By George Kozera

Acclaimed Japanese Director, Hirokazu Kore-eda, had graced TIFF with every movie he had directed since 1995 and with his latest, BROKER, he once again proves he is a master of his craft.

Sang-hyeon (Song Kang-ho) and Dong-soo (Gang Dong-won) steal babies from the Busan Family Church where there is a “baby box” for mothers to drop off infants that they cannot care for and the two men sell them on the adoption illegal black market. But when So-young (Lee Ji-eun) returns for her baby and discovers their illegal business, she decides to go with them on a road-trip to interview potential parents for her baby, all while two detectives, Soo-jin (Bae Doona) and Detective Lee (Lee Joo-young) investigate them. As back stories are revealed, BROKER expertly navigates many cinematic themes: not only is it heartfelt and heartbreaking with surprising bursts of humour, but it is also a murder mystery.

Song Kang-ho (“Parasite”) leads a letter-perfect cast as this movie touches on some of themes of family and repercussions of errors made which was explored brilliantly in the Director’s Shoplifters, but BROKER is an astonishing piece that will leave the audience invested to its very end.

BROKER screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Tue, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Royal Alexandra Theatre 5:30pm

Wed, Sep 14 IN-PERSON Royal Alexandra Theatre 8:30pm

By Amanda Gilmore

EO is a donkey who is part of a circus in Poland. His owner Kasandra (Sandra Drzymalska) and himself have a strong bond. She protects him even if he is being used by the circus for profit. However, when the circus gets shut down, EO is placed in a new home out of reach from Kasandra. After she pays him a visit one night, he breaks the farm gate in search of her. Instead, he meets good and bad people, experiences joy and pain, and endures the wheel of fortune randomly turning his luck into disaster.

This is a moving Film with a powerful message. We watch as EO is being mistreated by everyone he interacts with on his journey. As we watch the world through his eyes, we see how the world is a torturous place for him. Even at the start, Kasandra does what she can to protect her beloved EO but he still suffers from the Circus owners.

However, the level of cruelty to animals escalates and deescalates throughout. There is one particular moment when EO is beaten by a group that was previously celebrating him. Even though the abuse is off-screen, Writer-Director Jerzy Skolimowski makes sure that each painful hit is felt. This makes for a painful viewing experience, but a necessary one. Even in moments when EO isn’t being used, he is hurt in other ways. Near the end, EO ends up on an estate with a Countess (played perfectly by Isabel Huppert) and a young priest (Lorenzo Zurzolo). Although they don’t intentionally hurt him, they neglect him. He doesn’t have any other animal companions and they don’t respond to his cries.

The situations that EO finds himself in reflect the cruelty of humans to animals. Each situation plays out as a mini-chapter in EO’s journey. They almost feel like their own individual Short Films. Yet, Skolimowski ties them together into a hero’s journey for his Donkey protagonist. EO even gets a shot to fight back and aide fellow animals being abused.

Additionally, it’s one of the most visually stunning films of the year. The Cinematography by Michael Dymek thrusts us right into EO’s view of the world. We see it for all its natural beauty and brutality.

EO screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Tue, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 4:30pm

Wed, Sep 14 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 8:30pm

By Amanda Gilmore

Set in the 1980s in a seaside town in England, Empire of Light follows Hilary (Olivia Colman) and Steven (Michael Ward) who work at The Empire picture house. Hilary has worked at the movie theatre for a long time, however, Steven is a new employee. The two share a connection and begin a relationship that changes them both.

Writer-Director Sam Mendes gives us a love letter to Cinema through the love story blossoming between his two characters. The Empire picture house is one we don’t often see anymore. For instance, it has the bright lights of a marquee on the outside. Inside, it looks more like a theatre rather than a cinema. This picture house, and the love story, is beautifully captured by the immense talent of revered Cinematographer Roger Deakins.

The Empire is the backdrop of the connection Hilary and Steven have. It’s one based on respect, care and empathy. The two are experiencing life differently. Hilary lives a repetitive, mundane life. Oh, and she’s never seen a movie before. While Steven has his whole life ahead of him and desires to go to college. As their relationship goes on, we notice that they are struggling with more than we thought.

