The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival featured a different focus than expected, with a considerable number of Canadian films and local talent taking center stage. Among the standout films was Young Werther, a modern retelling of the 18th century novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, directed by Toronto’s José Lourenço. The film follows the hedonistic and charismatic Werther as he navigates a bittersweet love story with Charlotte, played by Alison Pill. Another notable film was Universal Language, directed by Matthew Rankin, which offers a surreal and enchanting look at an alternate reality inspired by Iranian cinema.
Bonjour Tristesse, the debut feature film from writer-director Durga Chew-Bose, was praised for its ethereal beauty and poignant exploration of womanhood. The film stars Chloë Sevigny as a closed-off fashion designer trying to connect with a free-spirited teen, expertly played by Lily McInerny. The Order, a U.S.-Canadian co-production filmed entirely in Calgary, tackles themes of far-right violence and its ties to present-day issues. Starring Jude Law as FBI agent Husk and Nicholas Hoult as a white supremacist, the film offers a haunting reminder of the real-life history of domestic terrorism.
Rumours, a political satire that evolves into a wild and incisive comedy, features a diverse cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, and Charles Dance. The film is a satirical takedown of global politics, with plenty of absurd and hilarious moments. 40 Acres, a post-apocalyptic drama about a family of Black farmers defending their farm, impressed critics with its stylish direction and standout performances. Directed by R.T. Thorne, the film offers a tense and gripping portrayal of a family fighting against roving cannibals in a near-future scenario.
The Apprentice, a Canadian-produced biopic about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s early years as a real estate mogul, garnered attention for its portrayal of a controversial figure. Despite receiving a cease and desist letter from Trump himself, the film offers a bold and unflinching look at the former president. Director Ali Abbasi aimed to create a film that could appeal to audiences of all political stripes, and the film’s star, Jeremy Strong, delivers a career-defining performance as Roy Cohn. Overall, the films showcased at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival painted a diverse and compelling portrait of Canadian and international cinema.
