By Amanda Gilmore

The atmospheric God’s Creatures questions the lengths a mother will go to protect her son. 

Aileen (Emily Watson) is delighted when her beloved son, Brian (Paul Mescal), surprises her with his return to their Irish fishing village, back from Australia. But when Aileen’s young 20-something Co-worker Sarah (Aisling Franciosi) accuses Brian of sexual assault, Aileen‘s world crumbles. She lies to protect her son because she doesn’t think he would be capable of something so heinous. However, when Brian begins acting differently than the boy she once knew she must confront the truth.

Co-Directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer have created an eerie atmosphere in this Irish village. Right from the start, we see the danger that comes with living near the rugged Irish coast. The unforgiving waves and forceful winds feel like warning signs. They mix these stunning shots with impeccable sound design, thrusting the audience into their whistling town. 

A lot of the First Act is spent creating this atmosphere. Due to this, there are some slow moments but once we get into the heart of the story everything kicks into high gear. It’s clear something is off with Brian. One night after coming home from the pub, he has a creepy conversation with his ill grandfather. This moment works due to the textured, often chilling performance from Mescal.

The heart of the story asks an uncomfortable question: How far will a mother go to protect her child and at what cost? Watson is outstanding as Aileen. Her nuanced performance allows the audience to feel every emotion towards her. When she’s siding with her son we are angry. However, Screenwriter Shane Crowley infuses his Script with scenes that force Aileen to face the facts. 

These moments touch on the depressing reality of what people actually say about sexual assault survivors. However, set in this tiny village each vile remark and action towards Sarah is magnified. Franciosi gives a strong performance as a woman who transforms completely in the aftermath of this trauma.

God’s Creatures screens at Cannes ’22 as part of the Director’s Fortnight:

Thu, May 19 at 8:30 AM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Thu, May 18 at 8:45 PM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Fri, May 20 at 2 PM at LICORNE

Fri, May 20 at 7 PM at ALEXANDRE III

Fri, May 20 at 10:45 at ARCADES 1

Fri, May 27 at 11 AM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

We’re still on a high from Rina Sawayama‘s amazing show in Toronto a couple weeks ago. She’s already ready to roll with this next phase ahead as she gets ready to embark on yet another Tour starting this Fall in the U.K., in support of her upcoming Album HOLD THE GIRL. This catchy bop recalls Prince in his Pop Music prime in the ’80s, maybe a dash of Shania Twain, and of course her nod to Lady Gaga is unmistakable. Her melodic sense and the tone of her voice. Fun!!

Our favourite line? “Fuck what they did to Britney/To Lady Di and Whitney“. YES.

We think we’re gonna live this new era ahead. Her last Disc SAWAYAMA from a couple years back felt a little more spiteful and she seems to have gotten all that out of her system and is ready to just have fun!

Check-out THIS HELL:

(Photo/video credit: Dirty Hit)

We’ve been waiting for this! From the mind of Billy Eichner comes Rom-Com BROS, coming this September!

Synopsis:

This fall, Universal Pictures proudly presents the first romantic comedy from a major studio about two gay men maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Maybe. They’re both very busy. 

From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner (Billy on the Street, 2019’s The Lion King, Difficult People, Impeachment: American Crime Story) and the hitmaking brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller (the Neighbors films, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Judd Apatow (The King of Staten Island, Trainwreck, The Big Sick), comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about finding sex, love and romance amidst the madness. 

Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film, Bros is directed by Nicholas Stoller from his screenplay with Eichner. The film is produced by Judd Apatow, Stoller and Joshua Church (co-producer Trainwreck, Step Brothers). The film is executive produced by Eichner. 

Universal Pictures Canada release BROS September 30, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Festivities at the 2022 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL are taking flight, literally! TOP GUN: MAVERICK has brought Tom Cruise to the Festival and fighter jets leaving a trail in the colours of the French flag in the skies, got everyone pumped!

Cruise even got honoured with a surprise Palme d’Or for his contributions to Cinema, in addition to a ten-minute reel celebrating his carrer being shown. The Hollywood Megastar spoke at the Tribute held in his honour at Debussy Theatre, and our Amanda Gilmore was there.

