TOP 10 Most Anticipated Films at VIFF 2024 | Vancouver International Film Festival
VIFF 2024 | The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) stands as one of the most prestigious film festivals in North America, renowned for its diverse and high-quality programming that spans across genres and cultures. Established in 1982, VIFF has grown into a vital platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents, showcasing a blend of international blockbusters, indie gems, and thought-provoking documentaries. The festival has a strong reputation for its commitment to fostering cinematic innovation and celebrating storytelling that resonates on a global scale.
This year, VIFF continues to uphold its legacy by curating a selection of films that not only entertain but also inspire and challenge audiences. With a keen eye on global cinematic trends and a dedication to inclusivity, VIFF 2024 features an eclectic mix of narratives that highlight diverse voices and unique perspectives. The festival also emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that the magic of cinema is accessible to all attendees through various venues across Vancouver.
Here are ten of the most anticipated movies at the Vancouver International Film Festival
10. Bird
Director: Andrea Arnold
Cast: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams, Jasmine Jobson
Release Date: November 8th, 2024
What It’s About:
Bird is a coming-of-age drama set in the Thames estuary in Kent, focusing on 12-year-old Bailey, played by newcomer Nykiya Adams. Bailey lives in a squat with her chaotic father, Bug (played by Barry Keoghan), and her brother, as she navigates a difficult childhood filled with neglect and instability. Things change when she meets Bird, a mysterious outsider played by Franz Rogowski, who helps her find solace amidst her troubled home life. The film blends gritty realism with moments of magical realism, offering a tender exploration of childhood resilience, family dysfunction, and personal growth. Andrea Arnold, known for her previous works like American Honey, creates a compelling narrative that moves between harsh realities and fable-like storytelling, providing an emotional and visually captivating experience. | VIFF 2024
9. Saturday Night
Watch my Full Review of Saturday Night Above
Director: Jason Reitman
Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt
Release Date: October 11th, 2024
What It’s About:
Saturday Night is a biographical comedy-drama that captures the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) on October 11, 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film delves into the frantic preparations of the show’s producer, Lorne Michaels (played by Gabriel LaBelle), as he strives to assemble a talented yet untrained group of comedians under immense pressure. The narrative explores the personal and professional tensions among the cast and crew, highlighting their dedication, improvisation, and the unpredictable nature of live television. As deadlines loom, unexpected challenges arise, testing the resilience and camaraderie of everyone involved. Saturday Night not only pays homage to SNL’s enduring legacy but also provides a heartfelt glimpse into the early days of a cultural phenomenon that would shape American comedy for decades to come. | VIFF 2024
8. Presence
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang
Release Date: January 24th, 2025
What It’s About:
Presence is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the Payne family as they move into a new suburban home, only to discover they are not alone. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp, the film stars Lucy Liu as Rebecca Payne, a dedicated mother struggling to balance her career and family life. Julia Fox plays Jen, the enigmatic real estate agent who introduces the family to their unsettling new residence. Chris Sullivan portrays Chris Payne, Rebecca’s husband, who becomes increasingly anxious as unexplained phenomena begin to occur. Callina Liang takes on the role of Chloe Payne, their sensitive daughter who is the first to sense the mysterious presence in their home. Shot entirely in a first-person perspective, Presence immerses viewers in the family’s escalating fear and paranoia, expertly building suspense through innovative camera angles and atmospheric sound design. As the family’s trust in each other and their reality is tested, the film explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the supernatural. | VIFF 2024
7. The Piano Lesson
Director: Malcolm Washington
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Brooks, Michael Potts
Release Date: November 8th, 2024 (Theatrical), November 22nd, 2024 (Netflix)
What It’s About:
The Piano Lesson is a powerful drama that delves into the African American experience and family legacy in 1936 Pittsburgh. Directed by Malcolm Washington and adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the film stars Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker Charles, the wise patriarch striving to maintain family harmony. John David Washington portrays Boy Willie Charles, a determined brother intent on selling the family’s cherished piano to purchase ancestral land, igniting conflict with his sister Berniece (played by Danielle Brooks). Michael Potts joins the cast as Wining Boy Charles, adding depth to the family’s dynamic. The narrative explores themes of heritage, identity, and the struggle between preserving the past and embracing the future. As tensions rise over the piano’s fate, the family confronts their intertwined personal and historical traumas. The Piano Lesson masterfully combines strong performances with Malcolm Washington’s sensitive direction, offering a compelling portrayal of a family’s quest to honor their legacy while navigating their individual desires and conflicts. | VIFF 2024
6. Emilia Perez
Watch my Full Review of Emilia Perez Above
Director: Jacques Audiard
Cast: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz
Release Date: August 21st, 2024 (France)
What It’s About:
