For 2022’s iteration of the Toronto International Film Festival, there was tragically a lack of digital access for many of the titles. However, this did not stop us from exploring many of the great options that they had on offer! Don’t miss our full exclusive coverage on this year’s TIFF!
Films
A Long Break
(Written by Intern, Ramon Naula) A Long Break is a nice indie movie one can connect with on personal levels. Director Davit Pirtskhalava created a slow-paced but charming tale with the clear intention to make the viewer feel an array of strong, often familiar emotions. The main character of this story is Tsitsi. From the beginning, this character’s introduction makes us feel an ominous presence; his body language and tone give the viewer a suspicion that he means no good. He gathers everyone around with the apparent intention of attacking classmate Guga. Tsitsi starts his plan by scheduling a simple meet-up with past classmates at their old school in a rural part of Georgia. Guga, the main antagonist of A Long Break, appears to have a more stable lifestyle than anyone else in town. Although Tsitsi’s actions and intentions are not the most comprehensible, they cannot compare to Guga’s past. Guga’s childhood was tumultuous, thus giving Tsitsi the reason to take revenge on Guga for his bullying and humiliation. Slow pacing helps to uncover Tsitsi’s mental state, what actions he would take, and who in that room would help either Tsitsi or Guga. These characters form many intriguing moments, but the most anticlimactic plot I have ever seen holds it back. A weaker and less frightening side of Tsitsi is shown as he refuses to take action in his plan. The characters are easy to understand, and one cannot help build emotional connections with all of them, except Guga. A Long Break develops into a dramatic, suspenseful tale about classmates with grudges, bottled-up emotions and inner turmoil, and a bully whom they attempt to forgive. A Long Break was a stroll down memory lane for me, recalling my schooling. I constantly saw these types of people commit “moral” actions, and I wonder where they are now.
ARISTOTLE AND Dante Discover THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE
Full review at the link.
BONES OF CROWS
(Written by Intern, Amanda Davidowski) Psychological drama Bones of Crows does an excellent job of making its audience aware of the treatment of indigenous people in Canada’s residential school system and the subsequent aftermath. Get ready to cry your eyes out because I certainly wasn’t prepared! Director Marie Clements doesn’t pacify any of the abuse or experiences; it is all raw and real. Bones of Crows utilizes stunning cinematography and powerful performances from the cast to deliver one of the most heart-wrenching films I have ever seen. Cree-descending Aline Spears and her family (Summer Testawich, Grace Dove, & Carla-Rae) have lived a hard life. In her childhood, she experiences starvation, physical punishment, and sexual assault. As she gets older, she faces racism and emotional trauma from her childhood. The scenes that illustrate the abuse are not easy to watch, but they are necessary to understand Aline’s experience as much as possible. Crows recur throughout the film, appearing when there is a significant change occurring. These changes are hardships that Aline experiences that will alter the trajectory of her life permanently. Aline stays strong against insurmountable odds, facing her trauma head on by helping other residential school survivors and exposing her oppressors. Despite everything the Canadian government did to try to displace indigenous children from their cultures, Aline represents all survivors who still kept their culture and language with them. The end of Bones of Crows confirms this, showcasing real interviews with indigenous residential school survivors alongside facts about what happened and what is currently being done. It seems that Clement’s goal with this film was similar to Aline’s goal: make sure no one forgets the treatment of indigenous people. This drama hits deep in the heart, making it hard to forget.
CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY
Full review at the link.
COYOTE
(Written by Intern, Lauren Vega) Family values, struggles, and perseverance are hard, but real, lessons learned in Coyote. Directed by Katherine Jerkovic, Coyote follows the uncertain, sometimes depressing life of Camilo (Jorge Martinez Colorado). When Camilo’s daughter, Tania (Eva Avila), comes around, we learn that he lost his very successful livelihood trying to help her through addiction. Camilo is reluctant to continue contact, as his life was ruined and he appears to be floating on the surface of meaninglessness and purpose. However, upon learning that he has a 5-year-old grandson (Enzo Desmeules), Camilo eventually agrees to be a caretaker as Tania goes to rehab. Taking on this responsibility dominoes into lessons of perseverance, old wounds, and the love of a parent for a child. I appreciated how thoughtful Camilo was, and I related to the struggle of work-life he was going through. Throughout the film, I was trying to figure out if Camilo thought life was worth living. I wanted so badly for him to find happiness, as he continues to endure the obstacles thrown at him. Cinematography-wise, Coyote is clever in its filters and sets. There are many muted greens and blues, and occasionally some warm settings. The result is a cold, clinical feeling, which I thought fit perfectly. I often felt that Camilo was fading or disassociating in the shots that held for longer. Overall, I really enjoyed Coyote, and would definitely recommend watching on a quiet night in.
FIXATION
For those who prefer their horror/thrillers to drive them to the very brink of insanity, Fixation may just be the movie for you! Throughout the course of the film, the viewer is constantly questioning whether or not Dora (Maddie Hasson) is actually being gaslit during her time undergoing a bizarre psychiatric evaluation. Pass or fail, Dora’s very freedom may hinge on the results, as she is participating in advance of an upcoming hearing for her murder charge. Visually, Fixation delivers several chilling and properly creepy moments involving taxidermy and unnerving, oversized dolls. It is a shame, then, that it still manages to waste so much of its goodwill (and an outstanding lead performance) by squandering it amongst the mania. I was constantly on my toes about Dora’s situation, but I was also not at all surprised by where it goes.