Some key statements from Cruise at the In-Conversation.

On why Cruise wanted to get into acting.
Cruise: “I would save my money and go to the Movies. And, suddenly I am 18 years old … and suddenly I’m making Taps. I’m on a Movie Set for the first time. I’m 18 years old. It was my second audition and I got the role. I never went to a film school.”.

On Film Sets Being His Film School
Cruise: “I went to every department and studied every department. That has been my education throughout.”.

On Viewing a Film In Cinema
Cruise: “Cinema is my love. My passion. I sit in the audience with everyone…I come in early…I watch the commercials and trailers.”.

On Working with Cast And Crew Members
Cruise: “The best thing you can do is study every aspect of the art form. All of these elements and thing that we are striving for…I wanna hear your story what do you think this Movie is…I have to tell them this isn’t my Movie this is our Movie.”.

On Watching a Tribute Reel which Cannes Put Together of His Filmography
Cruise: “I have a thing where I remember every take. I remember everything. It’s wild seeing this reel by the way. It’s like your life in 10 minutes! It’s very trippy.”.

On Following Your Dreams
Cruise: “I was interested in adventure in life. It’s possible even if others said it’s impossible. I held onto my dream and thought maybe it is possible.”.

“It is better to create. Even if you fail. I always try to walk away with what I learned. It’s always better to go for it. Then to not do it. Ask the question and don’t be afraid.”.

Some highlights from the event:

Also, some sightings from the Premiere of Michel Hazanavicius‘ Zombie Comedy-Horror FINAL CUT.

Keep checking daily for updates throughout the Festival. Amanda‘s Review of FINAL CUT is here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)

How epic! HALFTIME is a Documentary about Jennifer Lopez as she geared-up for her unforgettable Super Bowl Halftime Performance! The Documentary will open Tribeca Film Festival this year, followed by a release on Netflix! Here is your first look at the Trailer.

Synopsis:
“HALFTIME” offers an intimate peek behind the curtain revealing the grit and determination that makes Jennifer Lopez the icon she is, from her performances onscreen and on stages around the world, to her Super Bowl Halftime show, to the recent Presidential inauguration. The documentary focuses on an international superstar who has inspired people for decades with her perseverance, creative brilliance and cultural contributions. And it’s only the beginning. “HALFTIME” serves as the kickoff to the second half of Lopez’s life, as she lays bare her evolution as a Latina, a mother, and an artist, taking agency in her career and using her voice for a greater purpose.

HALFTIME will make its World Premiere as the opening night film for the Tribeca Festival on June 8, 2022 and will then release globally on Netflix June 14, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

It’s a new era at DOWNTON ABBEY and in-town to promote the latest Film in the dearly-beloved Franchise are Kevin Doyle, who plays butler Joseph Molesley and Raquel Cassidy who plays maid Phyllis Baxter. Will these two finally seal the deal in this latest chapter after years of flirtation?

In DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA, directed by a returning Simon Curtis, we see a Film Crew wish to make a silent film at Downton and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) decides to stay behind to supervise. Soon we find the staff and Lady Mary growing increasingly invested in this Film, as she befriends director Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy), who struggles to get the project completed, as Silent Films continue to decline in popularity. Meanwhile, Violet (Maggie Smith) who is unwell, learns that she has inherited a villa from a man she once had been romantically-involved with, which opens-up a series of questions, particularly in son Robert (Hugh Bonneville) about his identity. Butler Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) strikes an unexpected friendship with Movie Star Guy Dexter (Dominic West), and Cora Crowley (Elizabeth McGovern) is battling a mysterious illness.

A brand-new Trailer out in time for the Film’s release:

So many juicy story lines, with a generous dash of wit, and also the lingering feeling that times are changing with Downton begins to see some of its gradeur fade. DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA is a pure joy. And believe me, you don’t need to have watched the Series or this Film’s predecessor for that matter to enjoy it!

