Amidst the ongoing labor strikes casting a shadow over Hollywood, the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival of 2023 is poised to deviate from its usual glitzy spectacle. The customary galaxy of star power that usually graces the event is conspicuously absent this year. Yet, the silver lining emerges in the form of a tantalizing lineup of premieres set to light up the screens.
Recalling the cinematic diversity witnessed in the previous year’s offerings, which ranged from the enigmatic “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” to the quirky “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and the poignant “Pearl,” this year promises to maintain that vibrant spectrum. Anchoring this symphony of celluloid experiences is the North American premiere of “The Boy and the Heron,” a masterpiece hailing from the creative minds at Studio Ghibli, and the legendary animator, Hayao Miyazaki.
Our boots on the ground will be in Toronto, ready to devour as many films as the laws of physics allow during the festival. In the meantime, here’s a tantalizing glimpse of a few cinematic gems that have us on the edge of our seats:
1. The Beast
A cerebral voyage into the realm of science fiction, “The Beast” is an exploration of yearning, obsession, and existential dread. Directed by the French maestro Bertrand Bonello, it boasts the mesmerizing talents of Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, portraying two lovers entangled in a web that spans time and space, all while a looming catastrophe threatens to unravel their world. A theatrical premiere date remains shrouded in mystery.
2. The Boy and the Heron
Arguably the most eagerly anticipated film of TIFF 2023, “The Boy and the Heron” unfurls the latest enchantment from Studio Ghibli and the visionary maestro, Hayao Miyazaki. Having already graced Japanese screens earlier this summer, its North American debut promises to transport audiences to another world on December 8th.
3. Dicks: The Musical
Peering through the mist of an enigmatic description that speaks of “self-obsessed businessmen discovering their long-lost identical twins” may leave you perplexed. Yet, in the capable hands of director Larry Charles, a luminary who once graced the halls of Seinfeld, rest assured it’s destined to be a riotous and entertaining spectacle. Save the date: September 29th.
4. Dream Scenario
A24’s “Dream Scenario,” masterminded by the Norwegian auteur Kristoffer Borgli, hints at a potential cult classic in the making, with Nicolas Cage taking the lead as Paul. His life takes a surreal twist as he becomes the unexpected star of millions of dreams, but as the nocturnal visions take a nightmarish turn, Paul must navigate the labyrinthine corridors of his newfound stardom. Arriving on November 10th.
5. Dumb Money
Director Craig Gillespie, known for his work on “I, Tonya” and “Cruella,” plunges into the tumultuous waters of the GameStop short-squeeze saga, transforming it into a comedy. Set to grace a select number of theaters on September 22nd before a wider release on October 6th, the film boasts an ensemble cast that reads like a Hollywood who’s who.
6. Evil Does Not Exist
The latest offering from Ryusuke Hamaguchi, the acclaimed creator of “Drive My Car,” “Evil Does Not Exist” offers a meditative exploration likely to leave a lasting imprint on the soul. As for a North American theatrical date, the mystery persists.
7. Fingernails
In this intriguing sci-fi drama by writer-director Christos Nikou, a new technology capable of detecting love takes center stage. The ensemble cast featuring Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Annie Murphy, and Luke Wilson adds to the allure. Tune in to Apple TV Plus on November 3rd.
8. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person
Set against the backdrop of Montreal, this French Canadian creation from director Ariane Louis-Seize traces the life of an unwilling vampire thrust into a relentless quest for blood to sustain their existence. If nothing else, the title alone is bound to pique curiosity.
9. Monster
From the Japanese maestro Hirokazu Kore-eda, renowned for his poignant explorations of society’s marginalized, “Monster” delves into the dark abyss of school bullying. Notably, it also serves as a tribute to the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Release details for North America remain undisclosed.
10. Origin
A last-minute entrant to the festival’s lineup, “Origin” emerges as the latest creation from Ava DuVernay, the director behind “A Wrinkle in Time.” This film offers a glimpse into the life of author Isabel Wilkerson, with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor taking on the titular role. Jon Bernthal joins the cast, promising a captivating journey “later this year.”
11. Pain Hustlers
Netflix, a formidable presence at TIFF, introduces “Pain Hustlers” from the illustrious director David Yates of “Harry Potter” fame. The film unfurls a riveting tale rooted in the pharmaceutical industry, adapted from Evan Hughes’ eponymous book. A stellar ensemble cast, featuring Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, and Catherine O’Hara, brings the story to life, with streaming commencing on October 27th.
12. Sleep
Hailed as “the most unique horror film and the smartest debut film in a decade” by Bong Joon-ho, the mastermind behind “Parasite,” “Sleep” marks director Jason Yu’s entrancing debut. Having previously honed his craft under the guidance of Korean legends, this cinematic offering promises an unforgettable journey into the realm of terror.
13. When Evil Lurks
Film festivals are a treasure trove of burgeoning horror tales, and “When Evil Lurks” appears poised to send shivers down the spines of its audience. Written and directed by Demián Rugna, this gripping narrative follows two brothers battling a demonic infection. Brace yourselves for a theatrical release on October 6th and a spine-chilling stream on Shudder come October 27th.
