Toronto International Film Festival may have ended in the fall but now is the perfect time to add these films to your list. We’ve highlighted below our most addicting picks for films you won’t want to miss. They’re some of the best films screened at the festival this year and include some cult classics, some box office bangers and some inspirational tear jerkers. Almost all will hit theatres this season with a few released in early 2025. So bookmark this page and be sure to give all the films a watch.
Mr. K
“Mr. K” is a confounding yet weirdly enjoyable film that revels in absurdism. The film follows the story of a traveling magician who finds himself trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare within a hotel. Unable to find the exit, his attempts to escape only entangle him further with the hotel’s curious inhabitants.
The film succeeds as an homage to Kafka’s fascination with the absurdity of life and socio-bureaucratic systems set in a surrealist set that made it even more interesting. Crispin Glover’s performance is so engaging adding depth to the film’s unique blend of horror, science fiction, and gothic tragedy.
I loved the offbeat narrative and quirky characters that kept me engaged, making it a memorable experience. The film’s ability to blend humour with surreal elements reminded me of the unpredictable nature of life, offering a refreshing escape from the mundane.
Release Date: January 2025
Dead Talent’s Society
“Dead Talent’s Society” is a delightful blend of horror and comedy that stands out as one of the most enjoyable films at TIFF this year. Directed by John Tsu, the film follows Cho Hsiaole, a freshly dead teen who struggles to navigate her new existence on the spectral plane. Unlike her ghostly peers, Cho is terrible at haunting and faces the threat of annihilation if she doesn’t earn her “haunter’s license” soon. The film’s premise is both zany and inventive, offering a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre.
Critics have lauded the film for its sharp, witty dialogue and relentless humour. Gingle Wang leads a stellar cast, bringing these familiar character tropes to the after-life with gusto.
Beneath its comedic exterior, the film explores deeper themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the importance of found family. This emotional core adds a layer of depth to the film, making it more than just a series of laughs and scares. “Dead Talent’s Society” is a film that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. It’s a standout in the horror-comedy genre and a must-watch for fans of both horror and comedy.
Release Date: August 2024
Life of Chuck
“Life of Chuck” is a heartwarming and life-affirming adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, directed by Mike Flanagan that resonates with warmth and optimism. The film follows the life of Chuck Krantz, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, from his childhood to his death, weaving through three distinct acts that encompass love, loss, and unexpected dance sequences.
Hiddleston’s portrayal of Chuck, anchors the film’s emotional core with the warmth and heartfelt earnestness. While the supporting cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Karen Gillan, adds depth to the story, making each character’s journey compelling and so relatable. The film’s visual storytelling, created the most beautiful multi-dimensional narrative of life’s fleeting moments. It made the entire experience reflective as I left the theatre considering what are the moments that bring me joy in my life?
“Life of Chuck” oscillates between earnestness, darkness, and sweetness, while never losing grip of momentum or balance. The film’s ability to shift from sci-fi to sentimentality is more aligned with King’s dramatic works like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile,” emphasizing emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. Despite its sentimentality, the movie is a stand out as one of the best Stephen King adaptations to date.
Release Date: May 2025
The Piano Lesson
“The Piano Lesson,” directed by Malcolm Washington, is a powerful adaptation of August Wilson’s evocative play. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the film explores the lives of the Charles family and their generational heirloom, a piano engraved with the faces of their ancestors. This piano, originally stolen from their former slave master, symbolizes the family’s legacy and the weight of their history.
Visually, the film is respectfully on point, with Washington’s direction bringing a sense of magical realism to the story with an implied tension that doesn’t resolve until the very end of the film. The central locale of the home transforms as the scenes move between quiet tension to moments of unity, reflecting the family’s struggle with each other, society and their past. The piano itself stands as a haunting reminder of their history, unmoving and ever-present.
“The Piano Lesson” as a thought-provoking and emotional narrative is what makes it a standout while capturing the spirit of Wilson’s play. It was such a worthwhile watch, especially on the big screen prior to the Netflix launch.
Release Date: November 2024
Piece by Piece
“Piece by Piece” is a wild, kaleidoscopic ride through the life of Pharrell Williams, told through LEGO and scored by a jukebox of Pharrell’s greatest hits. Directed by Morgan Neville, this hybrid musical-docu-biopic mirrors the essence of Pharrell’s inspiring career with a playful touch that is infectious, energetic and absolutely joyful. The film’s unique approach is both its charm and its challenge, straddling the line between a quirky gimmick and a profound narrative.
The film visually represents Pharrell’s synesthesia, with sequences that burst into vibrant, blooming hues of hypnotic color. The LEGO format, actually works to highlight Pharrell’s artistic philosophy of building something extraordinary from simple pieces. “Piece by Piece” explores deeper themes of creativity, self-belief, and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures. Pharrell’s story is one of resilience and innovation, and the film captures this spirit with a blend of humour, heart, and a touch of the surreal.
Release Date: October 2024
Marie Nicola
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