Doyle and Cassidy did a day of press out of Scotiabank Theatre, where they also surprised fans at a Special Advance Screening of the Film, moderated by our friend Bonnie Laufer. And *Spoiler Alert* they talk about their characters’ relationship together and filming through the Pandemic.

Some Snaps from the evening:

Last week, we were so fortunate to get to attend a Macaron-making class with Toronto institution Le Dolci in celebration of DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA‘s release. Of course, with the Movie being set partly in France, it would only make sense!

Some highlights from our night here:

Universal Pictures Canada/Focus Features release DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA May 20, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features/Mr. Will Wong)

We know how much you loved the first season, so it’s a treat that Season Two of ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING is already back! Here’s a glimpse of the new Teaser Trailer!

Synopsis:

Following the shocking death of Arconia Board President Bunny Folger, Charles (Steve Martin, “Father Of The Bride”), Oliver (Martin Short, “The Morning Show”) & Mabel (Selena Gomez, “The Dead Don’t Die”), race to unmask her killer. However, three (unfortunate) complications ensue – the trio is publicly implicated in Bunny’s homicide, they are now the subjects of a competing podcast, and they have to deal with a bunch of New York neighbors who all think they committed murder.

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING arrives June 28, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

You might recall last month we shared an update about Canadian-made Prime Video Series THE LAKE starring Orphan Black‘s Jordan Gavaris, Madison Shamoun and Julia Stiles! Here’s your first look at the Trailer, in advance of its Premiere at the Inside Out Festival!

Synopsis:

The series follows Justin (Gavaris) as he returns from living abroad after a break-up with his long-term partner, in the hope of reconnecting with the biological daughter that he gave up for adoption in his teens. His plans to create new memories with his city-loving daughter Billie (Shamoun) at the idyllic lake from his childhood go awry when he finds out his father left the family cottage to his “picture-perfect” stepsister, Maisy-May (Stiles). Additional cast include Terry Chen, Jon Dore, Carolyn Scott, Natalie Lisinka, Travis Nelson, Jared Scott and Declan Whaley. The series is produced by AMAZE and written and executive produced by Julian Doucet.

The Lake will launch exclusively on Prime Video on June 17, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

The Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) runs Monday, June 20th to Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, now in its tenth year! The Festival is comprised of two nights of international film blocks. Screening at Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan, the lineups will be composed of 16 films from 10 different countries, including France, Pakistan, Greece, Italy, and Estonia. Both nights will conclude with a networking afterparty at Chop Steakhouse & Bar.

On the closing night of the festival, the VFF Awards will take place at the Terrace Banquet Centre. VFF announced that their first-ever Awards host–TV and radio personality Rick Campanelli– will be returning for this year’s Awards show. Rick previously hosted the first four VFF Awards, from 2013 to 2016.

In honour of the festival’s special year, VFF announced a brand-new award that will be presented this year: the Decennium Award. This award will be given to the festival’s best film from the past decade. Short-listed films include Shawn Christensen’s Oscar-winning film Curfew and last year’s After Class, written and directed by Charles Xiuzhi Dong. The list will be narrowed down to 5 nominees which will be presented at this year’s VFF Awards.

Nominations for five other film categories were also revealed at the Spring Launch. VFF’s 2022 nominees are:

Best Cinematography:
Khalid Mohtaseb, Censor of Dreams
Ali Lavarimonfared, Dribble
Alberto Balazs, Sandstorm

Best Actor:
Damian Bonnard, Censor of Dreams
Mehdi Mokarian, Dribble
Christian Petaroscia, Inverno (Timo’s Winter)
Giulio Beranek, Inverno (Timo’s Winter)

Best Actress:
Allie Dunbar, The Bubble
Parizae Fatima, Sandstorm
Ana Villa, Distancias

Best Director:
Beth Evans, The Bubble
Giulio Mastromauro, Inverno (Timo’s Winter)
Seemab Gul, Sandstorm

Best Film:
The Bubble (Canada)
Sandstorm (Pakistan)
Distancias (Spain)

VFF’s 2022 industry recognition recipients exemplify how passion and creativity can lead to an acclaimed career in the industry. The Sandra Piccolo Trailblazer Award will be given to Hollywood audio professional and 2-time Emmy-winner Frank Morrone, while the Independent Leadership Award will be given to internationally renowned Canadian actress, Kim Roberts. They will be bestowed these recognitions on the VFF awards night. 

