Review by Amanda Gilmore
When Violet (Olivia Munn) was a child, she was free and happy. As she grew up, a negative “guiding voice” (Justin Theroux) began changing the way she lived. She now works at a film production company where she deals with a sexist, undermining boss. And spends her days biting her tongue trying to please others, even when that means causing herself pain. But things begin to change when Violet decides to do the opposite of what her “guiding voice” says.
Violet’s negative voice feels like it’s the manifestation of overpowering depression and crippling anxiety. It diminishes her self-esteem so that she becomes a doormat for others, changing to be what they want. And it tells her to submit, convincing her that’s the only way to get through life. Theroux provides powerful voiceover work that creates a convincing guiding voice.
Actress-Writer-Director Justine Bateman – yes, the same one from Family Ties – further visualizes Violet’s inner turmoil through transitions. Fade-outs are traditionally used by fading to black. However, Bateman fades to red. These fades happen when Violet finds herself overwhelmed by the negative voice and those around her. The immense pressure builds and transitions into anger that she buries within her, which is symbolized through the red.
Although we are hearing the negative voice, we rarely hear Violet’s thoughts. Bateman incorporates Violet’s thoughts through quotes across the frame. Majority of the time these writings aide in exposing things we wouldn’t otherwise know. However, there are moments when these writings feel overused.
This is primarily caused because of Munn’s strong performance. Her talent in this role makes the added visual quotes seem redundant. We don’t need to read what is happening behind Violet’s eyes, because Munn shows us. She shines brightest in one particular scene when Violet confronts her sexist boss.
VIOLET screens at TIFF ’21:
Thu, Sep 09 TIFF Bell Lightbox 2:00 PM
Thu, Sep 09 Visa Skyline Drive-In at Ontario Place 8:30 PM
Fri, Sep 10IN-PERSONOntario Place West Island Open Air Cinema 9:00 PM
Tue, Sep 14 digital TIFF Bell Lightbox 9:00 PM
We don’t believe #TIFF21 finally is here! While things are indeed a bit different this year, any bit of in-person events is dearly welcomed! While TIFF ’21 starts today, we did spot a few arrivals already gearing-up for their big premieres on TIFF Day One.
So thrilled to chat with The Toronto Sun‘s Jane Stevenson about starspotting etiquette this TIFF with our current climate. Click here more the article.
Also in case you missed our appearance on CP24 previewing what the Festival might look like for stargazers, watch here.
We can confirm Ben Platt, star of Opening Night Gala, DEAR EVAN HANSEN already is in the City, set to walk alongside Director Stephen Chbosky on the Red Carpet at Roy Thomson Hall tomorrow.
It is however, Josh O’Connor whom we are most excited about at the Festival and how amazing is it he was our first star sighting? The British star of Netflix’s THE CROWN and acclaimed Drama GOD’S OWN COUNTRY recently moved to New York and is a star on the rise, just having won a Golden Globe Award this past Awards Season for his work as Prince Charles in The Crown. Donning a pizza shirt, he was amazingly-kind to stop for autographs and selfies with fans, despite a bit of a hold-up after landing due to updated COVID-19 protocols. He premieres WWI Romance MOTHERING SUNDAY at Princess of Wales Theatre tonight. The Film also stars Odessa Young and an Oscar-winning duo in Olivia Colman and Colin Firth.
We got the scoop that Vancouver’s own Joshua Jackson is back at TIFF once again, but he’s here to promote his new Series DR. DEATH, premiering on Showcase in Canada on September 12, 2021. Based on the true story of Dr. Christopher Duntsch‘s who left several patients maimed or dead. Jackson positively is sinister in the titular role and we really want to see how the rest of the Series delves into Duntsch‘s psyche to why he destroyed so many lives. Jackson arrived low-key and was so kind to stop for a Snap. He should be here through next week celebrating the new Series.
