Once again highlighting the unsung movies of the fest, Allison and Josh are back to give you some of our recommendations at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Check out our picks after the jump!
After the Fire
(Written by Allison Brown) Arriving in a burst of flames, After the Fire brings a timely story of a family affected by omnipresent police brutality from a new perspective. Set in Strasbourg, France, director/screenwriter Mehdi Fikri provides a window into the systematic racism towards the Arab community in Europe, while telling a narrative eerily similar to the fatalities mourned in the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Step into Malika’s (Camélia Jordana) shoes, and witness an infuriating tale of resistance, undue violence, manipulation, and trauma when this spectacular work of cinema premieres at the festival.
BOY KILLS WORLD
Boy Kills World depicts a candy-colored ultraviolent post-apocalyptic vision of the future on steroids, complete with gory mayhem, note-perfect characterizations, and hilariously off-beat humor. In-demand actor Bill Skarsgård (Stephen King’s It, Barbarian) plays deaf-mute lead Boy with a ferocious and vengeful energy. Donned in a sleeveless red vest completely covered with blood, Skarsgård is fully in his element. Lest we assume the action movie of the year John Wick: Chapter 4 will have no competition in that category, Boy Kills World arrives with a hearty slice of darkly comedic fun and relentless action brawls. First-time feature filmmaker Moritz Mohr certainly makes a solid argument that the action-movie genre has plenty of gas—and bursts of blood—left in the tank.
HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON
In the most uniquely-titled movie of the entire festival, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person delivers a modern coming-of-age vampiric dramedy. Sasha, a young vampire who despises violence, finds herself attending a depression and suicide anonymous meeting. Here she meets the quiet, depressed, and downright adorable Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard). Sasha needs someone to feed on, and Paul longs to shuffle his way off this mortal coil. When Sasha suggests they carry out a dying wish, the night morphs into an exploration of budding friendship and romance. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person marks the directorial debut of Ariane Louis-Seize, who co-wrote the screenplay with Christine Doyon—don’t miss this toothless delight!.
INSHALLAH A BOY
(Written by Wyatt Frantz) Slowly easing the audience into a stream of insubordination, Inshallah a Boy is a powerful tale of defiance that commemorates how working class people are pitted against power-driven systems. Follow Nora (Mouna Hawa), a hard-working mother in Jordan who struggles in a legal battle against her family after her husband passes away. Nora’s fight against homelessness is embedded with provocative social commentary that will leave audiences talking about this one for years to come. Be the first to see this dense, organic portrait of womanhood, and an eye-opening glimpse into patriarchal corners of the world.
Sleep
(Written by Allison Brown) What happens to our mind and body when we sleep is a superstitious enigma many have questioned throughout time. Writer/Director Jason Yu tackles this fear of the unknown, along with gender disparity in relationships, credibility of supernatural thought, and mental health in disturbing horror Sleep. For those already afraid of the potential to suddenly begin sleepwalking, after watching this film, you will never rest again.
WITHOUT AIR
(Written by Intern, Wyatt Frantz) Without Air tests the boundaries of public education in this scandalous drama that puts meaningful education in a tense crossfire. Watch Ana Bauch (Ágnes Krasznahorkai), a caring literature teacher who puts her students first, fated in a battle against the legal system after suggesting a controversial film to her class. Her fight for thoughtful education is pitted against principal Eva’s (Tünde Skovrán) attempt to maintain a just, conservative image for the school. A Hungarian love letter to caring teachers, Ana’s journey will hook viewers from start to finish.
For more information about 2023’s Toronto International Film Festival, please head over to the the official website.