Best Films from TIFF 2024 | Toronto International Film Festival
The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival has officially wrapped, and I’m excited to share my picks for the best films of the festival. This is a personal list, and while you may not agree with every choice, these films left a strong impact on me. I managed to see about 20 films at this year’s festival, but there were many more I missed, some of which may have made the list. Still, I want to run through my top five films and highlight a few that were particularly acclaimed.
Worth Mentioning
Before diving into the top five, I wanted to highlight a few critically acclaimed films I didn’t get a chance to see yet, but that are certainly worth mentioning.
Anora: Directed by Sean Baker, this film follows Mickey Madison as an exotic dancer and her complicated relationship with a Russian oligarch. Baker’s previous films, like Tangerine and The Florida Project, were outstanding, and Anora was one of the runners-up for the People’s Choice Award at TIFF. It will have a wide release on October 25.
The Brutalist: Directed by Brady Corbet, this 3-hour historical drama explores the life of a Holocaust survivor chasing the American Dream. It’s one of the most talked-about films within the critic circles, but I couldn’t catch it due to its runtime. Expect this one in early 2025.
The Wild Robot: An animated crowd-pleaser voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, this film follows a robot, Ra, in a post-apocalyptic world, as it learns to communicate with animals. The animation is reportedly gorgeous, and it’s shaping up to be a strong contender for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. It releases on September 27.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig: From Mohammad Rasoulof, this powerful film portrays the Iranian government’s authoritarian response to protests. The filmmaker fled Iran after being sentenced to eight years in prison for making this film, which blends fiction with real protest footage. It’s set for a global release later this year.
Will and Harper: A Netflix documentary following Will Ferrell and his friend Harper Steele on a road trip across the country after Harper’s transition. The film blends drama and comedy, offering a powerful portrayal of friendship. It will be available on Netflix at the end of the month.
5. Nightbitch
Marielle Heller directs this adaptation of Rachel Yoder‘s novel, and it’s a wild ride. I had the privilege of attending the world premiere and sitting close to the stage for an engaging Q&A with the cast. Amy Adams shines in a transformative role, literally turning into a dog in the film, which serves as a metaphor for motherhood and its silent, often unspoken female rage. The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of being a mother, blending humor and horror. While it isn’t a perfect film—the second act drags a bit—it’s incredibly unique and definitely worth watching.
4. Eden
One of Ron Howard‘s best films in recent years, Eden is driven by a star-studded cast. Anna de Armas is especially captivating as the baroness, a larger-than-life character. Based on the true story of people trying to create their version of Eden in the Galapagos, the film explores conflict, survival, and egos clashing against the backdrop of a utopia gone wrong. The performances from Jude Law, Sydney Sweeney, and Vanessa Kirby are top-notch, with Kirby delivering so much through subtle shifts in her expression. It’s an engaging story that, despite its bizarre plot, is based on true events.
3. Heretic
The most surprising film for me at TIFF, Heretic is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writers of A Quiet Place. Though their directorial efforts have been hit or miss (65 was a disaster), Heretic turned out to be an absolute gem. Hugh Grant stars in an unusual role for him, and he hasn’t been this good in a horror film since The Lair of the White Worm in 1988. The film also stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, both of whom grew up in the Mormon church, lending authenticity to their roles as young missionaries. The film is wildly hilarious and visually inventive, challenging preconceived notions about faith and religion.
2. The Substance
One of the most anticipated films out of Cannes, The Substance comes from director Coralie Fargeat, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. It’s a feminist take on the body horror genre, subverting the usual tropes and framing them through a female-centric lens. More than anything, it’s a portrait of self-hatred, forcing us to reflect on the ways we criticize and diminish ourselves. Dennis Quaid delivers a hilariously grotesque performance as Harvey, a network executive, with fisheye lenses and distorted close-ups accentuating his character’s repulsiveness. One unforgettable scene involves Quaid eating shrimp, and I can safely say that image will stay with me for a long time.
1. Queer
My number one pick of the festival is Queer from Luca Guadagnino, and while it may not be everyone’s top choice, it worked exceptionally well for me. It’s not just an adaptation of William S. Burroughs‘ novel Queer; it’s a continuation of his life and struggles. Daniel Craig plays Lee, whose desire is visually represented through surreal, translucent imagery. There’s a brilliant psychedelic sequence in the third act, where Craig’s character embarks on a journey for ayahuasca. The film uses metaphysical, translucent visuals to show Lee reaching out for Allerton (played by Drew Starkey) without actually moving—an expression of desire that feels both haunting and poetic. It’s not a straightforward love story; it’s a deep exploration of pain, desire, and Burroughs’ inability to reconcile with his emotions. If you’re not a fan of surrealism, the third act might lose you, but for me, that’s where the film truly shines.
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