It was super-cool seeing Justine Bateman, who we idolized on Family Ties as Mallory Keaton. She makes her Feature directorial debut in VIOLET, starring Olivia Munn (who just announced she’s pregnant with Funnyman John Mulaney), premiering at TIFF Bell Lightbox this afternoon. She seemed preoccupied and wanted privacy, but we’ll be at the Premiere and hope to get a snap there!
This is only the beginning, but unlike other years, we are expecting a busy few days ahead, with the star sightings to tail off likely around Monday with fewer talent making their way to the City this TIFF.
More to come! Check back daily! Bookmark this link for updates as we bring you star sightings and the Reviews from the hottest Films to come out of the Festival!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Premiering at TIFF ’21, here is your first glance at Eva Husson’s MOTHERING SUNDAY starring Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth and Olivia Colman.
Synopsis:
On a warm spring day in 1924, house maid and foundling Jane Fairchild (Odessa Young) finds herself alone on Mother’s Day. Her employers, Mr and Mrs Niven (Colin Firth and Olivia Colman), are out and she has the rare chance to spend an afternoon of abandon with her secret lover, Paul (Josh O’Connor), the boy from the manor house nearby who is Jane’s long-term love despite the fact that he’s engaged to be married to another woman, a childhood friend and daughter of his parents’ friends. But events that neither can foresee will change the course of Jane’s life forever.
(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate Films)
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in TIFF ’21 selection THE GUILTY. Your first glimpse of the Trailer.
Synopsis:
The film takes place over the course of a single morning in a 911 dispatch call center. Call operator Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal) tries to save a caller in grave danger—but he soon discovers that nothing is as it seems, and facing the truth is the only way out.
THE GUILTY arrives in Select Theatres September 24, 2021 and on Netflix October 1, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
We’ve been waiting eagerly for this and are so happy to read that several guests will be arriving in Toronto for TIFF ’21.
Confirmed today are the following guests (note this is subject to change):
In addition to this, it has just been announced to secret Steven Soderbergh film will be premiering at the Festival with details to come on how to get tickets! This is looking more like the TIFF we love!
The Festival runs September 8 – 19, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
Premiering at TIFF ’21 and from Executive Producer Taika Waititi, we present to you the new Trailer for NIGHT RAIDERS by Danis Goulet.
Synopsis:
The year is 2043. A military occupation controls disenfranchised cities in post-war North America. Children are property of the State. A desperate Cree woman joins an underground band of vigilantes to infiltrate a State children’s academy and get her daughter back. Night Raiders is a female-driven dystopian drama about resilience, courage and love.
Elevation Pictures release NIGHT RAIDERS October 8, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
TIFF ’21 Opening Night Gala DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a highlight for many and here is a new Featurette which asks its stars about its theme of being found.
Synopsis:
The breathtaking, generation-defining Broadway phenomenon becomes a soaring cinematic event as Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt reprises his role as an anxious, isolated high schooler aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social-media age.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Wonder), the film is written for the screen by the show’s Tony winner Steven Levenson with music and lyrics by the show’s Oscar®, Grammy and Tony-winning songwriting team of Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman).
Universal Pictures Canada release DEAR EVAN HANSEN in theatres September 24, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Premiering at TIFF ’21, here is the new Teaser Trailer for Jane Campion‘s THE POWER OF THE DOG.
Synopsis:
Severe, pale-eyed, handsome, Phil Burbank is brutally beguiling. All of Phil’s romance, power and fragility is trapped in the past and in the land: He can castrate a bull calf with two swift slashes of his knife; he swims naked in the river, smearing his body with mud. He is a cowboy as raw as his hides.
The year is 1925. The Burbank brothers are wealthy ranchers in Montana. At the Red Mill restaurant on their way to market, the brothers meet Rose, the widowed proprietress, and her impressionable son Peter. Phil behaves so cruelly he drives them both to tears, reveling in their hurt and rousing his fellow cowhands to laughter – all except his brother George, who comforts Rose then returns to marry her.
