Fest Report: Toronto International Film Festival - Day 5

What's catching our eye north of the border

[mr_rating_result]

The Tropic Cinema’s S. Runi Goyal is at the Toronto International Film Festival. Here are some of her highlights—keep an eye on the Tropic’s screens as these films get theatrical distribution!

<< Previous Day  |  Next Day >>

---

It’s Day 5 at TIFF and I unfortunately missed the screening of “If Beale Street Could Talk,” from Barry Jenkins, the director of “Moonlight.” I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the festival programmer adds another screening. It’s also important to note that Lucas Hedges has shown up in a third movie! How does this kid do it?

Mid90s

World Premiere at TIFF
To be released on October 19

Jonah Hill (yes, that Jonah Hill) makes his directorial debut with this coming-of-age story about a young teenage boy (whose older brother is played by Lucas Hedges) who finds friendship with the neighborhood skateboarders in 1990s Los Angeles. Jonah Hill has come a long way to break out of his stoner stereotype by making this heartwarming and heartbreaking film. It reminded me of “Kids” and “Alpha Dog,” but “Mid90s” has its own voice. Nice job, Jonah.

American Woman

TIFF World Premiere

Sienna Miller is luminescent in her role as a young mother, and grandmother, portraying an ordinary woman whose daughter goes missing. The director, Jake Scott, takes us on an 11 year journey that vacillates effortlessly between sadness and tragedy. I hope Sienna gets her due and is recognized for her talent.

Shadow

Premiered at Venice Film Festival

I was a Zhang Yimou fan after seeing “Jou Dou” in 1990, followed by “Raise the Red Lantern” and “Shanghai Triad.” Over the years, his movies have become grander and more epic, but they’ve always been beautiful. “Shadow” is beautiful, but it unfortunately lacks connection with its characters.