By George Kozera

EZRA opens with stand-up comedian Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) as he regales the audience at a comedy club with funny and insightful observations, some of which include his being a father of an autistic son named Ezra (William Fitzgerald), who lives with his soon-to-be ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). Max, who was once a successful comedy writer, now lives with his father Stan (Robert De Niro), a no nonsense, pugilistic individual who had been fired from many high-profile establishments as a chef due to his aggressive personality and is now a hotel doorman.

Ezra is a highly-intelligent young boy, and he has a few triggering moments (hugs, metal cutlery, bananas) but his latest outburst at school, potentially putting other students in jeopardy may put his time at the school in jeopardy. Rather than being expelled, Max and Jenna agree to take him to be diagnosed by a doctor, who recommends that not only Ezra be enrolled into a special needs school, he needs to start taking Risperdal, an antipsychotic and Jenna supports this plan of action. Max wholeheartedly disagrees and after seeing his son overly medicated and somnambulistic at the schoolyard during recess, he hatches a rather not fully conceived plan and abducts Ezra in the middle of the night and the two drive off in Stan’s classic convertible. While on the road, Max hears from his agent (Whoopi Goldberg) that she successfully booked him to be on the Jimmy Kimmel Show the following Friday and then discovers that an Amber Alert has been summoned to find the father and son.

There are numerous reasons I fell in love with EZRA starting with the impeccable performance from Cannavale. Always memorable in feature film supporting roles, in this movie he shows how genuinely talented and dynamic he is an actor, both dramatically and comedically. Newcomer William Fitzgerald brings authenticity and subtlety in a tour de force performance. This is Robert De Niro’s finest supporting work in some time, namely “Silver Linings Playbook”. Being a fan of Rose Byrne, she effortlessly portrays the many emotions her character is going through. It is evident that Director Tony Goldwyn (also in the Movie playing Jenna’s new boyfriend) loves and respects the acting craft and allows Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Vera Farmiga (Oscar-nominated for “Up in the Air”) to shine in their pivotal supporting turns.

The Cinematography is glorious, and I truly appreciated that. That being said, it did not pull at the emotional strings that leaves one weeping. It was just right. Fun fact: Screenwriter Tony Spiradakis used his own challenges with parenting an autistic son as inspiration for the movie.

EZRA screens at TIFF ’23:

Thursday, September 14, 9:30PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox

By Amanda Gilmore

The latest from Writer-Director Kaouther Ben Hania, who was the Co-Winner of the Cannes ’23 Golden Eye Award, tells a heartbreaking story through a hybrid Documentary and Drama model.

It tells the true story of Olfa Hamrouni and her four daughters. Documenting the story of how her two eldest daughters, Ghofrane and Rahma, disappeared in 2015 (aged 16 and 15) and how that shaped and emotionally affected the lives of Olfa and her two youngest daughters, Eya and Tayssir (aged 10 and 12).

Olfa’s story could be told through as a whole Documentary or Drama but this hybrid model adds a layer of cinematic dynamism. Ben Hania patiently allows Olfa and her youngest daughters as they tell their story to the Actors, who play Olfa and her eldest daughters. The stories Olfa, Eya and Tayssir share with the Actors give an unflinching glimpse into the pain they live with. We watch as they confront their grief in a different way through this process and uncover how they’ve moved forward, yet in some regards remained, still since the disappearance.

Four Daughters is a captivating portrait of the pain that accompanies familial love. An honest look at the kind of love that never fades no matter the decisions they make.

Four Daughters screens at TIFF ’23:

Wednesday, September 13 at 2 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Thursday, September 14 at 9:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Apple Original Films today unveiled a new trailer for Martin Scorsese’s highly anticipated “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon” will premiere in theatres around the world, including IMAX® theatres, on Friday, October 20, 2023.

At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. Also starring Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese from a screenplay by Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, based on David Grann’s best-selling book.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Killers of the Flower Moon” was produced alongside Imperative Entertainment, Sikelia Productions and Appian Way. Producers are Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas and Daniel Lupi, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Sommer, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer and Niels Juul serving as executive producers.  