Hilary has been dealing with mental health issues. She recently sought help and returned to work. However, she came off her medication and begins to relapse. Colman, once again, gives a breathtaking performance. Steven is dealing with racism and nationalism happening. He gets assaulted both verbally and physically. Ward is a revelation as the empathetic, patient Steven. Colman and Ward have undeniable chemistry. Although the audience is aware that this relationship won’t last due to their life experiences, we still root for them because the connection they share changes them both for the better.

Empire of Light screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre at 3:00 pm

Tue, Sep 13 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre at 3:00 pm

Sat, Sep 17 IN-PERSON at Royal Alexandra Theatre at 5:00 pm

By Amanda Gilmore

Ti West brings us back to the killer farm from his hit slasher X, but this time to tell us the origin story of psycho-biddy Pearl (Mia Goth).

The Film takes place decades before X, in 1918. The war is happening in Europe and influenza has swept its way across America. Because of this, Pearl has been trapped and isolated on her family’s farm tending to her ill father (Matthew Sunderland) and enduring her cruel, controlling mother (Tandi Wright). However, Pearl has had enough of her life on the farm and dreams of becoming a star. She wants her new life so bad, that she’ll kill for it.

Co-Writers West and Goth have brought us a riveting character study of a murderess. Pearl is mesmerizing from the first moment we see her. West and Goth have achieved creating a sinister character we feel conflicted by. This tug-of-war with our emotions works due to the insurmountable performance from Goth. Her full commitment makes us sympathize with a psycho-killer. Both her performance and the script give Pearl depth that causes us to relate.

However, we are constantly shown how her short fuse leads to merciless acts of violence. And the kills in this one are to die for. There are pitchforks, axes, and that alligator from X is back — waiting patiently for its feed. But again, West and Goth humanize their murderess. And even after everything we’ve witnessed her do, an enthralling monologue makes us empathize with her suffering. Goth is outstanding in both the psychotic moments of her character and the starry-eyed dreamer. She truly gives a tour-de-force, masterclass in acting.

Not only is the story tightly written, but the overall film is thoughtfully put together. Everything is shot with a vibrant Technicolour hue from Cinematographer Eliot Rockett, and the whimsical score by Tyler Bates gives classic Hollywood vibes. Therefore, bringing us into the world of 1918 and Pearl’s stardom dreams.

You don’t have to watch X to have a devilishly good time watching Pearl. However, they are the two halves that make a killer whole and complete a wicked double feature.

Pearl screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON at Royal Alexandra Theatre at 11:59 pm

Tur, Sep 13 IN-PERSON at Cinesphere IMAX at 9:30 pm

VVS Films releases PEARL in cinemas Friday, September 16, 2022.

By Amanda Gilmore

Visionary South Korean Director Park Chan-Wook is back with this visually stunning romantic Thriller Noir.

After a man falls to his death from a mountain, Detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) meets his widow Seo-rae (Chinese Actress Tang Wei). She seems to be unaffected by the death of her husband. This causes suspicion amongst the detectives in the precinct. All signs point to her as suspect number one. But Hae-joon doesn’t believe that this mysterious woman could do such a thing. After stakeouts and an interrogation, Hae-joon becomes smitten with the mysterious Seo-rae. Now he must decide if his feelings get in the way of the investigation.

Decision to Leave starts out as a Detective Thriller and turns into something more heartfelt. In brilliant Chan-Wook style the edits and transitions are a visual feast for the eyes. Chan-Wook makes these transitions feel like they are one continuous take. They transport our detective into another scene that is playing out inside his mind. It’s a mesmerizing camera technique that is a delight to witness. There are shots that will dazzle and make any cinephile gasp.

The first half plays out like a gritty Detective Thriller Noir. Hae-joon is on a mission to find who threw this man off of the mountain. It seems like he found his prime suspect but her demeanour throws Hae-joon off. He finds this woman mesmerizing. The effect she has on him is paramount and the audience understands the emotion, thanks to the strong performance from Hae-il. He looks at her like she has all the answers in the world.