The Gravity
(Written by Intern, Amanda Davidowski) Cédric Ido’s The Gravity is a daring new take on the sci-fi genre. An impossible phenomenon expected to shift gravity is set to occur: all eight planets will align with the sun. However this is all subtly happening in the background. The heart of the story centers around three childhood friends living in a poor northern suburb of Paris, who all grew up wanting to escape. The film opens on a tragic accident involving four children, which leads to one dead and another paralyzed. Years later, the three children are now grown up still living in the same neighborhood. Daniel (Max Gomis) is a track runner who helps his wheelchair bound brother Joshua (Steve Tientcheu) run drugs. On a delivery, they run into estranged childhood friend and skilled artist Christophe (Jean-Baptiste Anoumon), who recently served time in prison for dealing drugs. While Christophe has been gone, a new young crew has taken over the turf, calling themselves the Rōnin. They have this unique look to them, sporting blue clothes and a spritz of red in their hair. Ido beautifully visualizes the planetary event, with stunning shots of the planets aligning in space and the sky getting redder and redder. It seems like everything is taking place in the present, but the film gives off this vibe that makes it feel futuristic. All the rising tension between Daniel, Joshua, Christophe, and the Rōnin reaches its breaking point in the last twenty minutes of The Gravity. We finally see all the sci-fi aspects pay off in an unexpected way. This captivating film has an interpretive ending, leaving the audience with many unanswered questions. What actually happens once the planets align? Does everything just go back to the status quo? The Gravity is an interesting watch, and if you’re patient it’s worth your time.
HOLY SPIDER
Full review at the link.
I LIKE MOVIES
Full review at the link.
MY SAILOR, MY LOVE
(Written by Intern, Amanda Davidowski) Klaus Härö’s newest drama My Sailor, My Love deals with tough subject matter, especially for those who have had to take care of older family members from a young age. Writers Jimmy Karlsson and Kirsi Vikkman explore a difficult relationship between a father and daughter, as well as a love story between an elderly couple. All the emotional baggage and affliction the characters face is translated flawlessly to the screen in this harrowing film. Grace (Catherine Walker) is overwhelmed with her work/personal life and her strained relationship with obstinate father Howard (James Cosmo), a retired sea captain. As the conditions her father lives in worsen, she hires Annie (Bríd Brennan) to take care of the house and her father. Howard treats Annie coldly at first, but after an act of kindness, his attitude toward Annie changes, and a budding romance begins. Grace becomes envious as Howard takes a liking to Annie and her family, and she tries to drive the two apart. It is clear that Grace has had severe emotional trauma since her childhood from her father’s absences, taking care of her mother, and the way he has treated her. Yet still, she takes care of him despite her grievances. I was initially confused as to why she was “unpleasant” around Howard and Annie, but it all becomes clear as more is revealed about Grace’s past. Walker’s performance is open and honest; she expertly expresses the emotions of a character who feels they are constantly being punished caring for others. Cosmo and Brennan also deliver powerful performances. The chemistry they create between Howard and Annie is both charming and heart-rending. My Sailor, My Love does have its playful and light moments, but as the film progresses it reminds one of the harder hitting issues head-on. Take a deep breath before sitting down to watch this one—it’s a worthwhile story that will have the audience crying by the end.
PARIS MEMORIES
Full review at the link.
PEARL
Full review at the link.
PROJECT WOLF HUNTING
Full review at the link.
RICEBOY SLEEPS
Full review at the link.
ROOST
Full review at the link.
ROSIE
Full review at the link.
SNOW AND THE BEAR
(Written by Intern, Lauren Vega) Get ready for metaphorical situations and deep thinking in Snow and the Bear. Directed by Selcen Ergun, Snow and the Bear follows a woman who has transferred from her hometown to a snowy, desolate place. The isolated location is in the midst of a long winter, which subsequently makes things feel lonelier. The protagonist is determined to succeed in her new job as a nurse, however is treated as an outsider in the small town. Though she begins to make friends, a missing persons case hits the town, casting a suspicious shadow on those around her. Cinematography was spot-on, while the set building helped to create an eerie ambiance throughout the film. Additionally, the sound design made me feel alone and spooked—all the midnight howls and bumps immersed me in their world. Acting-wise, I think everyone’s blank faces threw me for a loop. I understand that the characters are in the middle of nowhere, but the only emotions appeared to be anger and depression. I felt there was a void in the acting, especially in our main hero. Overall, I felt there were some really great metaphors and lines which made me think of my own morals. However, I think this whole film could have been condensed into a half an hour short.
WILDFLOWER
Full review at the link.
WILL-O’-THE-WISP
Full review at the link.
WINTER BOY
Full review at the link.
While we unfortunately had to miss the majority of the bigger-name titles, discovering wonderful festival gems has become something of an exciting opportunity. Without that, I would have missed two of my three personal favorites of TIFF. For the record, those were Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Winter Boy, and Pearl. Allison saw far more titles than I this time around, and her top choices were Driving Madeleine, Paris Memories, Roost, Wildflower, and I Like Movies. Once 2023 rolls around, our hope is to attend TIFF in person! We look forward to covering another exciting year!