This year’s recipients of VFF’s $1000 scholarships include Kyle Yu and Vickie Shie from Alexander Mackenzie High School and Marc Nadon from Notre Dame College School. 

VFF’s 2022 student film judging panel was composed of various members and colleagues of the Entertainment Industry Professionals Mentoring Alliance (EIPMA), a US-based organization that strives to foster emerging talent. Some of these judges included versatile Sound Supervisor and President of EIPMA Bernard Weiser (Ted Lasso, The Hurt Locker), Oscar-winning Sound Designer and UCLA Graduate School Educator Cecelia Hall (Top Gun, Hunt for Red October), and Picture Editor and Documentary Producer Sharidan Sotelo (Mr. Robot, Breaking Bad).

The judging panel’s selection for Best Student Film will be announced at VFF’s Student Screening Block on Tuesday, June 21, taking place at YCDSB Centre for the Arts, located at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School. The lineup will spotlight 16 films from 10 different high schools across the GTA. The winning student will receive a $2,000 bursary towards their school’s arts program.

For more information about this year’s schedule and tickets, visit vaughanfilmfestival.com.

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Final Cut is a Zombie Horror-Comedy and a love letter to the challenges of Filmmaking.

It follows Remi (Romain Duris) a struggling Director who has only scratched the surface of Filmmaking. When he’s approached to make a French remake of a beloved classic Japanese Zombie flick, he takes the opportunity. Unbeknownst to Remi, he’s just accepted this most stressful directing gig. Not only does he need to shoot it in one take, as it will be viewed live on a new streaming platform, but he’s also dealing with jaded technicians and uninvolved actors. However, things get complicated when filming is disrupted by the real living dead. In front of the camera, everything looks relatively normal. But behind it, the crew is in chaos attempting to save the Film.

Writer-Director Michel Hazanavicius (Academy Award-winning The Artist) on one level brings us a new Zombie Horror-Comedy, yet transcends the limited audience of that genre by broadening it’s scope to explore the love and struggle of Filmmaking. It is apparent right away that Remi has a real passion for Filmmaking right at the start. This is a do-or-die situation for him and for anyone is all-in about their career, it’s easy to sympathize and relate. Duris is outstanding. His energy is unparalleled and he excels in this comedic performance. His natural charisma makes the audience cheer for him even if he’s ultimately making one of the worst Zombie films ever.

The Supporting Cast give hilarious performances. Bérénice Bejo plays Nadia, an Actress who takes her roles too seriously. She delivers some of the most outrageous one-liners with unwavering conviction, making for scene-stealing moments. Finnegan Oldfield plays Raphaël, an Actor who believes he’s better than he actually is. And rounding-out the Principal Cast is the brilliant Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz. She might have the most challenging role as her character is a bad Actress. Her strong comedic timing makes her achieve this and her performance is a testament to how very talented she is.

Final Cut has an impactful opening and first act that leaves ample mystery. We are left wondering what is going on. Hazanavicius uses this as a device to grab a hold of us. In the middle, we are given some answers. Even though it’s in this section that the Film lags, Hazanavicius’ Script gives film references that true Cinephiles will get. In the final 30 minutes, we are given all the answers to our questions. The situations we watch this Cast and Crew get into are hysterical.

Fans of the original Japanese Cult Classic One Cut of the Dead, will get a reference that is highlighted at the midway mark. In this scene, Remi sits studying the original Japanese Film he is supposed to remake. Hazanavicius uses the original One Cut of The Dead that Final Cut is based on, making for a fun, meta homage to the cult classic.

Final Cut screens at Cannes ’22:

Tue, May 17 at 7PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Tue, May 17 at 11:30PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Wed, May 18 at 11AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Wed, May 18 at 2PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Thu, May 19 at 11:30AM at LICORNE

Thu, May 19 at 4PM at CINEUM IMAX

Fri, May 27 at 9:40PM at ARCADES 1