The Toronto International Film Festival has come to an end after several major movie debuts. I may not have attended myself, but I have kept up with the big releases and audience reactions to the new films. It’s too soon to know which films will be the front runners in the award season race, but we have a little bit of insight into the ones that made a big impression.
Jojo Rabbit
Taika Waititi’s satire has made waves for its controversial subject matter. The film is about a young boy who is imaginary friends with an idiotic version of Hitler (played by Waititi, who is Jewish himself.) When the young boy’s mother takes in a Jewish girl, his worldview is changed. The film received mixed reaction from critics, some love it while others aren’t as receptive. However, it took home the People’s Choice Award which is the equivalent of Best Picture at the Festival. Previous People’s Choice Awards winners are Green Book, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, La La Land, Room, and 12 Years a Slave. Needless to say, keep an eye on Jojo Rabbit this awards season.
In theaters: October 18th
Marriage Story
The Scarlett Johansson/Adam Driver relationship drama has earned rave reviews at TIFF and Venice Film Festivals for its acting and direction by Noah Baumbach. It also earned first runner up for the People’s Choice Award at TIFF. It’s safe to say this one will be in awards conversation for awhile.
Streaming on Netflix: December 6th
Parasite
Director Bong Joon-Ho’s film won the the Palme d’Or at Cannes back in May and impressed audiences yet again at TIFF garnering praise throughout the festival. The film is all about greed and class discrimination between two very different families. Parasite received second runner up for the People’s Choice Award.
In theaters: October 11th
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tom Hanks portrayal of Fred Rogers is apparently wonderful, to the surprise of no one. Of course it’s wonderful! It’s Mister Rogers and Tom Hanks! Eric Kohn from IndieWire wrote, “this is the role Tom Hanks was born to play.” Reactions from TIFF were overwhelmingly positive over director Marielle Heller’s take on Mister Rogers. Many critics believe this will get Tom Hanks nominated for his first Oscar since Cast Away. (How has he not been nominated in 19 years?!?!)
In Theaters: November 22nd
Knives Out
This murder mystery directed by Rian Johnson is said to be both a crowd pleaser and critical darling. The film is a mystery about a detective who travels to a family estate to investigate the murder of the patriarch. It boasts quite an impressive cast of actors including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Toni Collette, and Don Johnson.
In Theaters: November 27th
Dolemite Is My Name
Eddie Murphy is making a comeback. The actor is portraying the performer Rudy Ray Monroe, a 1970’s comedian who took on the persona of Dolemite, A Blaxploitation icon. Critics say this could be major for Murphy and it’s his best role in years.
Streaming on Netflix: October 25th
Those are a few of the big releases from TIFF this year. Time will tell if they have a big impact in award season, but it will be exciting to see what the next few months hold!