BEST OF THE
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
By Pamela Powell
IFF, the Toronto International Film Festival, is starting to roll up the red carpets and pull the curtains closed on what might be the most Oscar buzz-worthy festival in years. From “First Man” to “A Star Is Born,” the stars are shining brightly in our neighboring city in Canada, as Ryan Gosling, Hugh Jackman, Timothee Chalamet, and Nicole Kidman put their best foot forward, hoping for audience and critics’ praise, and perhaps taking another step closer to a little gold statue in February.
Films ranged from deeply meaningful documentaries and thought-provoking dramas based on real life, to wacky westerns and artistically surreal films to push you to your outer limits. Themes appear within the fest such as addiction (“Ben Is Back,” “Beautiful Boy”), politics (“The Front Runner,” “Fahrenheit 9/11”) and LGBQT acceptance (“Giant Little Ones,” “Boy Erased”) reminding us that art is inspired by life. After seeing approximately 25 new films, here are my picks for the best of the fest.
T
Photos by Pamela Powell