We’re one more sleep till TIFF ’22 begins and per tradition, we’re on it! So amazing seeing a couple names in-town already for the Festival already, despite their Films not yet premiering for a couple days.

NOÉMIE MERLANT

We’re actually really excited about this sighting! Merlant got her big breakthrough in 2019’s PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, which went on to win huge accolades. The French Actress who has been nominated twice for a César Award now stars in BABY RUBY at TIFF ’22 which is about an Vlogger/Influencer whose world unravels after she becomes a mother. Kit Harington also stars and the Film premieres Friday night. She’s just so lovely!

GLEN POWELL

This certainly isn’t GLEN POWELL‘S first TIFF but he’s back and riding the smash success of this Summer’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK in which he stars as Hangman. He can be see at TIFF ’22 in DEVOTION, which is getting some buzz, starring alongside Jonathan Majors. The Film which centers on the U.S. Navy’s first Aviator, his Wingman and the racism they encountered, premieres Monday at Cinesphere. Always a class act and couldn’t be more thrilled for his success!

Others we can confirm, arriving in the City tonight include Anna Kendrick, Yvonne Strahovski and Amy Redford.

We can’t wait to share more over these next few days as TIFF ’22 picks-up momentum!

Bookmark here for the latest Snaps and Reviews coming out of the Festival!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Premiering at TIFF ’22, Jessica Chastain is back after her Oscar-winning performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which stars fellow Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne. Here is a brand-new Trailer for THE GOOD NURSE, streaming later this year on Netflix.

Synopsis:
Amy, a compassionate nurse and single mother struggling with a life-threatening heart condition, is stretched to her physical and emotional limits by the hard and demanding night shifts at the ICU. But help arrives, when Charlie, a thoughtful and empathetic fellow nurse, starts at her unit. While sharing long nights at the hospital, the two develop a strong and devoted friendship, and for the first time in years, Amy truly has faith in her and her young daughters’ future. But after a series of mysterious patient deaths sets off an investigation that points to Charlie as the prime suspect, Amy is forced to risk her life and the safety of her children to uncover the truth.

A gripping thriller based on true events, THE GOOD NURSE is directed by Academy Award nominee Tobias Lindholm, written by Academy Award nominee Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and stars Academy Award winners Jessica Chastain as Amy Loughren and Eddie Redmayne as Charles Cullen, as well as Nnamdi Asomugha, Noah Emmerich, and Kim Dickens.

Netflix release THE GOOD NURSE October 26, 2022.
It will play in Select Theaters October 19, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Right in-time for its World Premiere at TIFF ’22 this weekend, is a special TIFF Poster for THE FABELMANS, by Steven Spielberg.

Universal Pictures Canada release The Fabelmans in Select Theatres November 11, 2022. In Theatres Everywhere November 23, 2022.

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

In anticipation of Disney+ Day on September 8, fans are invited to join the Disney+ community with a special introductory offer and receive even more value with their subscription with the ultimate collection of limited-time offers, experiences, and perks. Starting today at 9pm PT through Monday, September 19 at 11:59pm PT, new and returning subscribers can get one month of Disney+ for $1.99 here.

The Disney+ Day celebration leads into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA from September 9 through September 11, where subscribers in attendance can receive access to even more onsite perks and expect exciting announcements and first-looks at upcoming Disney+ Originals. 

Subscriber Perks in Honour of Disney+ Day

Both existing and new subscribers can receive the following perks in celebration of Disney+ Day starting September 8 at 12:00am PT / 3:00am ET:

• Disney Cruise Line Offer: Watch the stories you love come to life on a Disney cruise with a special offer for Disney+ subscribers. Third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. Disney+ subscriber can book up to two staterooms with this offer. Offer available starting September 8 on select sailings aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy departing January – April 2023, in select stateroom categories*
• Walt Disney World Resort Offer: Experience holiday fun during the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Celebration! Disney+ subscribers can be on the lookout for a special holiday offer at select Disney Resort hotels. Visit www.disneyworld.com/disneyplus starting September 8 for additional details. To learn more about the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resort-hotels-benefits.
• National Geographic Digital Offer: Disney+ subscribers get unlimited access to world-renowned stories and exclusive content anywhere with 6 months free of the NG ad-free mobile app.
• Disney Movie Insiders Bonus Points: When subscribers link their Disney+ account to their Disney Movie Insiders account by September 30, they earn 150 bonus points and continue to earn 50 points per month as long as their active accounts are linked. It’s free to join Disney Movie Insiders, and members can redeem points for rewards, experiences, and more.
• Disney Parks Early Entry: On September 8, Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park admission and reservations are invited to enter the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris 30 minutes before regular park open to extend the celebrations.**

Perks for Disney+ Subscribers at D23 Expo
Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo can continue the Disney+ Day celebration with special experiences, giveaways, and offers at the convention. To access the following perks, subscribers can pick up their Disney+ Subscriber Pass September 8 through September 11 from 7am to 7pm at D23 Expo Will Call and the Arena Box Office at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. To confirm your subscriber pass, guests will need to scan their valid D23 Expo badge.

