25+ Must-See Movies at TIFF 2024
Every year, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) rolls into town, turning Canada into the epicenter of Hollywood glamour. For 11 glorious days, the world’s most celebrated filmmakers and actors grace our screens, showcasing exceptional talent and reminding us that Canada has a rightful place in the global film industry. Let’s dive into the must-see movies at the TIFF 2024 generating the biggest buzz and prepare for an unforgettable movie marathon.
1. Nightbitch (Special Presentations)
Amy Adams stars as a stay-at-home mom who’s literally turning into a dog. This darkly humorous film explores motherhood and societal pressures with a bite, leaving you questioning everything.
2. Babygirl (Special Presentations)
Nicole Kidman heats up the screen as an executive caught in a steamy affair with an intern. This erotic thriller delves into power dynamics and the complexities of desire, with Harris Dickinson adding his morally ambiguous charm to the mix.
3. We Live in Time (Special Presentations)
Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield deliver heart-wrenching performances as a couple facing a life-altering diagnosis. Brace yourself for tears, tissues, and maybe a cathartic sob or two.
4. The Last Showgirl (Special Presentations)
Pamela Anderson returns to the spotlight in this intimate portrayal of a Las Vegas showgirl facing an uncertain future. Expect a heartfelt exploration of aging and resilience.
5. Queer (Special Presentations)
Luca Guadagnino is back with a “hallucinogenic odyssey” starring Daniel Craig as a lonely expat seeking a spiritual awakening in the Amazon. This promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
6. Emilia Pérez (Special Presentations)
Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Zoe Saldaña star in this Spanish-language musical comedy-drama about a defense attorney entangled in a gender affirmation journey and a drug cartel escape plan.
7. Saturday Night (Special Presentations)
Ever wondered what the first Saturday Night Live broadcast was like? Jason Reitman takes us behind the scenes of that chaotic night, with a star-studded cast bringing the iconic comedy show to life.
8. Anora (Special Presentations)
This Palme d’Or winner tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for a wealthy young man. Prepare for a modern-day Romeo and Juliet with a raw and honest edge.
9. Without Blood (Special Presentations)
Salma Hayek Pinault stars in Angelina Jolie’s directorial effort about a young woman seeking revenge. This psychological thriller promises to be a tense and emotionally charged journey.
10. Heretic (Special Presentations)
Hugh Grant stars in this chilling horror film about two missionaries whose encounter with a seemingly harmless man takes a sinister turn. Prepare to be spooked!
11. Shell (Special Presentations)
Elisabeth Moss transforms into an actress obsessed with youth in this thriller that exposes the dark side of the beauty industry. Kate Hudson and Kaia Gerber join the cast in this thought-provoking exploration of vanity.
12. The Deb (Gala Presentations)
Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut follows two mismatched cousins navigating the complexities of adolescence in an Outback town. Expect coming-of-age laughs, tears, and heartfelt moments.
13. Saturday Night (Special Presentations)
Jason Reitman’s film takes us behind the scenes of the chaotic first episode of Saturday Night Live. With a star-studded cast playing iconic roles, this promises to be a comedic rollercoaster.
14. The Substance (Midnight Madness)
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star in this thriller about an aging actress who uses a black market drug to create a younger version of herself. Expect twists, turns, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity.
15. Megalopolis (Gala Presentations)
Francis Ford Coppola’s epic film about a city planner’s vision for a utopian future is already generating buzz. Adam Driver leads an all-star cast in this visually stunning and ambitious project.
16. Nutcrackers (Gala Presentations)
Ben Stiller stars as a real estate developer who suddenly becomes responsible for his four nephews. This heartwarming comedy is sure to deliver laughs and heartwarming moments.
17. Bonjour Tristesse (Discovery)
Chloë Sevigny stars in this adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s novel about a young woman’s summer vacation with her father, disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious woman from her past.
18. Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara (Centrepiece)
This documentary explores the dark side of fame through the story of a catfishing scheme that targeted Tegan Quin of the Canadian music duo Tegan and Sara.
19. The Fire Inside (Special Presentations) (TIFF Next Wave Selects)
Rachel Morrison’s directorial debut tells the inspiring true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
20. Superboys of Malegaon (Gala Presentations)
This film follows the inspiring true story of a group of friends in India who come together to make a superhero film. Expect heart, humor, and a celebration of the power of dreams.
21. Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe (Gala Presentations)
This documentary offers an intimate look at the life and career of the legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
22. K-Pops (Special Presentations)
Anderson .Paak directs and stars in this heartwarming comedy about a drummer who travels to South Korea and reconnects with a son he never knew he had.
23. On Swift Horses (Special Presentations)
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi star in this period drama about a young woman who discovers a passion for gambling and unexpected love.
24. Vice Is Broke (TIFF Docs)
This documentary investigates the rise and fall of the controversial media company Vice, featuring interviews with former employees and insights into the media landscape.
25. The Luckiest Man in America (Special Presentations)
Paul Walter Hauser stars in this true story about an unemployed ice cream truck driver who goes on a winning streak on the game show Press Your Luck.
26. The Assessment (Special Presentations)
Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel star in this near-future thriller about a couple undergoing a rigorous assessment to become parents.
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