Zunaira’s Picks
- Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother (dir. Bassam Tariq) is such a beautiful film, showcasing the diversity of the Muslim experience, navigating faith, family, loss, and community. It’s elevated by incredible performances from everyone involved, gorgeous cinematography, and a striking score. I sat in that theatre and cried all the way through the credits before leaving my seat.
- Tenzing (dir. Jennifer Peedom) completely surprised me with how it affected me, bringing such emotional weight to the story of Tenzing Norgay and his deeply personal lifelong journey to reaching the summit of Mount Everest. Getting to hear the filmmakers speak about having his children and grandchildren at the TIFF premiere made the experience even more special.
- Love of Your Life (dir. Rachel Morrison) was another favourite, balancing romance with a raw look at grief and survivor’s guilt. It left me thinking about its title in an entirely different way by the ending scene, and I took it to mean the protagonist discovering a love of her ongoing life itself, rather than just referring to the person considered the “love of her life”.
- Conversation with the Sea (dir. Muayad Alayan) was a standout, about a father navigating his son’s death under unknown circumstances, and his own life under occupation. I was especially moved by the way it centres Palestinian lives, and think it’s a must-watch from this festival season. You can read more of my thoughts about it here.
Frankie’s Picks
- Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother (dir. Bassam Tariq) I have a feeling this one is going to be at the top of many of our lists for good reason (read Anika's brilliant coverage here). A contemporary Samurai film, Tariq’s feature is in theatres now and it’s one you need to see on the big screen. See also the heart-warming interaction of our pal Suhaila and her team being excitedly greeted by star Abubakr Ali when he notices fellow Muslim friends on the red carpet here. It tells you everything you need to know about the kindness of this cast and crew and the heart of this incredibly important film that brings Muslim representation and badassery to mainstream audiences.
- Thirteen in Gaza (dir. Hosam Abu Dam) is a coming-of-age film like no other. Filmed in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing genocide, Thirteen in Gaza follows Raghad (Mary Zyara) and her father (Feras Al Masri) as they navigate grief, survival, and the inner politics of fellow residents who reside in the refugee camp where they have been forced to rehome. It’s an incredible feat in filmmaking and required viewing.
- Elsinore (dir. Simon Stone) is a film I am still thinking about weeks later, which rightfully took home TIFF's International People's Choice Award. It follows the true story of Ian Charleson (Andrew Scott) who takes over playing the role of Hamlet at the National Theatre after Daniel Day-Lewis walked off stage in 1989. Elsinore follows Charleson’s journey as he prepares for the role as he struggles with his own mortality in his battle against HIV/AIDS. You can read my full review here.
- Sunburn (dir. Serville Poblete) is the best Toronto movie since last year’s Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie but will go down as one of the best Toronto films ever made. It’s a love story to Toronto youth and a celebration of our Black, Brown, and Asian communities. Beautifully shot, empathetic, tender, and funny, Sunburn encompasses the feeling of a seemingly never-ending summer day when you have $5 in your pocket, sweat rolling down your entire body, and nothing to do but hang out with your friends.
- Bucking Fastard (dir. Werner Herzog) was my favourite film of the festival and I’m well aware that it’s a hot take. Dodge. The. Spoilers. It’s best to go into Bucking Fastard with truly as little information as possible. Instead of doing a traditional review, I decided to write about the film’s dedication to David Lynch who had a complex relationship with Herzog available here. A must watch for Herzog and Lynch fans alike.
- Bonus picks: (Honestly this was a festival was one for the books: Marie Madeleine [dir. Gessica Généus], the Debut [dir, Jesse Eisenberg], Ah Girl [dir, Ang Geck Geck], and the Man I Love [dir. Ira Sachs])
Anika’s Picks
Sunburn
This is a film that will stick with me for a long time. It captures the essence of growing up in Toronto with such specificity and skill and made me feel so seen. It’s a moving love letter to Toronto summers, a celebration of Black and racialized folks, and is beautifully shot. The leads are fantastic and the direction is sublime. It’s a sensory delight, vibrant, hilarious and heartfelt. You don’t want to miss this one.
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother
By now you likely have heard about the wonder of this film. The praise is absolutely warranted. This is a profound piece that reflects on faith, family and grief with a striking visual style. It will have you on the edge of your seat while it breaks your heart. Mahershala Ali and Bassam Tariq are an absolute dream team, I can't wait to see what they do next. This is an awe-inspiring piece of work.
Carrie
Mike Flanagan’s take on Carrie is exceptional. It’s fresh and new, while keeping the spirit of the original series alive. If you love Flanagan’s other work, are a classic Carrie fan, or if you love a work centring feminine rage, this is sure to be up your alley. It grips you immediately with its moody atmosphere and stellar soundtrack while drawing you in with thoughtful and complex performances. From the first two episodes alone, I was hooked. It's a perfect spooky season watch.
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