That’s when this noir turns into something more romantic. A blossoming relationship flourishes between the two. In lesser hands, this wouldn’t work. However, Chan-Wook excels in this storytelling. Seo-rae has clearly lived a difficult life. She’s been abused by her deceased husband. She carries this weight with her and it’s part of the reason Hae-joon falls for her. The audience is swept-away in this romance because of the chemistry between the two leads.

It’s in the second half when Seo-rae comes back into Hae-joon’s life that Chan-Wook’s intention comes through. This is a story about two people who fall in love in the oddest of circumstances. It’s about how far someone will go to protect the one they love. Wei’s performance is one of the best of the entire decade. It’s a special one that needs to be seen to be believed. She masters the art of mystery within her character. Although some would play Seo-rae as a psychopath, Wei grounds her. She’s a person who has never received real love and care until she met Hae-joon. Due to this, she will stop at nothing to feel it again. 

Overall, Decision to Leave despite being a Thriller, also is tender and romantic. It has an insurmountable performance from Wei that will not be forgotten. Additionally, it reminds us that love is unexpected, needed and selfless.

Decision to Leave screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 9:45pm

Thu, Sep 15 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 7:30pm

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Nikyatu Jusu’s Feature debut is a heartfelt love letter to immigrant women who sacrifice everything to give their children a better life.

Aisha (Anna Diop), an undocumented Senegalese immigrant, lands a job as a nanny for a wealthy Manhattan couple. As she spends her days taking care of their daughter Rose (Rose Decker), she is haunted by the absence of the young son she had to leave behind in Senegal. Aisha hopes her new job will afford her the chance to bring him to the U.S. and share the life she’s piecing together.

Nanny is a Horror film about the American Dream. However, Jusu has created a film that functions on many levels. It’s a dramatic character study of Aisha while incorporating the genre elements. In doing so, she’s created a wholly unique genre film. Jusu and Diop work seamlessly together to create an empathetic portrait of the immigrant experience. Diop gives a nuanced performance and is a force as Aisha. She evokes the longing, guilt and anger for the life she is living in order to carve out a better one for her son. 

Additionally, Nanny excels at showing the essential work these marginalized women perform. Jusu achieves this through the relationship between Rose’s mother Amy (Michelle Monaghan) and Aisha. It’s clear the privileged Amy is able to advance in her career because of the help Aisha provides. In doing this, Jusu shows how these women are essential to the functioning of American society.

Nanny’s genre aspects come from visions Aisha sees both while sleeping and awake. Aisha becomes informed that these visions are magic, however, she doesn’t believe in magic so she ignores their warnings. These moments allow for the horror aspects to come through.

NANNY screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 9:00pm

Tue, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 7:35pm

Sat, Sep 17 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 3:00pm

By Amanda Gilmore

Aftersun is an assured, haunting Feature Debut for Writer-Director Charlotte Wells. It tells the story of Sophie (played by Celia Rowlson-Hall as an adult) who reflects on her holiday to a Turkish seaside resort with her father 20 years earlier.

Callum (Paul Mescal), 30, is a divorcee father to his 11-year-old daughter Sophie (Frankie Corio). After leaving his wife and daughter in Scotland and moving to England, Callum knows how precious time with his daughter is. This is why he makes the most of his time with her while at the Turkish seaside resort. All seems well with Callum until the curious Sophie turns their MiniDV camera on him and asks personal questions. Slowly, we begin to see that the face he puts out to the world protects the melancholy he struggles with inside.

The majority of Aftersun takes place with Callum and Sophie at the resort. Wells places them in quiet moments together, such as putting sunscreen on in their hotel room. These moments allow us to observe these characters, however, Wells keeps their inner lives a mystery. This is shown when Sophie turns the MiniDV camera onto Callum and asks him about where he thought he would be at 30. His answer is one that is deeply personal, however, we still don’t understand what he is fully struggling with.