• Subscriber Screening (September 8): On Thursday, September 8, subscribers and their families heading to D23 Expo are invited to celebrate Disney+ Day with a special screening under the stars of the Disney+ Day Premiere, “Pinocchio” at the Hilton Anaheim located adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center. This subscriber-only event will jumpstart the celebration through D23 Expo weekend with special content, live DJ, refreshments, giveaways, and more. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the screening will begin at 7:00 p.m. To access the screening, subscribers must show their Disney+ Subscriber Pass. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Offer Spots: Throughout the weekend, Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo will be able to unlock special giveaways or promotions at Offer Spots on the show floor when they present their Disney+ subscriber pass. In the Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Disney+ subscribers and D23 Gold Members will receive a Disney+ Collectible Card pack featuring custom illustrations celebrating some of the most popular current and upcoming Disney+ movies and shows.
• Early Access to Adidas Ultraboost DNA x Marvel Legacy Black Panther Shoe: Subscribers at D23 Expo can sign up for early access to the new Adidas shoe inspired by Wakandan symbols and the iconic costume of the legendary Marvel character Black Panther. Subscribers can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge for a sneak peek at the new shoe, plus get on the list for a limited drop available soon.
• Citizen: Citizen invites guests at D23 Expo to celebrate “moments in time,” and in celebration of the D23 Expo and Disney+ Day,  will be offering select products available just for Disney+ Subscribers, including a new watch inspired by the Disney+ Day premiere Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the Citizen booth to learn more.
• Corkcicle: Experience hero hydration with select Corkcicle products available at D23 Expo, just for Disney+ Subscribers. Subscribers will be able to purchase 24oz tumblers inspired by popular Marvel characters Thor and Loki. Corkcicle will also be offering Disney+ Subscribers Early Access to a new collection inspired by Snow White. Attendees can stop by the Disney+ Innovation Lounge or the Corkcicle booth to learn more.

Additional Disney+ Day Celebrations from Across the Company

• Disney Parks Celebrations: On September 8, guests of Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will discover festive décor, special character sightings and photo opportunities. The morning will be “plussed” with more pixie dust as guests staying in select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will have the opportunity to enter 60 minutes before regular park open at any Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park (with valid park admission and reservations). Fans can also join the celebration digitally with Disney PhotoPass Lenses featuring a Disney+ Day Mickey ear hat and Groot – available in-park or at-home in the U.S. through the My Disney Experience app and Snapchat during Disney+ Day. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on September 10.
• Disney and Pixar’s “Cars on the Road” Products: “Cars” enthusiasts can get revved up for the new “Cars on the Road” series, debuting on September 8 on Disney+, with the “Cars on the Road” book and some new products from Mattel including the Radiator Springs Tour Playset, the Color Change Whale Car Wash Trackset, Salt Flats Super Speed Playset and the Showtime Loop Trackset.
• “Obi-Wan Kenobi™” Products: Fans revisiting Lucasfilm’s original limited series, “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” via the new documentary, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return,” can choose their destinies and show their light side or dark side affiliation via products honoring both sides of the Force, including the Star Wars The Black Series Darth Vader™ Force FX Elite Lightsaber™ collectible from Hasbro, the Obi-Wan Kenobi in Jedi™ Robe Funko POP! bobblehead and much more.
• “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” Product: Today, Funko unveiled the new POP Marvel: She-Hulk – Wong vinyl figure as part of their “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” product line-up. The figure depicting the Master of the Mystic Arts is now on pre-order.
• “Thor: Love and Thunder” Products: One can’t embark on an epic cosmic journey without the proper gear. As “Thor: Love and Thunder” arrives on Disney+, voyagers can choose from a variety of new products inspired by the latest Marvel Studios film, including, Loungefly Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Glow-In-The-Dark Cosplay Mini Backpack, Funko Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder – 2pk Thor & Mighty Thor, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Strongest Avenger Cosplay Trucker Hat, LEGO Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder The Goat Boat Building Kit and Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder Plush Goat Set.
• Star Wars™: Galaxy of Heroes: Players can gather ‘round the holotable in September for various promotional specials. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes is celebrating Disney+ Day with an exclusive in-game calendar. New and returning fans can log in every day to get Iden Versio shards and additional rewards such as Ability Materials, Credits and Training Droids from September 8 to October 1. Galaxy of Heroes is also offering 50% off their Hyperdrive Bundle, which unlocks 65 characters and 13 ships to a 5-star level, as well as Core Gear, Ability Materials, Currencies, and Energy. This limited-time sale starts on September 7 and lasts for one week. Finally, new and returning players can celebrate the premiere of “Andor” on September 21 by logging in to receive free Cassian Andor shards.
• Disney Publishing Worldwide: Disney Publishing Worldwide will offer select discounted eBooks today through September 18th, giving fans the opportunity to discover the stories behind their favorite Disney+ series, including “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering” and National Geographic’s “COSMOS: Possible Worlds.” Or to explore the worlds of your favorite Disney+ series even further in hardcover or e-book editions, check out “Marvel’s Wandavision: The Art of the Series“, “Star Wars: Brotherhood“, and “The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”

