The 10 Most Anticipated Movies At TIFF 2023 (2024)

Every autumn, film aficionados and industry insiders turn their attention to Canada, where the Toronto International Film Festival unveils a treasure trove of future Oscar winners (Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, La La Land, to name a few.)

The TIFF schedule, which will run Sept. 7-17 this year, is absolutely stacked.

Hayao Miyazaki's latest—and, reportedly, final—film has already stirred hearts in Japan, and arrives in Toronto amid whispers of its breathtaking beauty and depth. A bold, finance-driven dark comedy about GameStop stock is set to send ripples across the audience with its contemporary resonance and sharp wit. And for those seeking profound narrative exploration, Ava DuVernay's biographical piece centered on author Isabel Wilkerson promises a deep dive into realms both personal and sociological.

It's a testament to TIFF's prowess that it continues to attract both industry giants and fresh faces, always ensuring a vibrant mix of storytelling. Prepare for a tantalizing sneak peek into some of the festival's standout films. I’ll start with the 10 most anticipated selections in this year’s lineup. Then at the bottom of the article, you’ll find 20 more honorable mentions that will undoubtedly spark some buzz.

The Boy and the Heron

Hayao Miyazaki, a name synonymous with breathtaking animation, delivers what is rumored to be his final masterpiece (although, just earlier today, it was reported that Studio Ghibli VP Junichi Nishioka claimed this wouldn’t be Miyazaki’s final film). In this heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of wartime Japan, a young boy moves to the countryside alongside his grief-stricken father and his new stepmother.

Guided by a mysterious gray heron, he stumbles upon a tower, an architectural feat, erected by an enigmatic great uncle who disappeared long ago. Beyond merely bricks and mortar, this tower potentially unlocks a world filled with wonder and magic. Starring Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, and Aimyon, this film is not just a narrative; it's a fitting tribute to an artist who redefined the realm of animation.

Dream Scenario

Director Kristoffer Borgli, known for his tantalizing tales, brings another enigmatic story to the big screen. In a reality that oscillates between the normal and the bizarre, Nicolas Cage finds himself in a perplexing dilemma: he's appearing in people's dreams. Beginning as a mere observer, his role in these nocturnal fantasies starts evolving, unsettling the dreamers. With Julianne Nicholson and Michael Cera sharing screen space and the enigmatic Ari Aster co-producing, this film promises a journey into the uncanny, with dreams blurring the lines of reality.

Evil Does Not Exist

Ryusuke Hamaguchi paints a poignant tale against the pristine landscape of Harasawa. Takumi, a devoted father, finds solace in the simple chores he undertakes for his neighbors, from chopping wood to fetching water. However, serenity is ephemeral.

The impending arrival of the Tokyo company, Playmode, eager to transform this haven into a glamping site, casts a shadow on the community's future. As they rally against corporate greed, this drama, starring Hitoshi Omika, Ryo Nishikawa, and Ryuji Kosaka, beautifully intertwines the themes of ecological conservation, resistance, and community spirit.

Dicks: The Musical

In a world where musicals meet madcap comedy, identical twins, played to perfection by Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp, concoct a harebrained plan to reunite their divorced parents. With Megan Mullally and Nathan Lane adding their signature charm, the film reimagines the classic Parent Trap but with twists that range from the divine to the dominatrix. With Bowen Yang taking on the mantle of God and Megan Thee Stallion's fiery presence, Larry Charles directs what could be the cult classic of the year, a musical extravaganza unlike any other.

Concrete Utopia

Directed by Um Tae-hwa, Concrete Utopia (one of several Korean films playing at TIFF this year) explores a post-apocalyptic Seoul, standing resilient amidst chaos. As survivors, including Min-seong and Myeong-hwa played by Park Seo-jun and Park Bo-young, grapple with new realities, they face moral dilemmas when outsiders seek refuge. Beyond the post-apocalyptic setting, this film's heart lies in its commentary on society, trust, and human nature. Amidst destruction and rebirth, 'Concrete Utopia' challenges viewers to confront their beliefs, prejudices, and the very fabric of human civilization.

Origins

Ava DuVernay, celebrated for her compelling narratives, brings to life the extraordinary journey of author Isabel Wilkerson, portrayed with nuance by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Amid personal tragedies, Wilkerson embarks on a global expedition, culminating in her writing Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents.