Director: Martin Scorsese                  

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, Jillian Dion, William Belleau, Louis Cancelmi, Tatanka Means, Michael Abbot Jr., Pat Healy, Scott Shepard, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson 

Writers: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese

Producers:  Martin Scorsese, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Daniel Lupi        

Exec. Producers:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn, Adam Somner, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer, Niels Juul

By Mr. Will Wong

Christos Nikou makes his English feature directorial debut in Toronto-filmed FINGERNAILS. It’s quirky, cute and will make you squeamish. All of that in one sitting.

Though the Film dons a nostalgia to it, it is set in the future. Couples now have the ability to test if in fact their love is true at an institute specializing in finger nail tests, putting couples through intimacy-enhancing activities. Anna (Jessie Buckley) lands a job at the institute after testing “positive” for true love with her partner Ryan (Jeremy Allen White). Something doesn’t sit right still. She takes on this job secretly, telling Ryan she’s teaching at an elementary school. Anna works with Amir and while working with the institute’s clientele, they form a bond that has Anna questioning if her true “positive” with Ryan is in fact real.

Nikou tells an age old love triangle story through a new lens, opting for 35mm which together with the styling and soundtrack of the Film, make us feel we’re in the past, even though we’re in the future. His commentary on society’s dependence on technology doing the thinking for us makes this a biting satire, but with a unique mixture of grotesque (yes, these fingernail pulling will have you covering your eyes!), yet charming at once.

Buckley and Ahmed have a believable chemistry, while White isn’t given quite as much to work with, painting the mundane backdrop whereby Anna‘s life is set against. Nikou crafts something thought-provoking though it takes a different route to get there.

FINGERNAILS screens at TIFF ’23 as follows:

Tuesday, September 12
Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Premium, Descriptive Sound

Wednesday, September 13
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Closed Captioning

As TIFF ’23 begins to wind down, we enjoyed a much more leisurely pace today. Any time Jessica Chastain comes to town, we show up just like she always shows up for her fans. Despite only having four minutes to greet her fans, who lined the street outside Royal Alexandra Theatre for Michel Franco‘s MEMORY, she made the most of it, walking the line interacting with everyone. She is just absolutely lovely and still despite her stature and success, THE NICEST CELEBRITY ON THE PLANET. Her care and compassion for her supporters is unparalleled and we hope she never changes. Exemplary.

Was great seeing her Co-Star Peter Sarsgaard, fresh off his win in Venice for his performance in the Film for Best Actor, which sees two high school friends reunited, with things take a concerning turn when Sarsgaard‘s character follows Chastain‘s character home.

The Cast and Director head over to Margo on King West for post-premiere celebrations. The newly-launched hotspot situated inside members-only club, Clio.

Another high-profile film to premiere tonight was John Carney’s FLORA AND SON which won raves earlier this year in Sundance. The Film centers on a single mother looking to bond with her son over music lessons. In town for the debut at Roy Thomson Hall were Carney his one of the Film’s breakout stars, Oren Kinlan.

Filmed right here in Toronto, Director/Writer Christos Nikou’s FINGERNAILS got a full circle moment at Princess of Wales Theatre where the Sci-Fi Romance premiered. He dedicated the Premiere in memory of his friend, late TIFF Programmer Ravi Srninivasan, who generously gave him his Raptors season tickets while filming in the City. Both this and Flora and Son arrive later this year on Apple TV+, both getting celebrated with a pre-party at Ace Hotel.

We’re pretty much wrapping-up our star sighting content and look forward to quite a few screenings these next few days! Keep checking back for our Team’s reviews!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By Amanda Gilmore

Flora and Son is the feel-good film of the year.

Dubliner Flora (Eve Hewson) is a young mother struggling to connect with her teenage son Max (Orén Kinlan). Max has stolen and been caught one too many times. If caught again he’ll be sent to juvie. Knowing Max has an interest in music, Flora brings home an acoustic guitar with the hopes it’ll keep him out of trouble. Unfortunately, Max doesn’t take the bait. Stuck with the guitar, Flora decides to learn it and takes online lessons from Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a soft-spoken teacher and mildly talented musician who lives in Los Angeles. Slowly, Flora and Jeff begin to fall for each other with each lesson.

