By Mr. Will Wong

Director Christian Carion delivers us something heartfelt at TIFF ’22 with DRIVING MADELEINE. While the unlikely buddy Drama feels familiar at times, this doesn’t mean it isn’t impactful, affecting and good for the soul.

The Film centers around Madeline (renowned Chanteuse Line Renaud) as a woman who is about to enter a care facility for the elderly. She encounters Charles (Dany Boon), her Taxi Driver, asking him to make multiple stops along the way to the home. She revisits places that held important signficance in her life, and this just might be her final jaunt throughout Paris. Charles is down on his luck, dealing with debt and a crumbling marriage, and though he isn’t receptive to the banter at first, like him, we are drawn into Madeline‘s storied life, witnessing her painful traumas and her glories.

DRIVING MADELINE explores how some of the most meaningful crossing of paths in our lives can be those fateful chance encounters and Madeline was meant to come into Charles‘ life at a time he needed it most. It is beautiful storytelling that tugs on the heartstrings. Be warned there may be sobbing. Lots of it.

DRIVING MADELINE screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Sat, Sep 10 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 6:30pm

Sun, Sep 18 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 5:30pm

By Mr. Will Wong

Based on David Charlandy‘s acclaimed Novel of the same name, Clement Virgo‘s BROTHER takes us back to the ’90s in Scarborough. We meet two brothers, raised by their single mother (Marsha Stephanie Blake), and despite her best efforts to shield them, ultimately they are unable to avoid becoming a product of the violence abound, whether it be in the news or the gangs who fight for territory in their economically-depressed neighbourhood.

A mild-mannered Michael (Lamar Johnson) looks-up to his older brother Francis (Aaron Pierre), who acts as a big brother and father figure in the absence of their dad. And told in a non-linear manner, we see tragedy unfold as they and we continue to live in a time today where the value of a black life still is at the forefront of discussion.

Virgo, sans melodrama, captures a fly-on-the-wall feel with stunning Cinematography by Guy Godfree that evokes a darkness that casts a shadow over the hope of youth and coming-of-age for these young men. A beautiful, heartbreaking piece that at once looks at the strength of one family’s love in a dire place and time.

BROTHER screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Fri, Sep 09 IN-PERSON Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 6:30pm

Fri, Sep 16IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 6:00pm

By David Baldwin

High school senior Lawrence Kweller (Isaiah Lehtinen) likes movies. Scratch that, he is obsessed with movies. He watches them endlessly, riffing on his love for Stanley Kubrick to anyone who will listen. He is ambitious and just knows he is going to get into NYU’s film program where he will be taught by the likes of Todd Solondz. But this is the early 2000s – or more specifically, early 2000s era Burlington, Ontario – and Lawrence needs $90,000 to attend. So he gets a job at the local video store Sequels and quickly discovers that the movies are far different than reality.

After reading the Film’s description, I knew I was going to love I LIKE MOVIES. I just did not know just how much I would love I LIKE MOVIES. Writer/Director Chandler Levack hones in on an era of innocence and social naivety that feels so foreign in the modern day, yet rings true for someone like me whose life long obsession with film kicked off around the same time the film takes place. While I hope I was less of a pretentious asshole than Lawrence is, Lehtinen portrays the budding Cinephile brilliantly. Just thinking about him going off on why he cannot in good faith promote the new edition of Shrek on DVD is making me chuckle, as is a recurring joke around him needing to return an overdue VHS copy of Wild Things. No doubt it is this side of his personality that is going to speak to an entire generation of older Millennials.

All of that said, the Film is substantially darker than I thought it would be and does a great job of humanizing Lawrence in a way that setting the Film in the age of Social Media would have felt disingenuous. There is some genuine tragedy on display here, and watching Lehtinen weave through the tonal pivots like a seasoned professional is a truly beautiful experience. The Supporting Cast is great too, especially Romina D’Ugo as Sequels’ manager Alana. The Film does a terrific job juxtaposing her reality to Lawrence’s fantasy, and her mid-film monologue is dynamite.

While I can overlook some anachronisms (such as the updated Cineplex seating) more so than others (Tanner Zipchen as a hot customer is not a sentence I thought I would ever be writing), I think this is a fantastic directorial debut from Levack and is easily one of my favourite films of the Festival already.

Oh and shooting/framing the film in 4:3? Well played, Ms. Levack. Well played.