With a stellar supporting cast including Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga, this film isn't just about an author's journey but a deep dive into the intricate tapestry of human society and caste. Fresh from its success at the Venice Film Festival, Origin promises a cinematic experience filled with emotion and introspection.

Dumb Money

The turbulent world of finance comes alive in this sharp comedy directed by Craig Gillespie. With GameStop GME stocks at its epicenter, Paul Dano and Seth Rogen find themselves in a comedic tug-of-war. When Wall Street's sharks, led by Rogen, bet against the retail giant, Dano's character rallies a digital army, leading to unprecedented stock surges.

Alongside Pete Davidson, America Ferrera and Sebastian Stan, this financial fiasco navigates the intricate labyrinth of stock trading with wit, humor and a touch of the absurd.

Sleep

The protégé of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, Jason Yu, makes his directorial debut with a blend of horror and dark comedy. The seemingly serene life of Soo-jin and Hyun-su, played by Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun, is plunged into chaos when a sleep disorder reveals unsettling nocturnal habits. As tension escalates, the narrative unravels the complexities of love, commitment and the uncanny. Marrying humor with spine-chilling moments, Sleep promises a roller-coaster of emotions with unexpected twists at every turn.

Nyad

Annette Bening embodies the indomitable spirit of Diane Nyad, the legendary swimmer who, against all odds, swam from Cuba to Key West at 64. Directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, acclaimed for Free Solo, shift gears to chronicle this extraordinary biographical tale. More than just a sports story, Nyad delves deep into human endurance, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. With Oscar buzz in the air, this film might just be Bening's golden ticket.

The Dead Don’t Hurt

The wild west gets a refreshing makeover with Viggo Mortensen's The Dead Don’t Hurt. Mortensen not only directs but also stars as a Danish soldier who falls for Vicky Krieps' French-Canadian florist in 1860s Nevada. As romance blossoms, adversity strikes when Mortensen's character enlists in the Civil War, leaving his love to brave the frontier's dangers. With a supporting cast boasting 'Deadwood' alumni, this film beautifully weaves romance, action, and the raw, untamed spirit of the west.

20 Other Movies to Watch for at TIFF 2023

1. American Fiction - Directed by Cord Jefferson. Stars Issa Rae, Adam Brody, and Jeffrey Wright.
2. The Beast - Directed by Bertrand Bonello. Stars Léa Seydoux, George MacKay, and Guslagie Malanda.
3. Close to You - Directed by Dominic Savage. Stars Elliot Page and Dominic Savage.
4. The End We Start From - Directed by Mahalia Belo. Stars Jodie Comer, Katherine Waterston, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
5. Fingernails - Directed by Christos Nikou. Stars Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, and Jeremy Allen White.
6. Gonzo Girl - Directed by Patricia Arquette. Stars Camila Morrone, Willem Dafoe, and Arquette.
7. His Three Daughters - Directed by Azazel Jacobs. Stars Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne.
8. The Holdovers - Directed by Alexander Payne. Stars Paul Giamattim Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa.
9. Les Indésirables - Directed by Ladj Ly. Stars Jeanne Balibar, Alex Manenti, and Steve Tientcheu.
10. Knox Goes Away - Directed by Michael Keaton. Stars Michael Keaton, Al Pacino, and Marcia Gay Harden.
11. Monster - Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. Stars Sakura Andō, Eita Nagayama, and Soya Kurokawa.
12. Next Goal Wins - Directed by Taika Waititi. Stars Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, and Kaimana.
13. Pain Hustlers - Directed by David Yates. Stars Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, and Catherine O'Hara.
14. Poolman - Directed by Chris Pine. Stars Pine, Annette Bening, and Danny DeVito.
15. Quiz Lady - Directed by Jessica Yu. Stars Awkwafina, Sanda Oh, and Jason Schwartzman.
16. The Royal Hotel - Directed by Kitty Green. Stars Julia Garner, Jessica Henwick, and Toby Wallace.
17. Rustin - Directed by George C. Wolf. Stars Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, and Aml Ameen.
18. When Evil Lurks - Directed by Demián Rugna. Stars Ezequiel Rodriguez, Demián Salomon, and Luis Ziembrowski.
19. Wildcat - Directed by Ethan Hawke. Stars Maya Hawke, Laura Linney, and Philip Ettinger.
20. Woman of the Hour - Directed by Anna Kendrick. Stars Kendrick, Tony Hale, and Daniel Zovatto.