As Phil swings between fury and cunning, his taunting of Rose takes an eerie form – he hovers at the edges of her vision, whistling a tune she can no longer play. His mockery of her son is more overt, amplified by the cheering of Phil’s cowhand disciples. Then Phil appears to take the boy under his wing. Is this latest gesture a softening that leaves Phil exposed, or a plot twisting further into menace?
Trailer:
Netflix release THE POWER OF THE DOG in select theatres on November 17, 2021 and on Netflix December 1, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Premiering at TIFF ’21, THE STARLING stars Melissa McCarthy. See this first Trailer for the September release.
Synopsis:
After Lilly (Melissa McCarthy) suffers a loss, a battle with a territorial bird (The Starling) over dominion of her garden provides an unlikely avenue for her grief and the courage to heal her relationships and rediscover her capacity for love |
THE STARLING is in select theaters September 17, 2021 and on Netflix September 24, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
TIFF announced earlier today additional Special Events and In Conversations as part of the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival. While virtual, fans globally can tune-in to chats with the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Steve Yeun, Sir Kenneth Branagh and Kristen Stewart this year.
Additional details below:
Special Events – Part 2
Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine
Before Drake and The Weeknd, there was a different set of Toronto musicians who ruled the roost. Known simply as Triumph, this rock trio dominated North American radio and mainstream charts in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and were the envy of the touring business — with even The Jacksons taking a page out of their live-show book. But despite being one of the world’s biggest rock bands, the trio split at the height of their fame and seemingly disappeared without explanation to their fans or media. Directed by Sam Dunn and Marc Ricciardelli, produced by the Emmy-winning Banger Films in association with Revolver Films and set to a mesmerizing visual backdrop of spandex, ’80s hair, and explosive pyro, Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine reveals a deeper story about fame and the human condition as the band reunites for what might be the very last time they play music together.
Reflecting on 9/11: A day of recollection, 20 years later.
The horrific news from New York City on that bright, late-summer morning 20 years ago tore open the bubble of the Toronto International Film Festival. Everyone was shaken, but, for the hundreds of Americans and New Yorkers in Toronto for the Festival that day, the shock went deeper. TIFF staff, led by then CEO Piers Handling and Executive Director Michèle Maheux, decided immediately to pause screenings, to shut down red carpets altogether, and to help people get home to their families.
Two decades on, memory becomes more important. This year, we remember the filmmakers who have sought to tell the stories of 9/11 with insight and empathy. We remember the still-present threat of Islamophobia, including in film and television. This year, we mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a day of recollection for our Festival community, including a special screening from Yard 44 and NBC News Studios, the new documentary Memory Box: Echoes of 9/11, by Bjørn Johnson and David Belton. This film explores the months following the worst terrorist attacks on the US, via recordings made in a simple video booth that captured the thoughts, feelings, and fears of more than five hundred Americans. Now, 20 years later, as the country and the world faces renewed uncertainty, Memory Box brings to the screen a collective, untold, and relevant story, presented by NBC News Studios, MSNBC Films and Peacock.
Platform Prize Jury
TIFF is also thrilled to announce the full international 2021 Platform Prize Jury. Led by Academy Award–nominated actor Riz Ahmed, the jurors include: Clio Barnard, Valerie Complex, Kazik Radwanski, and Anthony Chen.
In Conversation With…
This year’s In Conversation With… series connects audiences and film lovers around the world with some of the most talented artists working in film and television. The 2021 lineup includes award-winning actors and creators who have helped shape the discourse in the entertainment industry and who are presenting their highly-anticipated new films at the Festival. All In Conversation With… events are taking place digitally and will be accessible worldwide on the TIFF Bell Digital Talks platform.
Kenneth Branagh
The Academy Award–nominated writer, director, and actor joins us to discuss his wide-ranging career in film, television, and theatre; the challenges and joys of adapting Shakespeare’s plays for the big screen; and the journey of making Belfast (2021), a Gala Presentation at this year’s Festival and his most personal film to date.