I LIKE MOVIES screens as follows at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Fri, Sept 9 IN-PERSON Scotiabank Theatre 6:15pm

Wed, Sept 14 IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 6:30pm

Fri, Sept 16 IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 9:45pm

By Amanda Gilmore

This Film tells the true story of swimming sisters Yusra (Nathalie Issa) and Sara Mardini (Manal Issa), who fled their home in war-torn Damascus to start a new life in Europe. Their goal was to make it to Germany, apply for an application to get their family to join them and earn a chance to compete in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

The Swimmers is an inspirational story that has the ability to change people’s minds. Director Sally El Hosaini brings us into the life of the sisters during their time in Syria. They go to nightclubs and compete in their local swimming competitions. However, these scenes quickly turn. At the nightclub bombs go off in the distance and while Yusra is competing a bomb lands inside the pool. The striking imagery that Hosaini creates shows us the daily, constant threat posed to the people of Syria.

The strongest part of the Film is the journey the sisters take with their cousin (Ahmed Malek). Here, audiences see the horrors refugees endure on their quests for a better life. We watch as the sisters and their cousin, along with a group of refugees, must put their trust in strangers and the dangers of their journeys. The refugee story doesn’t end when the sisters arrive in Germany. We are taken into a camp and shown how they must live there.

The chemistry between real-life sisters Nathalie and Manal brings this inspirational story to the screen. When we get to the third act, the Mardini sisters begin chasing different dreams. Yusra still lives and breathes swimming. However, Sara goes in search of her true calling. Nathalie and Manal’s real sisterhood translates into their emotionally rich intimacy on screen.

The Swimmers screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Thu, Sep 8 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 6:00 pm

Thu, Sep 8 IN-PERSON at Roy Thompson Hall at 8:00 pm

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

Sat, Sep 17 IN-PERSON at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre at 3:00 pm

This is what we signed-up for! TIFF ’22 festivities are in full force an it was an epic Day One! This is only the start as we reach peak-TIFF Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!

Some.sightings:

BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE, Recipient of the Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Gala

SALLY EL HOSEINI – Director of THE SWIMMERS – Recipient of the TIFF Emerging Talent Award

THE HANDMAID’S TALE – SEASON FIVE

ON THE COME UP

WEIRD

Its only Day One and we’re already tired!

Check back daily for more sightings!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By Amanda Gilmore

El agua follows mature 17-year-old Ana (Luna Pamies) who lives with her mother (Bárbara Lennie) and grandmother (Nieve De Medina) in a small Spanish town near the Segura River. The town legend is that when the river floods every few decades it takes a woman who has recently fallen in love with it. During this hot summer, a storm is on the horizon warning of a flood. And when Ana falls in love, she begins feeling the water within her.

Director Elena López Riera shoots with realism while telling a story weaved in the surreal. The true legend López Riera uses in her narrative brings in the realist aspect. There are times when people are interviewed, Documentary style, and they speak of their experiences with the water. This feeds into the realist style she’s going for. However, these stories aid in making the surrealist aspects of the story feel natural to the narrative.

At the Film’s core is a story about gender and power. What first feels like a story of young summer love turns into a powerful coming-of-age story about a woman claiming her power. We are strapped into Ana’s summer of discovery, whether she be working at her mother’s bar or spending time with her friends and romantic interest. First-time Actor Pamies turns in a performance of a seasoned actor. Making her one to watch.

El agua screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Thu, Sep 8 IN-PERSON at Scotiabank Theatre at 6:30 pm

Sat, Sep 10 IN-PERSON at Scotiabank Theatre at 6:35 pm

A new Traser has arrived for TIFF ’22 selection, GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY – right in time for the Festival!

Synopsis:

According to Johnson, Blanc’s penchant for bombast is partly to thank for the film’s title, which pays homage to the 1968 Beatles song of the same name. “I’m always fishing for something fun that Blanc can grab onto as an overwrought metaphor that he can beat to death,” he says. “This is all in plain sight from the very start. So, the idea of glass came to me, something that’s clear. I’ll be very honest. I literally got out my iPhone and searched my music library with the word ‘glass.’ There’s got to be some good glass songs. I was like, “Oh, is it a glass fortress? Is it a glass castle? Is it a glass man?” The first thing that came up, because I’m a huge Beatles fan, is ‘Glass Onion.'”

