As September rolls in, so does the Toronto International Film Festival, running from Thursday, September 5, 2024, through Sunday, September 15, 2024. This year feels different—there’s an undeniable buzz in the air. Maybe it’s the remarkable TIFF 2024 lineup, featuring films that have already made waves at other festivals. Or perhaps it’s the excitement surrounding long-anticipated releases like Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night, Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, and Coppola’s Megalopolis. More than anything, it feels like the festival is back in full swing, delivering the kind of experience TIFF audiences have been craving since before the pandemic.
Either way, we’re excited about the powerful films debuting in the TIFF 2024 lineup. Here are a few standout films you definitely won’t want to miss.
TIFF 2024: Must See Films From The Toronto International Film Festival
‘The Last Showgirl’
- World Premiere: September 6, 2024
- Writer: Kate Gersten
- Director: Gia Coppola
After a legendary 30-year run, a seasoned performer faces an unexpected twist when her show is abruptly canceled, forcing her to rethink her future. As she navigates uncharted territory, she must rediscover her identity beyond the stage. Starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista, this heartfelt drama explores resilience, reinvention, and the power of second chances.
The film is beautifully captured through a distinct and feminine lens, with Pamela Anderson delivering a deeply poignant portrayal of heartbreak. At the premiere at TIFF 2024, the camaraderie among the female stars was undeniable, and it was clear that it’s time for Pamela Anderson to finally receive her flowers in Hollywood, after years of being undervalued.
‘Friendship’
- Writer & Director: Andrew DeYoung
- World Premiere: September 8, 2024
Tim Robinson brings his signature cringey-ness from ‘I Think You Should Leave’ to the big screen, playing a socially awkward suburban dad fixated on winning the friendship of his effortlessly charismatic neighbor (Paul Rudd). Their awkward encounters spiral into an obsessive pursuit of camaraderie, blending Robinson’s cringe humor with Rudd’s irresistible charm.
Friendship marks Tim Robinson’s first venture into feature-length comedy, and it delivers the same chaotic, offbeat humor that fans of his TV work love. Directed by Andrew DeYoung, the film is packed with the absurd situations and manic outbursts that have become Robinson’s signature. He once again solidifies his status as the GOAT, pushing cringe comedy into darker, unpredictable territory.
‘Nightbitch’
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- Director: Marielle Heller
- Writers: Marielle Heller, Rachel Yoder
- World Premiere: September 7, 2024
Amy Adams plays an exhausted stay-at-home mom who is juggling the chaos of caring for a child while desperately seeking a moment of respite. To complicate matters, she begins to suspect she might be transforming into a dog.
Based on Rachel Yoder’s novel, ‘Nightbitch’ unveils the truths behind common myths about motherhood, offering a raw and unflinching portrayal of its suffering, grief, and profound strength. Amy Adams has been candid about her experiences with motherhood, expressing in a 2017 Entertainment Tonight interview, her desire to be the ultimate role model for her daughter, Aviana.
‘Queer’
- Writer & Director: Luca Guadagnino
- World Premiere: September 9, 2024
Queer is a 2024 historical romance drama adapted from William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel. Set in 1940s Mexico City, the film tells the story of an expatriate American (Daniel Craig) who develops an intense and passionate connection with a younger man (Drew Starkey).
The film blends the authenticity of this time period with a beautiful score. It’s haunting epilogue hints at the real-life tragedy that inspired Burroughs’ writing. Daniel Craig brings depth to the role of Lee, crafting a complex character whose obsessions ultimately lead him toward self-discovery.
‘Cloud’
- Writer & Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
- World Premiere: September 5, 2024
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s ‘Cloud’ is a gripping thriller that follows Ryosuke Yoshii (Masaki Suda), a young internet reseller who sparks a cyber-driven storm. The film skillfully intertwines digital and real-life dangers, offering a chilling exploration of the darker aspects of modern day connectivity.
Premiering at The Venice Film Festival and TIFF 2024, this film stands out as Japan’s official entry for the Best International Film Oscar, despite its unconventionality. While it might raise eyebrows, it undeniably showcases the bold and innovative spirit of Japanese cinema.