Emilia Pérez is an audacious blend of pop opera, narco thriller, and gender affirmation drama directed by Jacques Audiard. The film stars Zoe Saldaña as Rita Moro Castro, a brilliant Mexico City defense attorney known for her adept handling of high-profile criminal clients. Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a fearless performance as Emilia Pérez / Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, a notorious cartel leader undergoing a gender transition. Selena Gomez portrays Jessi Del Monte, Emilia’s wife, who grapples with the changes in her family dynamic, while Adriana Paz plays Epifanía, adding depth to the narrative. The story follows Rita as she becomes entangled in Emilia’s plan to fake her death, allowing Emilia to live authentically as her true self. This transformation sets off a cascade of events that force both women to confront their pasts and seek redemption. Emilia Pérez intertwines musical elements with intense dramatic moments, showcasing themes of identity, power, and the pursuit of personal freedom. | VIFF 2024
5. Conclave
Director: Edward Berger
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto
Release Date: October 25th, 2024
What It’s About:
Conclave is a gripping drama that unfolds within the sacred walls of the Vatican as Cardinals from around the globe gather to elect a new Pope following the unexpected death of their predecessor. Directed by Edward Berger, the film features Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the diligent dean overseeing the conclave. Stanley Tucci portrays Cardinal Bellini, a progressive candidate advocating for the Church’s modernization, while Sergio Castellitto takes on the role of Cardinal Tedesco, a reactionary figure resistant to change. John Lithgow plays Cardinal Tremblay, a seasoned politician whose strategic maneuvers add complexity to the election process. As the Cardinals seclude themselves from the outside world, underlying tensions, personal ambitions, and hidden secrets emerge, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance required to select the next spiritual leader. The film delves into themes of faith, power, and the intricate dynamics of political and religious influence, offering a compelling portrayal of the high-stakes environment within the conclave. | VIFF 2024
4. The End
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, George MacKay, Moses Ingram
Release Date: December 6th, 2024
What It’s About:
The End is an evocative apocalyptic musical that explores the lives of a wealthy family living in an underground bunker twenty years after environmental collapse has devastated the world. Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, the film stars Tilda Swinton as the controlling Mother, Michael Shannon as the detached Father, George MacKay as the naive Son, and Moses Ingram as the mysterious Girl who arrives unexpectedly. The family has meticulously maintained their isolated existence, clinging to their collection of priceless art and preserving a semblance of normalcy despite the desolate outside world. However, the arrival of Girl disrupts their carefully constructed facade, forcing each member to confront their denial and the guilt associated with their role in the catastrophe. Through a blend of dramatic tension and poignant musical sequences, The End delves into themes of guilt, survival, and the human capacity to rationalize and cope with catastrophic events. Oppenheimer utilizes claustrophobic settings and hauntingly beautiful musical numbers to create a narrative that questions whether the family can overcome their internal demons and adapt to their new reality. | VIFF 2024
3. Nightbitch
Director: Marielle Heller
Cast: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowdon, Emmett James Snowdon
Release Date: December 6th, 2024
What It’s About:
Nightbitch is a 2024 comedy horror film directed by Marielle Heller, starring Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mom struggling with the demands of motherhood. When her husband, played by Scoot McNairy, is often preoccupied with work, and her toddlers, portrayed by Arleigh Patrick Snowdon and Emmett James Snowdon, add to the chaos, Amy Adams finds herself overwhelmed and yearning for a break. As her isolation intensifies, she begins to experience strange occurrences that lead her to transform into a dog, symbolizing her internal struggle and desire for freedom. Nightbitch blends elements of magical realism with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of identity, maternal exhaustion, and personal empowerment. Directed by Marielle Heller, known for her insightful character-driven narratives, the film offers a unique and heartfelt look into the complexities of modern motherhood. | VIFF 2024
2. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Director: Mohammad Rasoulof
Cast: Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami, Setareh Maleki
Release Date: November 27th, 2024
What It’s About:
Set against the backdrop of the 2022 Iranian protests, The Seed of the Sacred Fig follows Iman (played by Misagh Zare), a middle-class lawyer working for the Iranian state. The film depicts Iman’s moral struggles as he is forced to sign death sentences for dissidents, leading to tensions in his family, particularly with his daughters, who hold more progressive political views. Directed by exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, the film portrays how personal and political turmoil are intertwined, making the family a microcosm of Iran’s authoritarian regime. As the story progresses, the family’s generational conflict escalates, reflecting the broader societal clash between a desire for freedom and the oppressive political system. With dramatic twists, the film explores paranoia, control, and rebellion, symbolizing the larger struggle for freedom in Iran. | VIFF 2024
1. Anora
Director: Sean Baker
Cast: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yuriy Borisov, Karren Karagulian
Release Date: October 18th, 2024
What It’s About:
Anora follows Ani, a 23-year-old Uzbek-American sex worker living in Brooklyn, as she unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The story quickly turns into a chaotic blend of screwball comedy and class commentary when the oligarch’s family tries to annul the marriage. Directed by Sean Baker, the film blends gritty realism with humor, exploring themes of survival, class disparity, and personal empowerment. Ani, portrayed by Mikey Madison, is a fiery and resilient character, navigating her way through the absurdity of her new life while battling the expectations of those around her. The film combines Baker’s signature humanist touch with sharp social critique, offering both heartbreak and moments of triumph as Ani fights to assert her independence. | VIFF 2024
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