No stranger to the musical genre, Writer-Director John Carney is in top form delivering a film about the power of music. Flora and Son stands out from his prior work because it focuses on the touching relationship between mother and son. Hewson is a revelation and gives a star-making performance as the direct, caring and angry Flora. As Flora learns the guitar, Max begins exposing his own musical talents to her. Music breaks down the walls between the two and becomes the bridge that connects them.

Carney furthers the theme of music connecting each of us through Flora’s relationship with Jeff. The two are on different continents, with an 8-hour time difference between them. However, the music they make together creates an intimate and deep connection. One Flora — possibly — has never experienced romantically before. Carney shows this connection smartly by removing the laptop Jeff is on and placing him in the room with Flora.

Overall, Flora and Son is funny, affecting and uplifting. An instant classic.

Flora and Son screens at TIFF ’23:

Tuesday, September 12 at 9:30 PM at Roy Thompson Hall

Wednesday, September 13 at 9 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Saturday, September 16 at 2:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

By Amanda Gilmore

Australian auteur Ivan Sen delivers a slow-burning Crime Drama that plays as a commentary on the justice system.

Detective Travis Hurley (Simon Baker) arrives in the Southern Australian mining town of Limbo to investigate the 20-year-old cold case of Charlotte, a local Indigenous girl. Travis has a hunch that the killer may still live locally.

Charlotte’s murder was met with apathy by the investigating officers and the non-Indigenous townsfolk at the time…and still 20 years later. The girl’s siblings Emma (Natasha Wanganeen) and Charlie (Rob Collins) have lost hope in justice. So when Travis arrives and claims he’s there to help find the killer, they both doubt he’ll solve the case. Especially since there’s little evidence and there appears to be little — if any — community support.

Limbo is beautifully-shot with black-and-white Cinematography and works as an important critique of the failures of colonial law enforcement and judicial systems in serving Indigenous peoples. Baker turns in a strong performance as the drug-addicted detective determined to close the case. Although, the Film does lag at times.

Limbo screens at TIFF ’23:

Tuesday, September 12 at 5:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Wednesday, September 13 at 3:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Today, Disney+ unveiled the key art for “Black Cake,” an adaptation of Charmaine Wilkerson’s best-selling novel of the same name. The Original drama series will premiere with the first three-episodes on November 1, 1023 only on Disney+ in Canada.

“Black Cake” is a family drama wrapped in a murder mystery with a diverse cast of characters and a global setting, from Marissa Jo Cerar, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment. The story takes place in Jamaica, Italy, Scotland, England, and Southern California. Cerar wrote the adaptation and serves as showrunner on the series, which spans decades.

In the late 1960s, a runaway bride named Covey disappears into the surf off the coast of Jamaica and is feared drowned or a fugitive on the run for her husband’s murder. In present day California, a widow named Eleanor Bennett, loses her battle with cancer, leaving her two estranged children, Byron and Benny, a flash drive that holds previously untold stories of her journey from the Caribbean to America. These stories, narrated by Eleanor, shock her children and challenge everything they thought they knew about their family’s origin.

The six-episode series stars Mia Isaac, Adrienne Warren, Chipo Chung, Ashley Thomas, Lashay Anderson, Faith Alabi and Glynn Turman, as well as recurring guest stars Ahmed Eljah, Simon Wan, and Sonita Henry.

From Charmaine Wilkerson’s best-selling novel “Black Cake,” Marissa Jo Cerar serves as showrunner and executive producer. The series is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, Aaron Kaplan, Carla Gardini, Brian Morewitz, Charmaine Wilkerson, and Michael Lohmann. “Black Cake” is a Two Drifters, Harpo Films, and Kapital Entertainment production. The series is also produced by ABC Signature.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Kids Profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

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.”