Harry Styles and Emma Corrin star in MY POLICEMAN, arriving this Fall. See the first stills from this upcoming Feature from Director Michael Grandage. We’ll be seeing this at TIFF! Can’t wait.

Starring: Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, Gina McKee, Linus Roache, David Dawson and Rupert Everett.

Synopsis:

A beautifully crafted story of forbidden love and changing social conventions, My Policeman follows three young people – policeman Tom (Harry Styles), teacher Marion (Emma Corrin), and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson)– as they embark on an emotional journey in 1950s Britain. Flashing forward to the 1990s, Tom (Linus Roache), Marion (Gina McKee), and Patrick (Rupert Everett) are still reeling with longing and regret, but now they have one last chance to repair the damage of the past. Based on the book by Bethan Roberts, director Michael Grandage carves a visually transporting, heart-stopping portrait of three people caught up in the shifting tides of history, liberty, and forgiveness.

My Policeman will Release in Theaters on October 21, 2022 and Globally on Prime Video Starting November 4, 2022.

(Photo credit: Prime Video)

How is it already TIFF? This year flew right by and it only seems like yesterday we were dreaming of a full-capacity Festival. Don’t get us wrong, it was nice having a nice, breezy TIFF last year, wrapping early. But we long for those wild days we were completely enthralled in 14-16 hour days at the Festival, crawling into bed in the wee hours of the morning at our Hotel.

Over the years, we’ve gotten a little smarter how we strategize around TIFF and we find our days actually can be productive and shorter in the thick of the Festival and we plan to employ that same plan again this year! Our first-half of the Festival is typically very busy as we balance the hottest Films of the Festival and of course the star-filled Red Carpets and parties around the City.

We couldn’t do any of this without an amazing Team. So overjoyed we are officially accredited once again this year at the Festival. Thank you in advance to Amanda Gilmore, David Baldwin, George Kozera, Justin Waldman and Nicholas Porteous whom leading-up-to and into the Festival offering their invaluable assistance giving us their thoughts on the most buzzy titles to premiere at the Festival this year. Everyone on the Team’s been dealing with their own challenges this past bit so being able to enjoy TIFF the good old-fashioned way again means so much to us. We’ve been at it for 13 years now officiallycovering TIFF in our own unique way, and it never gets old! We live for this.

We couldn’t do it without the support of our new and returning partners whom we’d like to thank individually.

CP24

Look for us once again this year as we join CP24‘s Bakari Savage for live hits and updates about the hottest Films at TIFF ’22, and also where you might spot some of the biggest stars of the Festival. The beauty of CP24 is that even if you miss it, its rotation and website, plus the CP24 GO app allow you to catch it at your convenience.

We will be on CP24 Breakfast this Friday, September 9, 2022 in the 8 o’clock hour! And our photos will be featured throughout the Festival!

ACURA CANADA

We’re delighted that our vehicle of choice for TIFF ’22 is the 2022 Acura RDX. This premium Crossover SUV delivers an exciting driving experience with its 272-hp* VTEC® turbo engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™* (SH-AWD®) that takes on corners with confidence and control. Mobilty is super-important to us during the Festival as we’re needed allover town.