These moments at the resort are interrupted with fleeting images of Sophie as an adult, standing on a crowded dance floor with white strobe lights flashing. Every time this extended scene appears, we are given a deeper look at the father just as things become clearer for the adult Sophie. At first adult Sophie stands alone, later flashes of her father (still 30) appear, and finally, she makes her way to him from across the dance floor. This masterful use of imagery shows how reflecting on this past trip has helped her understand her father. She can now see him and embrace him for who he was and what he was dealing with. The outstanding Direction and Screenplay by Wells, allow the audience to empathize with Callum. She does this with heartbreaking images of Callum crying uncontrollably and walking into the ocean.

Aftersun’s heavy emotional impact is thanks to both Wells and the powerful performances from Mescal and the young Corio. Corio turns in a mature performance as a curious girl who’s too young to understand but knows something is wrong. While Mescal, who many will know from his outstanding performance in Normal People, gives a heartbreaking portrayal of a man struggling but trying to do everything for his child.

Aftersun screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON at TIFF Bell Lightbox at 6:45 pm

Tue, Sep 13 at Scotiabank Theatre at 3:15 pm

Sat, Sep 17 at Scotiabank Theatre at 12:15 pm

So relieved to have made it through the most hectic portion of TIFF ’22 in terms of star power and we look forward to enjoying the Festival for Movies! How about that?

Today was a notch quieter but still had some amazing encounters with a few Casts still in-town or debuting their Films tonight!

THE WHALE

DALILAND

CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY

PEARL

THE SON

DEVOTION

TIFF ’22 SURVIVAL PACK WINNER

So happy to have draw the winner of our annual TIFF Survival Pack winner with prizes from some of our official Festival partners! Congratulations, Melissa! You’ve been a supporter for many years and we appreciate you!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Taking place last night at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the TIFF Tribute Gala honored those who made a significant impact through their work in the Festival this year. Honorees range in tenure and stature and it was a star-studded affair!

2022 TIFF Tribute Award recipients:

Ensemble My Policeman
TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by Polestar

Sam Mendes
TIFF Ebert Director Award

Brendan Fraser
TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by IMDbPro

Hildur Guðnadóttir
TIFF Variety Artisan Award

Sally El Hosaini
TIFF Emerging Talent Award presented by MGM

Michelle Yeoh
TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award presented by BVLGARI

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media presented by Participant

(Photo/video credit: TIFF)

By Amanda Gilmore

My Policeman follows Tom (Harry Styles) a young policeman who has conformed to the social expectations of 1950s Britain. When he meets Schoolteacher Marion (Emma Corrin) she is immediately smitten with him and the two begin a relationship. However, their world changes when they meet museum curator Patrick (David Dawson). Tom and Patrick fall in love during a time when it was forbidden to do so. Decades later, in 1999, the three (Linus Roache, Gina McKee, and Rupert Everett) must confront their painful past to move toward their future.

The Film works best as a study on memory and wasted time. Screenwriter Ron Nyswaner weaves the story of the three through their twenties and then meets them again decades later. In 1999, we get to see the guilt that Marion (McKee) and Tom (Roache) have carried with them. This guilt has kept them tied unhappily together. Through this, we witness that it’s never too late to forgive yourself and start a life that will make you happy.

Further, it’s through the weaving of the time frames that we see this forbidden love through changing social conventions. When Tom and Patrick meet, their love is illegal. They have no choice but to hide. Therefore, we understand where Tom’s mixed emotions of anger, passion, sadness and regret come from. It’s a performance that shows the range Styles has. While Patrick, an outstanding Dawson, longs to have a future where he doesn’t have to share Tom. Then there’s Corrin who gives a stellar performance as Marion who tries to hold onto the life she’s only ever imagined for herself. We see their wants and desires back in the ‘50s and why Tom and Patrick couldn’t be together. Then we are brought to 1999 when things began changing for the Community. We see the changing views reflected in the adult characters.

My Policeman is a touching story of love, memory and time.

My Policeman screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Sun, Sep 11 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre at 6:30 pm

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON at Scotiabank Theatre at 12:00 pm

Fri, Sep 16 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre at 2:00 pm

Sat, Sep 17 IN-PERSON at Royal Alexandra Theatre at 1:30 pm