Highlights from the Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival is a key event marking the start of the fall movie season. It brings features and shorts from around the world, many hinting at awards potential. Across several days at the festival, I viewed 25 films, a selection you might soon encounter. Below are some noteworthy titles.

All That She Wants

Amanda Matlovich introduces Annie Murphy, known for Schitt’s Creek, as Emma, a 30-something balancing single life and career while yearning for motherhood. Emma meets Luke, played by Cooper Raiff, a grad student 10 years her junior. Their chemistry shines, despite the narrative’s adherence to romantic comedy formulas. The supporting cast includes Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, and Zosia Mamet as Emma’s family. Distribution details are pending.

Babies

In Lauren Miller Rogen’s Babies, Annie and Aaron, portrayed by Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen, grapple with parenthood decisions. Their social circle and Annie’s advancing age add pressure, affecting the group’s dynamics. Rogen’s script draws humor and warmth from these conflicts. With a supporting ensemble featuring Issa Rae and David Strathairn, each character is explored thoughtfully. Anticipated release is set for 2027.

Clarissa

Directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri, Clarissa adapts Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway to modern Lagos, Nigeria. Sophie Okonedo plays Clarissa, whose past emerges during her event planning. Flashbacks illuminate Lagos’ social and economic layers. Toheeb Jimoh and David Oyelowo portray Peter, alongside Ayo Edebiri and Nikki Amuka-Bird as Sally. The movie opens on December 11.

The Face of Horror

Anna Biller’s The Face of Horror reimagines Japanese ghost story Yotsuya Kaidan as a critique on patriarchy, styled like Technicolor classics. Jonah Hauer-King stars as a deceitful knight, with Kristine Frøseth portraying his wife. It features blood and critical commentary, shown at TIFF’s Midnight Madness. U.S. distribution is still pending.

Everytime

Director Sandra Wollner’s Everytime explores grief through a narrative that resonates profoundly. Following a teen’s accidental death, her mother, sister, and boyfriend navigate their unique pathways of mourning. The film’s open-ended journey offers liberation and puzzlement. Although not yet released in the U.S., it represents Germany for the Oscars’ international feature category.

Look Back

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back is emotionally strong. It tells the story of schoolgirls Fujino and Kyomoto, bonding over manga. Their artistic pursuit gains professional acknowledgment, fostering Kyomoto’s personal growth. Natural performances and depictive style enhance the narrative.

Tender Loving Care

Mike Leigh’s Tender Loving Care potentially marks his final work. The film focuses on Amy, played by Kate O’Flynn, post-breakup, residing with Rosie, revealing rich emotional layers through family interactions. Paul Jesson and Marion Bailey deliver engaging performances. It debuts on December 4.

This article originally appeared in NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter. To stay updated, subscribe to the newsletter for weekly entertainment recommendations. Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.