STARBUCKS CANADA

It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Season officially! Throughout the Festival we’ll giving away $25 Starbucks Canada Gift Cards which will give you a chance to try some of those comforting Fall Menu items at Starbucks! The Crisp Apple Oat Macchiato is back too and like the PSL you can enjoy it hot or iced! There’s nothing more amazing than sinking into our seat in a dark theatre with a warm PSL in-hand. Starbucks is all about making that drink yours and feel free to customize your beverage and make it all about YOU!

CHATIME CANADA

We’re delighted how mainstream Bubble Tea/Boba has become and Chatime Canada is changing the game with their exquisite flavours and tea of the highest standard. You haven’t lived till you’ve tried their Roasted Milk Tea which is obsession-worthy. Their Menu is highly customizable and my personal favourite though? Right now it’s an Iced Lychee Green Tea, 30% Sweet and Less Ice. And did you know they too have a Pumpkin Spice Milk Tea? It’s absolutely delicious. Sinfully good. What will become your favourite? Don’t forget to try their sweets from Bake Code!

SAMSUNG CANADA

So you’ve got your TIFF planned. But what good is a plan without the perfect smartphone? The Samsung S22 Ultra is our phone of choice at TIFF ’22 this year. We do so much of our Social Media posts live as we experience the magic of TIFF and actually Blog and edit our Reviews from our phone. With a strong battery life of 7h 26 mins and 40MP Selfie Camera/10 MP Periscope/12 MP Ultra Wide Camera/108MP Wide-angle Camera and 10MP Telephoto Camera, we’ve got all the angles covered!

H&M CANADA

Comfort, clean lines and boxy fits and shirt jackets are the thing this Fall and H&M is ahead of the curve on this. We will be sporting H&M throughout the Festival and can’t wait to show you some of our favourite finds from their upcoming Fall and Winter Collection including jackets and coats. We can’t wait to show off our finds!.

LA CREMA

At the end of the night after a long day at TIFF, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine? Monterey Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Rosé are our favourites from this phenomenal winery.

boscia

Blotting Linens in Black Charcoal, Clear Complexion and Green Tea ($14). Bring a bag-friendly pack of blotting linens along with you to instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration throughout the day, without disturbing any makeup or skincare. The slim package fits perfectly in your pocket, handbag or desk drawer.

amika

Summer sun = greasy hair. No thanks. Enter the award-winning bestseller, Perk Up Dry Shampoo. Packed with natural rice starch, the dry shampoo absorbs oil, while leaving no white residue. 

STOIC BEAUTY

Eos Barrier Repair Morning Mist is perfect for your gym bag or your beach bag, Eos Morning Mist is a gentle all day refresh you and your skin deserve. Featuring Co-Enzyme Q10 for barrier repair and protection of the skin, with tangerine and lavender for uplifting your spirits, this pregnancy safe mist will have you saying “hello sunshine!”. Plus, with gentle AHA/PHAs, your skin gets some light exfoliating prior to your morning moisturizer and SPF.

HAPPY NATURAL PRODUCTS

We’re still very cautiously observing safety protocols and will be at TIFF ’22. This means sanitizing our hands frequently. HAPPY Natural Products which are available at fine retailers like Well.ca, Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, McEwan and more, include Facial Rollers, Gua Sha, Shower Steamers, Sanitizer and Masks. I swear by their 80% Hand Sanitizer which spritzes-on easily without stickiness, and it’s kept me safe and healty throughout this entire Pandemic. They were just seen this past week on Breakfast Television!

Now for the exciting stuff! One lucky winner in the Greater Toronto Area will win our TIFF ’22 Survival Prize Pack packed with items to help you survive this Festival! Prize Pack, valued at $450+ includes:

You can “like” this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK for a chance to win, or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below, or you can just like the IG Post below also and tag a friend in the comments there!

We will be delivering the prize in-person to the lucky winner! You must be following.

TIFF ’22 runs September 8-18, 2022.

Bookmark this link and be following us for all the exciting updates!

Facebook | IG | Twitter | TikTok

Premiering at TIFF ’22 is Animated Feature WENDELL & WILD! See the new Teaser!

WENDELL & WILD is in Select Theaters October 21, 2022 On Netflix October 28, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

After.premiering at Cannes earlier this year, James Gray‘s ARMAGEDDON TIME is set for a release this Fall.

