by Tim Gordon
As the calendar turns to September, Toronto once again becomes the beating heart of the cinematic world. This year, the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) celebrates its golden milestone, reaffirming its reputation as one of the globe’s premier showcases for both established auteurs and bold new voices. Over 11 days, the city transforms into a marketplace of ideas, artistry, and awards-season ambition, where red carpets buzz with celebrity glitz even as small theaters cradle the quiet power of discovery.
TIFF has long been the launchpad for films that travel from critical acclaim to Oscar glory — Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, Nomadland. With its golden anniversary, the festival isn’t simply honoring its past; it’s doubling down on its future. From its Gala Presentations to Platform competitions, the program reflects both the commercial weight of Hollywood and the daring reach of global cinema.
Opening with Colin Hanks’ John Candy: I Like Me, an affectionate documentary about one of Canada’s favorite sons, and closing with Anne Émond’s Peak Everything (Amour Apocalypse), TIFF is bookended with warmth and emotional resonance — a fitting frame for such a celebratory edition.
World Premieres & Major Spotlights
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Rian Johnson) – Daniel Craig returns to TIFF with his detective in what promises to be another playful, twisty crowd-pleaser.
Frankenstein (Guillermo del Toro) – Gothic imagination meets awards-season buzz, with del Toro reimagining a classic through his singular vision.
The Christophers (Steven Soderbergh) – Soderbergh once again brings curiosity and innovation, this time diving into the heart of American culture.
Christy (David Michôd) – Sydney Sweeney steps into the ring as trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in a gritty drama poised for breakout acclaim.
Good Fortune (Aziz Ansari) – A bold comedy anchored by Keanu Reeves as the angel Gabriel, blending Hollywood charm with satirical bite.
Good News (Byun Sung-hyun) – A South Korean disaster thriller backed by Netflix, primed for both international and streaming audiences.
Hedda (Nia DaCosta) – A bold reimagining of Ibsen, showcasing DaCosta’s talent for marrying classic material with modern sensibilities.
Dead Man’s Wire (Gus Van Sant) – A suspenseful crime thriller starring Al Pacino, Bill Skarsgård, and Colman Domingo — pure TIFF star wattage.
Discovery & Platform Highlights
The World of Love (Yoon Ga-eun) – A delicate, emotionally charged South Korean entry in the Platform competition.
Meadowlarks (Tasha Hubbard) – A deeply resonant Canadian drama about Cree siblings reuniting under difficult circumstances.
Nika and Madison (Eva Thomas) – A fierce Indigenous story of two women on the run, already shaping up as one of Discovery’s urgent titles.
Out Standing (Mélanie Charbonneau) – A female veteran’s journey of reckoning, balancing personal trauma with broader societal reflection.
Other Festival Darlings to Watch
If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You (A24) – A biting dark dramedy starring Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien, mixing humor with jagged emotion.
Mile End Kicks (Chandler Levack) – A uniquely Canadian tale with Levack’s signature humor and authenticity.
The festival arrives at a crucial cultural moment. With the theatrical landscape evolving and streaming platforms expanding their dominance, TIFF remains the definitive barometer of where cinema is headed. Its golden anniversary underscores its power: the ability to launch awards campaigns, shape global narratives, and amplify voices that demand to be heard.
Watch List
As a critic drawn to both artistry and representation, these are the films I’ll be watching closely:
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – Rian Johnson at his most playful.
Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro redefines the gothic.
Christy – Sydney Sweeney’s breakout moment.
Good Fortune – Aziz Ansari’s bold comedy with Keanu Reeves as the angel Gabriel.
Hamnet – Chloé Zhao’s poetic reimagining of Shakespearean legacy.
The Smashing Machine – Benny Safdie’s raw and gripping MMA drama starring Dwayne Johnson.
Eternity – Tran Anh Hung’s lush and meditative exploration of time, love, and memory.
Dead Man’s Wire – Gus Van Sant’s thriller with powerhouse performances.
If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You – A24’s sharp mix of humor and pain.
Hedda – Nia DaCosta cementing her auteur status.
As TIFF 2025 begins, Toronto once again proves why it is the global stage for cinema — where legends return, discoveries are born, and the next year in film truly begins.