Monday, September 13, 12pm EDT
Benedict Cumberbatch
The TIFF Tribute Actor Award recipient and Academy Award nominee joins us to discuss his career in film, theatre, and television, and his two films at this year’s Festival: Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog and Will Sharpe’s The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.
Sunday, September 12, 3:30pm EDT
Kristen Stewart
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of TIFF’s ongoing Share Her Journey initiative in support of women in the film industry, we proudly present a conversation with the award-winning actor about her collaborations with the likes of Olivier Assayas and Kelly Reichardt, and her portrayal of Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s Spencer, a Special Event at this year’s Festival. Note: This live digital event is accessible to audiences worldwide on TIFF Bell Digital Talks for free as part of TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, empowering and celebrating women behind and in front of the camera. Audiences can pre-register for this exclusive event here.
Wednesday, September 15, 12:30pm EDT
Steven Yeun
The Academy Award–nominated actor joins us to retrace his extraordinary journey from collaborations with Bong Joon-ho, Lee Chang-dong, and Lee Isaac Chung to his upcoming film, Stephen Karam’s The Humans, a Special Presentation at this year’s Festival.
Sunday, September 12, 6pm EDT
Additional Visionaries speaker added to the 2021 TIFF Industry Conference lineup:
VISIONARIES Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Generously supported by Anne-Marie Canning
Born in Bangkok, director Apichatpong Weerasethakul is one of the most influential and revered visual artists of this time. His incisive, visceral relationship with the moving image often draws on the ancestral myths of his country to reflect on his surroundings, from global social issues to the political concerns of modern Thailand. Join us for a conversation with the filmmaker, whose latest feature, Memoria, was one of two Jury Prize winners at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival moderated by TIFF Artistic Director & Co-Head Cameron Bailey.
TIFF 2021 Industry Selects
“These titles, hand-selected by TIFF’s Festival Programming team presented on our TIFF Digital Cinema Pro platform, are sure to garner interest from buyers,’’ said Diana Sanchez, Senior Director, Film. “They reflect the Festival’s global spirit and showcase a host of new voices and international talent.”
“We’re delighted to present these director-driven and audience-engaging sales titles from around the world to international buyers who rely on our festival to help discover the best cinema from across the globe,” added Geoff Macnaughton, Senior Director, Industry and Theatrical. “TIFF is thrilled to support buyers, sales agents, producers, and of course filmmakers this year with the TIFF Industry Selects distinction.”
107 Mothers Peter Kerekes | Slovakia
America Latina Damiano D’Innocenzo & Fabio D’Innocenzo | Italy, France
Cadejo Blanco Justin Lerner | Guatemala, USA, Mexico
Carmen Valerie Buhagiar | Malta, Canada
Cool Abdoul Jonas Backeland | Belgium
Domingo Raúl López Echeverría | Mexico, Austria, France
The Hole in the Fence Joaquín del Paso | Mexico, Poland
The King of All the World Carlos Saura | Mexico, Spain
La Civil Teodora Ana Mihai | Belgium, Romania, Mexico
The Last Mark Reem Morsi | Canada
My Night Antoinette Boulat | France
Night Blooms Stephanie Joline | Canada
Nightride Stephen Fingleton | UK
Nr. 10 Alex van Warmerdam | Netherlands, Belgium
Old Henry Potsy Ponciroli | USA
Onoda – 10,000 Nights in the Jungle Arthur Harari | France, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Italy
The Pink Cloud luli Gerbase | Brazil
Quake Tinna Hrafnsdóttir | Iceland
Reflection Valentyn Vasyanovych | Ukraine
The Score Malachi Smythe | UK
Shankar’s Fairies Irfana Majumdar | India
A Tale of Love and Desire Leyla Bouzid | France
The 2021 Toronto International Festival takes place September 9 – 19, 2021.
Official Film Schedule available here.
(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)
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