. However, this decision shouldn’t cause the film to go unnoticed, especially given the strong reviews it received at Sundance. Presence follows a family that moves into a suburban home only to become convinced that a supernatural force has infiltrated the house, taking a particular interest in the couple’s daughter. In a lineup featuring several promising horror-adjacent films beyond the Midnight Madness section, Presence stands out as a must-see for horror enthusiasts.
Queer (Special Presentations)
Luca Guadagnino is enjoying a standout year, with his cheeky tennis melodrama Challengers not only earning widespread critical acclaim, but also becoming one of the biggest hits of the year. And he’s not slowing down—Guadagnino is already adding another film to his impressive filmography with Queer. Adapted from William S. Burroughs’ novel of the same name, Queer stars Daniel Craig as a wandering traveler who, after fleeing a drug bust in New Orleans, relocates to Mexico City and becomes infatuated with a younger man (Drew Starkey). Craig is a respected A-lister who has never had the chance to fully showcase his dramatic range—until now.
Saturday Night (Special Presentations)
A strong contender for this year’s People’s Choice Award is Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night, a film that chronicles the frantic hours leading up to the first broadcast of the legendary late-night comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live. The show has become a staple of New York City and has launched the careers of some of the most iconic comedic actors, including Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Will Ferrell, and Tina Fey. The film is expected to unfold in real time as young Lorne Michaels (Gabrielle LaBelle) scrambles to pull together a 90-minute broadcast that seems destined for failure. The ensemble cast is packed with talent, featuring both rising stars and Hollywood legends, including LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cooper Hoffman, Dylan O’Brien, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Braun, Jon Batiste, Willem Dafoe, and J.K. Simmons.
The Brutalist (Special Presentations)
One of the most unexpected late additions to this year’s TIFF lineup is Brady Corbet’s 3.5-hour epic, The Brutalist. Already rumored to be a masterpiece and a strong contender for the Golden Lion at Venice, The Brutalist is a sweeping, multi-decade chronicle of a Holocaust survivor (Adrien Brody) who escapes Europe to pursue the American Dream in the United States. The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn, and Guy Pearce. If Corbet’s previous film, Vox Lux, is any indication, The Brutalist promises to be a bold and challenging work that could solidify Corbet’s status as one of the great auteurs of his generation.
The End (Special Presentations)
TIFF’s lineup this year features several unconventional musicals, with perhaps the most exciting being The End, the feature directorial debut of documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer. Although transitioning from documentary to feature filmmaking can often result in failure, Oppenheimer’s acclaimed works, The Act of Killing and The Look of Silence, are notably more ambitious and cinematic than typical documentaries, suggesting his style would lend itself well to feature filmmaking. The End stars Tilda Swinton and George MacKay and tells the story of a wealthy family who, having contributed to the world’s apocalyptic state, now live securely in a luxurious bunker in a remote mountain range two decades later. The film is expected to be a visually striking cinematic achievement and a poignant commentary on global wealth disparity.
The Life of Chuck (Special Presentations)
Popular horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan has lent his talents to faithfully adapt a Stephen King novel in the past, with Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep. Now, Flanagan is venturing outside the realm of horror to adapt one of King’s acclaimed novellas. While there are plenty of great horror films adapted from King novels, it’s widely agreed that the best adaptations of his work come from his non-horror novellas, which spawned classics such as Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption. The Life of Chuck is being described as a life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, played by Tom Hiddleston. The film boasts an incredible supporting cast including Mark Hammill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillen, and Jacob Tremblay. Considering the popularity of Mike Flanagan among cinephiles and horror buffs alike, the film will likely be one of the hottest tickets at TIFF this year.
The Piano Lesson (Special Presentations)
The Piano Lesson marks the third adaptation of an August Wilson play produced by Denzel Washington. Following the success of Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom—both of which were major Oscar contenders, particularly in the acting categories—The Piano Lesson is poised for a similar awards season trajectory. The film features a powerhouse cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, and John David Washington. Notably, it also serves as the directorial debut of Denzel Washington’s youngest son, Malcolm Washington. Set in the aftermath of The Great Depression, The Piano Lesson is a drama that delves into the lives of the Charles family within the confines of their home. Samuel L. Jackson, who received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of this character on Broadway, is generating considerable buzz as he reprises the role on screen.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Centerpiece)
One of the most talked-about stories at this year’s Cannes Film Festival was The Seed of the Sacred Fig, a politically charged film that criticizes the Iranian government. The film’s director, Mohammad Rasoulof, fled Iran after being accused of treason and sentenced to eight years in prison. There was widespread uncertainty over whether Rasoulof would manage to escape to France and attend the film’s premiere. On the day of the screening, his arrival at Cannes was met with a standing ovation from the audience. The film follows Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, as he navigates growing mistrust and paranoia amid escalating political protests and the mysterious disappearance of his gun. Although Iran is unlikely to submit the film for Best International Feature, The Seed of the Sacred Fig is expected to be one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.
The Substance (Midnight Madness)
One of the most talked-about films at Cannes this year was Coralie Fargeat’s long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed debut, the politically charged action film Revenge. Her new film, The Substance, stars Demi Moore as Elizabeth Sparkle, aerobics show star who is fired on her 50th birthday due to her age and replaced by a younger woman. At her lowest point, she receives a mysterious package containing a substance that promises to transform her into the “best version of herself”—younger, more beautiful, and more perfect. The film also features Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid in supporting roles. The Substance has been hailed as one of the most disturbing and stomach-churning body horror films in recent years, drawing comparisons to the 2021 Palme d’Or winner Titane. With a runtime of 140 minutes, it will be one of the longest films ever featured in the Midnight Madness section, offering a stark commentary on Hollywood’s treatment of actresses once they hit a certain age.
The Wild Robot (Gala Presentations)
Chris Sanders, known for The Croods and How to Train Your Dragon, is reuniting with DreamWorks to direct a film adaptation of the popular children’s book series The Wild Robot. Lupita Nyong’o lends her voice to Roz, a futuristic robot who is shipwrecked on an island and must adapt to the harsh environment. As she learns to survive, Roz builds relationships with the island’s animals and becomes the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling. The trailer showcases stunning and unique animation, promising a heartwarming story that will resonate with both children and adults. Animation fans are particularly excited, anticipating that this film could be one of DreamWorks’ crowning achievements and a frontrunner for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
We Live in Time (Special Presentations)
TIFF is set to host the world premiere of John Crowley’s latest film, We Live in Time, an epic romance starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film follows Almut and Tobias, whose lives are forever changed by a chance encounter that leads to a love story challenged by the constraints of time. As they navigate their romance, they learn to cherish every fleeting moment together. We Live in Time is the kind of A-list dramatic romance that audiences have been longing for. While it may not resonate with more cynical viewers, it’s likely to make many swoon and shed a tear.
The 49th Toronto International Film Festival runs from Thursday, September 5th to Sunday, September 15th
still courtesy of Sony Pictures
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