Paramount+ today released the official trailer and key art for its upcoming original horror film PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES, based on the terrifying and untold chapter from Stephen King’snovel Pet Sematary. A spine-chilling prequel that explores the origins of how death became different in the small town of Ludlow, Maine, PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES will premiere Friday, October 6, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Brazil, and Saturday, October 7, 2023 in all other Paramount+ international markets.

The highly anticipated film will hold its world premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest, the world’s largest genre and horror festival based in Austin, Texas, and will be featured in the Paramount+ Peak Screaming, a curated collection of fan-favorite horror movies and iconic Halloween episodes from beloved series.

PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES stars Jackson White (Tell Me Lies, Mrs. Fletcher) Forrest Goodluck (LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, The Revenant), Jack Mulhern (The Boys in the Boat, Mare of Easttown), Henry Thomas (The Fall of the House of Usher, Gangs of New York), Natalie Alyn Lind (The Goldbergs, The Gifted), Isabella Star LaBlanc (True Detective: Night Country, Long Slow Exhale), Samantha Mathis (BILLIONS), with Pam Grier (Cinnamon, Jackie Brown) and David Duchovny (Bucky F*cking Dent and CALIFORNICATION).

In 1969, a young Jud Crandall has dreams of leaving his hometown of Ludlow, Maine behind, but soon discovers sinister secrets buried within and is forced to confront a dark family history that will forever keep him connected to Ludlow. Banding together, Jud and his childhood friends must fight an ancient evil that has gripped Ludlow since its founding, and once unearthed has the power to destroy everything in its path. Based on the untold chapter from Pet Sematary, Stephen King’s chilling novel, PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES is a terrifying prequel and the story of why sometimes dead is better…

PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES, a Paramount+ original movie, in association with Paramount Pictures’ Players Label, is a di Bonaventura Pictures Production and based on the novel Pet Sematary by Stephen King. The film is directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer, in her directorial debut, with a script written by Beer and Jeff Buhler, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura  and Mark Vahradian.

Today, Disney+ unveiled the trailer and poster for Season 2 of Disney’s “Launchpad,” a collection of six short films from underrepresented filmmakers whose unique and evocative voices bring new perspectives to storytelling. In addition, Disney+ released one image from each of the exciting short films. 

Disney’s “Launchpad” Season 2 is a collection of live-action shorts from a new generation of dynamic filmmakers. This season showcases six writers, five directors and one writer-director from underrepresented backgrounds who were given the opportunity to share their perspectives and creative visions. Continuing the goal of Disney’s first season of “Launchpad,” which was to diversify the types of stories that are being told by giving access to those who historically have not had it, “Launchpad” Season 2 is proud to present six new shorts for Disney+ based on the theme of “connection.”

Sr. Manager and Producer of Disney “Launchpad” Phillip Domfeh stated, “The filmmakers of Disney ‘Launchpad’ season two have taken their storytelling to new heights by developing six imaginative and inspiring stories for Disney+.”  

Mahin Ibrahim, Director, RISE Creative Talent Pathways and Executive Producer, added, “We can’t wait to give these incredibly talented writers, directors, producers, cast and crew the opportunity to showcase their creative passion and excellence in craft.”

Panavision again provided the camera and lens packages for the six original shorts, and Light Iron, Panavision’s post-production division, provided dailies, final color and finishing services for all of Season 2. “Panavision and Light Iron are proud to support the incredibly talented filmmakers of the Launchpad program’s second season,” says Panavision President and CEO Kim Snyder. “We’re passionate about empowering storytellers from underrepresented communities by providing access to the tools and expertise that can support their creative visions throughout production and post.”

Today, Marvel Studios released a new look at “The Marvels” and an exclusive new IMAX poster.  “The Marvels” was made to be experienced in IMAX, including more than 30 minutes of IMAX exclusive 1.90:1 expanded aspect ratio—featuring up to 26% more picture in select sequences throughout the film.  IMAX moviegoers will experience more of the image on screen with unprecedented crispness and clarity.  Combined with next generation IMAX precision sound, audiences are in for a truly spectacular and immersive experience. 

In Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels,” Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.” 

The film stars Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Seo-Jun Park, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Samuel L. Jackson. Nia DaCosta directs, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary Livanos and Matthew Jenkins 

serve as executive producers. The screenplay is by Nia DaCosta and Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. 

Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” hits theatres and IMAX on November 10, 2023.