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY arrives December 23, 2022.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

We’re one more sleep till TIFF ’22 begins and per tradition, we’re on it! So amazing seeing a couple names in-town already for the Festival already, despite their Films not yet premiering for a couple days.

NOÉMIE MERLANT

We’re actually really excited about this sighting! Merlant got her big breakthrough in 2019’s PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, which went on to win huge accolades. The French Actress who has been nominated twice for a César Award now stars in BABY RUBY at TIFF ’22 which is about an Vlogger/Influencer whose world unravels after she becomes a mother. Kit Harington also stars and the Film premieres Friday night. She’s just so lovely!

GLEN POWELL

This certainly isn’t GLEN POWELL‘S first TIFF but he’s back and riding the smash success of this Summer’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK in which he stars as Hangman. He can be see at TIFF ’22 in DEVOTION, which is getting some buzz, starring alongside Jonathan Majors. The Film which centers on the U.S. Navy’s first Aviator, his Wingman and the racism they encountered, premieres Monday at Cinesphere. Always a class act and couldn’t be more thrilled for his success!

Others we can confirm, arriving in the City tonight include Anna Kendrick, Yvonne Strahovski and Amy Redford.

We can’t wait to share more over these next few days as TIFF ’22 picks-up momentum!

Bookmark here for the latest Snaps and Reviews coming out of the Festival!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Premiering at TIFF ’22, Jessica Chastain is back after her Oscar-winning performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, which stars fellow Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne. Here is a brand-new Trailer for THE GOOD NURSE, streaming later this year on Netflix.

Synopsis:
Amy, a compassionate nurse and single mother struggling with a life-threatening heart condition, is stretched to her physical and emotional limits by the hard and demanding night shifts at the ICU. But help arrives, when Charlie, a thoughtful and empathetic fellow nurse, starts at her unit. While sharing long nights at the hospital, the two develop a strong and devoted friendship, and for the first time in years, Amy truly has faith in her and her young daughters’ future. But after a series of mysterious patient deaths sets off an investigation that points to Charlie as the prime suspect, Amy is forced to risk her life and the safety of her children to uncover the truth.

A gripping thriller based on true events, THE GOOD NURSE is directed by Academy Award nominee Tobias Lindholm, written by Academy Award nominee Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and stars Academy Award winners Jessica Chastain as Amy Loughren and Eddie Redmayne as Charles Cullen, as well as Nnamdi Asomugha, Noah Emmerich, and Kim Dickens.

Netflix release THE GOOD NURSE October 26, 2022.
It will play in Select Theaters October 19, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

How is it already TIFF? This year flew right by and it only seems like yesterday we were dreaming of a full-capacity Festival. Don’t get us wrong, it was nice having a nice, breezy TIFF last year, wrapping early. But we long for those wild days we were completely enthralled in 14-16 hour days at the Festival, crawling into bed in the wee hours of the morning at our Hotel.

Over the years, we’ve gotten a little smarter how we strategize around TIFF and we find our days actually can be productive and shorter in the thick of the Festival and we plan to employ that same plan again this year! Our first-half of the Festival is typically very busy as we balance the hottest Films of the Festival and of course the star-filled Red Carpets and parties around the City.

We couldn’t do any of this without an amazing Team. So overjoyed we are officially accredited once again this year at the Festival. Thank you in advance to Amanda Gilmore, David Baldwin, George Kozera, Justin Waldman and Nicholas Porteous whom leading-up-to and into the Festival offering their invaluable assistance giving us their thoughts on the most buzzy titles to premiere at the Festival this year. Everyone on the Team’s been dealing with their own challenges this past bit so being able to enjoy TIFF the good old-fashioned way again means so much to us. We’ve been at it for 13 years now officiallycovering TIFF in our own unique way, and it never gets old! We live for this.

We couldn’t do it without the support of our new and returning partners whom we’d like to thank individually.

CP24

Look for us once again this year as we join CP24‘s Bakari Savage for live hits and updates about the hottest Films at TIFF ’22, and also where you might spot some of the biggest stars of the Festival. The beauty of CP24 is that even if you miss it, its rotation and website, plus the CP24 GO app allow you to catch it at your convenience.

We will be on CP24 Breakfast this Friday, September 9, 2022 in the 8 o’clock hour! And our photos will be featured throughout the Festival!