Synopsis:

From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, ARMAGEDDON TIME is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream. The film features an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release ARMAGEDDON TIME in select theatres on Friday, October 28, 2022 and nationwide on Friday, November 11, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

We’ve waited so long for this! We remember Mila Kunis in-town filming this and now here’s the first official Trailer for LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE!

Synopsis:
Luckiest Girl Alive centers on Ani FaNelli, a sharp-tongued New Yorker who appears to have it all: a sought-after position at a glossy magazine, a killer wardrobe, and a dream Nantucket wedding on the horizon. But when the director of a crime documentary invites her to tell her side of the shocking incident that took place when she was a teenager at the prestigious Brentley School, Ani is forced to confront a dark truth that threatens to unravel her meticulously crafted life.

LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE arrives October 7, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

With TIFF ’22, set to kick-off this Thursday – yes, it’s finally happening! – we lean upon Team Mr. Will for their own personal Top Five most-anticipated Films of the Festival. Though collectively we’ve only had a chance to preview and screen a handful of titles in advance of the Festival, that sure doesn’t mean we can’t be excited too about the unknown! Such a joy seeing which Films will come out of our Festival to Awards Season glory. Here are Team Mr. Will‘s top picks of TIFF ’22.

NICHOLAS PORTEOUS (@NoveltyHat)

1. The Fabelmans
Spielberg‘s origin story. Is this his Tree of Life? Has his unparalleled cinematic legacy been building to the September premiere? Let’s find out!

2. The Whale
Whatever Darren Aronofsky does is always bold and unforgettable, even if it’s his lesser work. Mother! was, in my opinion, one of his best. This time he’s adapting the play of the same name featuring Brendan Fraser as a 600-pound English Teacher. Samantha Morton’s involved. I wonder how Aronofsky will bring his visual bravado to something that appears–at least at first glance–more scaled back in terms of locations and overall concept. Perhaps it’ll be more akin to The Wrestler, possibly my favourite of his.

3. Women Talking

Sarah Polley‘s back and she’s brought Frances McDormand, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara and Ben Whishaw. Away From Her and Stories We Tell are classics. I’m going to RUN, not walk, towards this danger!

4. The Son
I’ve only seen a still of Hugh Jackman embracing someone and I know virtually nothing about this. While the title might have you believe otherwise, it is NOT connected to The Father, Florian Zeller‘s debut film and my personal favourite of the decade so far. If he can approach that level of sensitive, captivating brilliance once again–or surprise me with whatever!–The Son could easily be among the best of the fest.

5. Triangle of Sadness
Ruben Östlund returns with another dive into decadence and social decay. I was overall mixed on his previous Palme d’Or-winning spectacle, The Square, but many of its gorgeous and equally discomforting sequences have stuck with me. His first film, Force Majeure, has become an enduring cinematic fable. With a gigantic Cast and seemingly no expense spared, this looks to be another grand swing for the fences at worst.

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

It’s that time of year again. The excitement is in the air for Festival Street to be back and cinemas and theatres to be packed! Below is a list of five films I can’t wait to see, in order.

1. Aftersun: This Film screened as part of Cannes Critics’ Week and was all anyone talked about. There were raves from anyone who saw it and its Writer-Director Charlotte Wells. It’s set in the ’90s and follows a young girl and her father, who’s struggling with melancholy, on a vacation to Turkey. It stars Normal People Breakout Paul Mescal.

2. Pearl: X is already in my Top Ten films of 2022 which means I CAN’T WAIT to see this Prequel! It tells us the origin story of Pearl the psychotic killer from X. Mia Goth not only reprises her role but co-wrote the script with Ti West! This one is gonna be killer!

3. Brother: TIFF has some highly anticipated Canadian Films screening this year and Brother is one of them! It’s an adaptation of David Chariandy’s novel and follows two Jamaican Canadian brothers who navigate the violence Scarborough saw in the ’90s. It stars The Hate U Give’s Lamar Johnson and The Underground Railroads’ Aaron Pierre.

4. Women Talking: Sarah Polley’s adaptation of Miriam Toews’s Novel of the same name is one of the buzz-worthy titles at this year’s fest. It follows a group of women in an isolated religious colony that has experienced a series of sexual assaults. It has a powerhouse Cast consisting of Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy and Frances McDormand to name a few.

5. The Whale: I love Darren Aronofsky so I can’t wait for this one. It follows a reclusive English teacher (Brendan Fraser) who suffers from obesity as he tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter (the talented Sadie Sink). TIFF has announced Fraser will receive the TIFF Tribute Actor Award this year which has only made me more excited.

