The Dark Horse Hollywood Satire
Chris Rock is back in the director's chair with “Misty Green,” a noir-inflected drama about the dark side of modern Hollywood. Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Adam Driver, and Anna Kendrick, the film follows a young actress trying to navigate her career. Early
buzz suggests Rock has penned a scathing satire, and the internet is already rife with speculation that it might be inspired by real events, making this one of the festival's most talked-about world premieres.
The Tour-de-Force Legal Drama
Cynthia Erivo is generating serious awards buzz for her role in “Prima Facie,” an adaptation of the hit stage play. She plays a brilliant defense barrister who specializes in sexual assault cases, only to find herself on the other side of the witness stand after being assaulted by a colleague. The film, which is premiering as a Gala Presentation, is expected to be a powerhouse showcase for Erivo, whose performance is being described as an awards-caliber tour de force. Her attendance, along with stars like Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, has added significant star power to the festival's midway point.
The Lovable Community Theater Comedy
Following up his Oscar-winning film, Jesse Eisenberg directs “The Debut,” a dark comedy starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. Moore plays a suburban housewife who finds a new sense of purpose in community theater, clashing with the group’s grumpy director, played by Giamatti. The casting alone seems like a match made in heaven for a film that promises to be a dry, witty look at the world of amateur acting. It premiered over the weekend to a warm reception, solidifying its place as a crowd-pleaser.
The Gritty Prison Actor's Showcase
Character actor Tim Blake Nelson is getting attention for his directorial effort, “The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd.” The film stars Amanda Seyfried as an English teacher in an Oklahoma prison who develops a complex relationship with an inmate, played by Scoot McNairy. With an actor of Nelson's caliber behind the camera, the film is tailored to highlight its lead performers, and both Seyfried and McNairy are being watched for their work in this gritty drama. Seyfried’s appearance on the red carpet was a notable highlight of the festival's first weekend.
The Butt-Kicking Action Throwback
For those who miss Michelle Yeoh’s Hong Kong action-thriller days, “The Surgeon” looks poised to deliver. The Oscar-winner stars as a kidnapped surgeon forced to perform an operation, in what is being billed as a pulse-pounding thriller. While her recent dramatic roles have earned her widespread acclaim, this film is seen as a welcome return to the high-energy action that first brought her to international attention, promising wall-to-wall butt-kicking for its entire runtime.
The International Heavyweights
Beyond the big Hollywood premieres, TIFF is a crucial North American launchpad for major international films that have already earned acclaim at other festivals. This year is no different, with titles like Cristian Mungiu's second Palme d'Or winner “Fjord” and Ryusuke Hamaguchi's latest three-hour epic “All of a Sudden” on the schedule. These films often go on to become major players in the Best International Feature Film Oscar race, giving festival-watchers a preview of the global cinema that will make waves in the coming year.