By George Kozera

Germany’s official entry for Best International Feature for the 2023 Academy Awards, THE TEACHERS LOUNGE is an extraordinary movie that tackles issues as diverse as racism, teenage rebellion, and misinterpreted events or comments with aplomb and startling finesse. Due to a series of thefts at a high school, a seventh-grade Turkish student is interrogated by school executives, where new math teacher Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch in a hypnotic performance) is an unwilling participant. Believing the young boy’s parents’ explanation of why there was a large amount of cash found in his wallet, Carta is on a mission to discover who the actual thief is. She sets up a “sting” in the teachers’ lounge and it appears that the school’s administrator may be the thief. Ironically, this person is also the mother of Oscar (Leo Stettnisch, a performance so accomplished, it belies his young age), a student that Carla has taken a special interest in.

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE genuinely made me feel off-kilter. Exceptionally well-written with nary a false note, Director and Co-Writer Biker Catak plays with and manipulates the cinematic Thriller genre with her own incomparable vision. I strongly urge everyone to see this remarkable piece of art.

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE screens at TIFF ’23:

Tuesday Sept. 12-3:30 pm-Scotiabank 4 Wednesday-Sept. 13-9:45 pm-Scotiabank 14

By: Amanda Gilmore

Kate Winslet delivers another superb performance in this biopic about model-turned war-correspondent Lee Miller.

The Film follows Lee from the start of her photography career in 1938. The Second World War is just beginning and Lee has a desire to be more than a former model. When she moves to London with her partner Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård), the blitz begins and Lee knows she must show the destruction of war. 

She became a Photojournalist for British Vogue, getting to publish her photos that capture the impact of the war in London. However, she’s determined to go to continental Europe as a war correspondent. Thanks to her determination, her renowned photographs show what happened inside concentration camps and on the ground during WWII.

Lee is an inspiring story of a woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated world, and risking her life to change the way we see it. Winslet shines as the courageous Lee, exposing her courage, fear and grief. 

The story is told through Lee later in her life speaking to her son Antony (Josh O’Connor). It’s these intimate moments of listening to her tell the story that we see the longing effects of anguish and trauma Lee carried her whole life. The moments of Lee on the frontline are impactful. Showing the grotesque nature of war upon women rather than the men who are fighting.

Lee is an important film about a monumental woman in our history.

Lee screens at TIFF ’23:

Saturday, September 9 at 6 PM at Roy Thompson Hall

Sunday, September 10 at 5:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

By Amanda Gilmore

Set in 1980s Tuscany, the latest from Alice Rohrwacher follows a group of tomb raiders who seek old relics of the Etruscans. All in the group are hoping to strike it rich except their gifted leader, Englishman Arthur (Josh O’Connor), who’s on a spiritual quest into these tombs.

As the title suggests, Arthur is quite literally searching for a chimera: something hoped for but near impossible to achieve. Still grieving over his partner Beniamina’s passing, Arthur believes in ancient stories about these tombs. That one may hold an entryway to the afterlife. He tomb raids with this purpose only: to see Beniamina again. Along the way, he does enjoy the camaraderie and the money that comes from the relics he and his vaudeville group find.

O’Connor is nothing short of revelatory. He carries Arthur’s weighted grief and yearning for what might be. La Chimera has a second romantic storyline for Arthur. We watch as the quirky Italia (a superb Carol Duarte), who works for Beniamina’s mother Flora (Isabella Rossellini), falls for the Englishman. We are gripped by the inner conflict O’Connor gives Arthur as he contemplates moving forward in the waking world or continuing his search for the sleeping one.

As a story about grave-robbing, Rohrwacher adds additional layers to this dreamy frolic through Tuscany. We watch as relics are taken by the group and sold to the infamous trafficker Spartaco (Alba Rohrwacher). Near the end, once a fifth-century relic of invaluable worth is found, we are faced with the question of who these items really belong to. Just as Italia questions the ownership of an old abandoned railway station. Do they belong to everyone or no one?

All of these themes are captured through captivating, dreamy imagery by Cinematographer Hélène Louvart which alternates between 35mm, Super 16 and 16mm.

La Chimera screens at TIFF ’23:

Tuesday, September 12 at 12 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Thursday, September 14 at 12:15 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

THE NUN 2 debuts atop the Box Office with a huge opening, getting $32 million from 3,728 theatres for Warner Bros. Critics gave this Sequel 41% on the Tomatometer, but audiences clearly didn’t care. Its predecessor opened in 2018 with $53 million.

In second is THE EQUALIZER 3, with $12 million from 3,965 theatres for Sony Pictures, a two week tally of $61 million.