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)

1. THE FABLEMANS

One word: Spielberg. One of the most fascinating portions of the 2017 Documentary on this multiple Oscar winner’s life was how growing up in his dysfunctional family life molded him into the Artist he became. In this semi-autobiographical account, Spielberg revisits his youth. With a Script from the brilliant Tony Kushner (Angels in America), I am salivating and chomping at the bits!

2. THE WHALE

A virtually-unrecognizable Brendan Fraser in a movie directed by Darren Aronofsky (who polarized TIFF audiences with Mother! a few years back) definitely piqued my interest. About an obese English Teacher hoping to reconnect with his estranged daughter, it has all the hallmarks of an intense Family Drama, a genre I tend to gravitate towards.

3. BROKER

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters astonished me and I expect his latest, about the illegal baby trade in Korea starring Song Kang-ho (Parasite), will do the same.

4. THE SON

Florian Zeller’s The Father discombobulated me (in a good way!) and I expect nothing other than greatness from this family drama starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby and Anthony Hopkins.

5. (a tie) BROS and GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

The Critic in me could have easily chosen from a myriad of compelling Dramas as my last picks but as an avid TIFF attendee for over 30 years, many of my days in darkened theatres had me grinning from ear to ear, if not just downright laughing out loud. BROS (about two gay men with commitment issues) and GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (oh, come on now, you know you loved its predecessor!) are so very high up in my must-see list.

JUSTIN WALDMAN (@DUBSREVIEWS)

1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
2. Decision to Leave
3. The Blackening
4. The Whale
5. Wendell & Wild

The above list is in no particular order, other than the movies I am most excited for. Rian Johnson’s back with another whodunnit, do I need to say more? Park Chan-Wook is one of the most exciting Directors out there next to Bong Joon-Ho in my opinion, so whatever this man creates has my attention and interest at the bare minimum. The Blackening, man as a Midnight Madness movie, this excites me even more, it’s a movie that takes the tired trope of the ‘black character’ having to die first, and flips it on its head.

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)

EO
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The Fabelmans
The Whale
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

I haven’t been to TIFF physically in three years — so to say I am excited about this year’s crop of films is an understatement. The sequel to Knives Out? Steven Spielberg’s first time at the Festival, for a film that’s semi-autobiographical? Brendan Fraser getting the Oscar buzz he so richly deserves? All three of those sound like bangers, and adding a Weird Al Biopic (with no less than Daniel Radcliffe playing Weird Al!) on top of the plethora of genres, tones, themes, and everything else you can think of, is what gets me so excited year after year. And well, all I have heard since Cannes is that EO is a must-see…and I can’t seem to figure out why? No matter, it’s a ticket I already have and I am ready to take the plunge for whatever this donkey throws at me. I have more jumbled things to say, but no time to say them. I have a schedule to start revising!

MR. WILL (@mrwillw)

I love a big comeback story and am completely obsessed with THE WHALE, Darren Aronofsky’s latest starring Brendan Fraser. The Director’s Black Swan, also a TIFF selection years ago, remains one of my favourites of all time. So much about this Film is under-wraps and I’m sure for good reason! Have you heard the raves coming out of Venice?? Cannot wait. MY POLICEMAN is looking every bit the buzz-worthy and while I was disappointed Harry Styles’ other Film Don’t Worry Darling isn’t coming to TIFF, this might also be for a reason which will make sense in a bit. Jennifer Lawrence is back after an absence and we’re so ready for CAUSEWAY which has her starring as a soldier coping after returning home, and this looks to really take us on a journey. Being from Scarborough, I have an obvious affinity for BROTHER, which was shot in-town and looks every bit an important a Film as it looks. And not to be confused for BROTHER is Rom-Com, BROS, starring and written by Billy Eichner which we are definitely going to see. Rounding things out for us is TIFF Tribute Gala Honouree Sam Mendes’ EMPIRE OF LIGHT, celebrating the love of Cinema and starring one of our faves, Olivia Colman. So in-order:

1.THE WHALE
2. MY POLICEMAN
3. CAUSEWAY
4. BROTHER
5. EMPIRE OF LIGHT

TIFF ’22 runs September 8-18, 2022. We’re ready. Are you?

Bookmark this link and check daily for updates as we bring reviews, sightings and all the buzz from the Festival!