TIFF 2024: Harvest (With Movie Trailer)
If you’re looking for a film that mixes haunting visuals with deep, thought-provoking themes, Harvest is a standout pick at TIFF 2024. Directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, this period drama set in a remote English village explores the clash between tradition, greed, and fear of outsiders. Here’s why Harvest should be on your must-watch list.
What’s Harvest About?
Set in a small pre-industrial English village, Harvest follows Walter Thirsk (Caleb Landry Jones), a widower and outsider in a tight-knit farming community. The village’s peaceful, traditional way of life is suddenly threatened when an Enclosure bill turns their communal land into private property. Things get worse after a fire destroys the village stables, and two strangers are unfairly blamed for the incident.
As tensions rise, Edmund Jordan (Frank Dillane), a wealthy relative of the village’s leader, arrives to claim the land and strip away what the villagers have left. Fear, suspicion, and paranoia take over, pushing the community to its breaking point.
Why You’ll Love It
- Haunting Storytelling: Harvest is more than a period piece—it’s a powerful allegory about fear, greed, and the dangers of unchecked power. The film tackles themes that still resonate today, like the fear of outsiders and the consequences of capitalism.
- Stunning Cinematography: Shot on 16mm film, the visuals are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll feel fully immersed in the village’s natural beauty while also sensing the growing tension and unrest.
- Great Performances: Caleb Landry Jones delivers a standout performance as Walter, a man caught between two worlds. With strong support from Frank Dillane and Harry Melling, the cast brings depth and intensity to this complex story.
- Dark Humor with a Serious Message: While the film explores heavy themes, there’s also a touch of dark humor throughout. Tsangari knows how to balance tension with wit, making Harvest both gripping and surprisingly entertaining.
When Can You Watch Harvest at TIFF 2024?
- Friday, September 6 – 12:30 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Tuesday, September 10 – 6:00 pm at TIFF Lightbox
- Wednesday, September 11 – 1:00 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Friday, September 13 – 5:10 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Sunday, September 15 – 11:45 am at TIFF Lightbox
Why It’s Worth Watching
- A Director with Vision: Athina Rachel Tsangari has a knack for creating films that push boundaries and make you think. Harvest is no exception, offering a fresh perspective on historical drama with modern relevance.
- Relevant Themes: Even though the story is set centuries ago, its themes of greed, displacement, and fear of the “other” are incredibly timely.
- Captivating from Start to Finish: With its engaging plot, complex characters, and suspenseful tone, Harvest keeps you hooked for its entire 131 minutes.
Harvest is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking film that explores how greed and fear can tear a community apart. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and timely themes, this film is a must-see at TIFF 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this haunting and visually striking story—grab your tickets and immerse yourself in Harvest!
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