ACURA CANADA

We’re delighted that our vehicle of choice for TIFF ’22 is the 2022 Acura RDX. This premium Crossover SUV delivers an exciting driving experience with its 272-hp* VTEC® turbo engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™* (SH-AWD®) that takes on corners with confidence and control. Mobilty is super-important to us during the Festival as we’re needed allover town.

STARBUCKS CANADA

It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Season officially! Throughout the Festival we’ll giving away $25 Starbucks Canada Gift Cards which will give you a chance to try some of those comforting Fall Menu items at Starbucks! The Crisp Apple Oat Macchiato is back too and like the PSL you can enjoy it hot or iced! There’s nothing more amazing than sinking into our seat in a dark theatre with a warm PSL in-hand. Starbucks is all about making that drink yours and feel free to customize your beverage and make it all about YOU!

CHATIME CANADA

We’re delighted how mainstream Bubble Tea/Boba has become and Chatime Canada is changing the game with their exquisite flavours and tea of the highest standard. You haven’t lived till you’ve tried their Roasted Milk Tea which is obsession-worthy. Their Menu is highly customizable and my personal favourite though? Right now it’s an Iced Lychee Green Tea, 30% Sweet and Less Ice. And did you know they too have a Pumpkin Spice Milk Tea? It’s absolutely delicious. Sinfully good. What will become your favourite? Don’t forget to try their sweets from Bake Code!

SAMSUNG CANADA

So you’ve got your TIFF planned. But what good is a plan without the perfect smartphone? The Samsung S22 Ultra is our phone of choice at TIFF ’22 this year. We do so much of our Social Media posts live as we experience the magic of TIFF and actually Blog and edit our Reviews from our phone. With a strong battery life of 7h 26 mins and 40MP Selfie Camera/10 MP Periscope/12 MP Ultra Wide Camera/108MP Wide-angle Camera and 10MP Telephoto Camera, we’ve got all the angles covered!

H&M CANADA

Comfort, clean lines and boxy fits and shirt jackets are the thing this Fall and H&M is ahead of the curve on this. We will be sporting H&M throughout the Festival and can’t wait to show you some of our favourite finds from their upcoming Fall and Winter Collection including jackets and coats. We can’t wait to show off our finds!.

LA CREMA

At the end of the night after a long day at TIFF, what better way to unwind than with a glass of wine? Monterey Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Rosé are our favourites from this phenomenal winery.

boscia

Blotting Linens in Black Charcoal, Clear Complexion and Green Tea ($14). Bring a bag-friendly pack of blotting linens along with you to instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration throughout the day, without disturbing any makeup or skincare. The slim package fits perfectly in your pocket, handbag or desk drawer.

amika

Summer sun = greasy hair. No thanks. Enter the award-winning bestseller, Perk Up Dry Shampoo. Packed with natural rice starch, the dry shampoo absorbs oil, while leaving no white residue. 

STOIC BEAUTY

Eos Barrier Repair Morning Mist is perfect for your gym bag or your beach bag, Eos Morning Mist is a gentle all day refresh you and your skin deserve. Featuring Co-Enzyme Q10 for barrier repair and protection of the skin, with tangerine and lavender for uplifting your spirits, this pregnancy safe mist will have you saying “hello sunshine!”. Plus, with gentle AHA/PHAs, your skin gets some light exfoliating prior to your morning moisturizer and SPF.

HAPPY NATURAL PRODUCTS

We’re still very cautiously observing safety protocols and will be at TIFF ’22. This means sanitizing our hands frequently. HAPPY Natural Products which are available at fine retailers like Well.ca, Whole Foods, Healthy Planet, McEwan and more, include Facial Rollers, Gua Sha, Shower Steamers, Sanitizer and Masks. I swear by their 80% Hand Sanitizer which spritzes-on easily without stickiness, and it’s kept me safe and healty throughout this entire Pandemic. They were just seen this past week on Breakfast Television!

Now for the exciting stuff! One lucky winner in the Greater Toronto Area will win our TIFF ’22 Survival Prize Pack packed with items to help you survive this Festival! Prize Pack, valued at $450+ includes:

You can “like” this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK for a chance to win, or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below, or you can just like the IG Post below also and tag a friend in the comments there!

We will be delivering the prize in-person to the lucky winner! You must be following.

TIFF ’22 runs September 8-18, 2022.

Bookmark this link and be following us for all the exciting updates!

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