Third is MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 with $10 million from 3,650 theatres for Universal Pictures. This latest installment gets 30% on the Tomatometer. Don’t scoff, this Franchise has grossed almost $500 million worldwide!

JAWAN opens in fourth with $6.1 million for Yash Raj. The Bollywood flick gets 95% on the Tomatometer.

BARBIE rounds things out with $5.9 million for Warner Bros., now at $620 million domestically.

By George Kozera

A DIFFICULT YEAR opens with a series of televised clips, spanning decades, where French government officials warn the citizens of France that they will be facing a difficult year. The audience then is thrown into a frantic “Black Friday’ sales event at a store where shoppers stampede over each other in a frenzied attempt to score a big screen TV or air fryer at affordable prices. We see Albert (Pio Marmai) get one of the last televisions, then arrive at the home of Bruno (Jonathan Cohen) who was to pay for the TV. Instead, Albert arrives to see creditors removing everything from Bruno’s home as he staggers to the bedroom and passes out due to a lacklustre suicide attempt. Albert and Bruno are compulsive consumers, deeply in debt, and as they await to see if a debt-reduction expert (Matthieu Amalric) can help them to have the government forgive their overwhelming backlog of money owed, the two men go to a meeting held by young environmental activists, where free beer and food (repurposed snacks that expired years ago) is offered. It’s an idealistic group with big dreams and the two men are bemused, but when Albert sees group leader (Noemie Merlant), he immediately is smitten and convinces Bruno to tag along with him and join the group.

Whereas comedies from France tend to be simplistic, the French filmmakers excel at satire and social commentary. Writers/directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache succinctly and successfully tackle a variety of topics with panache and loads of humour. A DIFFICULT YEAR shines.

A DIFFICULT YEAR screens at TIFF ’23:

Wednesday. September 13, 9:30PM, Princess of Wales Theatre

Thursday, September 14, 5:30PM, Scotiabank

We’ve reached that point of the Festival where things begin to wind down as some of the major trade publications begin to pack-up and head home. This however means more movies to see, and this perhaps is my favourite part of the Festival.

Day Five actually was quite intense. Earlier in the day we were lucky to spot right away the Cast of THE CRITIC en route to their midday Premiere. The whodunit stars Sir Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Enoch and Ben Barnes, who was a last minute addition with McKellen unable to make it in. The Cast partied at Marbl‘s Cinema Center following the Premiere and finally we had a momen to accept an invite. Thrilled to enjoy some of the delicious menu offerings from Marbl. Divine.

Ahead of his WILDCAT Premiere, Ethan Hawke was spotted dining for lunch at PARIS TEXAS, lovely to stop for some snaps.

It was all about CONCRETE UTOPIA today as the Korean Cast did the rounds today, followed by an In-Conversation with stars Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-joon at TIFF Bell Lightbox talking about the Film. They drew a huge crowd at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Huge congrats to our longtime supporter Rebecca for winning our TIFF ’23 Survival Pack! More on what she won below, and a huge thanks to our official partners for their generosity.

And of course so lovely capping-off our night at a special celebration of British Film put on by Burberry x Sofia Yorkville and the British Consul General.

On the north side, legendary Filmmaker Norman Jewison’s new Cinema also was unveiled today at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto. The 25-seat theatre aims to celebrate his many contributions to the film industry, including founding the Canadian Film Centre in 1988. (Photo: George Pimentel)

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By Amanda Gilmore

Director Kitty Green and Actor Julia Garner, who worked together on critically-acclaimed The Assistant, reunite to deliver one of the most intense films of the year.

When Hanna (Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick), who are backpacking across Australia, run out of money they take the only job available which is at a pub in the outback. Every day the two are forced to serve rowdy, sexist men who come into The Royal Hotel. Soon, Hanna becomes unsettled by the unwarranted male advances and aggression aimed at them that grows more sinister by the day.

With this follow-up to her feature debut, Green continues her examination of the power dynamics between men and women but this time using a bigger setting to delve deeper and more explicit. As soon as Hanna and Liv arrive at The Royal Hotel tension hangs in the air. The suspense grows through Hanna who becomes increasingly anxious about staying at this isolated and toxic testosterone-loaded pub.

Garner turns in a towering performance as Hanna. Her subtle, nuanced performance has us gripped by the anxiety that consumes Hanna. Green’s assured direction enhances this headspace, creating tension in every corner and conversation within the pub. This tension builds with each frame leading to one of the most engrossing, stressful viewing experiences of the year.

The Royal Hotel screens at TIFF ’23:

Monday, September 11 at 9:30 PM at Roy Thompson Hall

Wednesday, September 13 at 12:05 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto