Toronto’s Film Fest Turns 50—and It’s Packed With A-List Firepower
Get ready, film lovers. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is coming in hot for its golden anniversary, and the lineup? Absolutely stacked. From boxing legends and tech trailblazers to Paris Fashion Week drama and supernatural comedy, this year’s TIFF—running from September 4 to 14—is bringing some serious heat with a vibrant mix of world premieres, star power, and bold storytelling.
And trust us, you’re going to want to clear your calendar.
🎬 Sydney Sweeney Punches Through the Screen
Let’s kick things off with one of the buzziest premieres of the year: Sydney Sweeney stepping into the ring as boxing icon Christy Martin in David Michôd’s intense biopic "Christy." It’s gritty, raw, and loaded with knockout potential—pun intended. Sweeney's recent dramatic turns have caught critics' attention, but this role could mark a true turning point in her career. Expect blood, sweat, and Oscar buzz.
✨ Angelina Jolie Heads to Paris Fashion Week in “Couture”
Also grabbing attention is Angelina Jolie in Alice Winocour’s stylish and emotionally rich drama "Couture," where she plays an American filmmaker attending Paris Fashion Week. Intrigue, elegance, and backstage secrets collide in what’s shaping up to be a hypnotic exploration of artistry and identity in the high-fashion world. Jolie's role sounds like one tailored for a comeback headline.
😂 Keanu Reeves as an Angel in Ansari’s “Good Fortune”? Yes, Please.
If you’re craving something more offbeat, brace yourself for Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut "Good Fortune," starring none other than Keanu Reeves as—you ready for this?—a heavenly angel trying to teach a down-and-out man (played by Ansari himself) some life lessons. This one's got quirky charm written all over it, and let’s be real—who doesn’t want to see Reeves floating around in divine robes?
🕵️♂️ Rian Johnson’s Back With More Knives Out Mayhem
Fans of twisty murder mysteries, rejoice! Rian Johnson is dropping the third film in his Knives Out franchise, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," and like its predecessors, it’ll be making its world debut at TIFF. With Johnson’s sharp writing and another eccentric ensemble cast on deck, expect another round of clue-hunting chaos led by Daniel Craig’s ever-curious detective.
🔥 Matthew McConaughey Takes the Wheel in “The Lost Bus”
Speaking of heavy hitters, Matthew McConaughey returns to the big screen in Paul Greengrass’ disaster survival drama "The Lost Bus." Set during California’s 2018 Camp Fire, the film follows a heroic bus driver navigating the chaos to save lives. With Greengrass at the helm and McConaughey steering emotionally and literally, this could be a heart-wrenching standout.
🎭 Tessa Thompson and Brendan Fraser Lead Bold Character Pieces
Let’s not forget Nia DaCosta’s adaptation of Ibsen’s “Hedda,” with Tessa Thompson diving deep into the complexities of the titular role. And then there’s Brendan Fraser, who continues his renaissance with Hikari’s "Rental Family," playing an American actor navigating identity and belonging in Japan. Each promises to be a character study worth dissecting.
🎺 From Channing Tatum to Ralph Fiennes: TIFF’s Ensemble Energy
More big names? You got it.
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Channing Tatum stars in "Roofman" (directed by Derek Cianfrance), playing a desperate dad who turns to theft.
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Ralph Fiennes lends gravitas to "The Choral," a WWI-era drama directed by Nicholas Hytner.
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Steven Soderbergh adds to his 2025 streak with his third film of the year, "The Christophers."
TIFF is truly a galaxy of cinematic stars this year.
🎉 Opening Night’s Going to Be Sweet (and a Little Bit Funny)
Opening night kicks off with something nostalgic and heartwarming—"John Candy: I Like Me," a documentary helmed by Colin Hanks and produced by none other than Ryan Reynolds. What better way to celebrate Canada’s film pride than by honoring one of its funniest sons?
🌍 Cannes Favorites, Global Flair
Toronto is also giving space to critical darlings fresh off Cannes, including:
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Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or winner "It Was Just an Accident"
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Joachim Trier’s emotional gem "Sentimental Value"
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Richard Linklater’s avant-garde dive "Nouvelle Vague"
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Oliver Laxe’s mystic journey "Sirât"
TIFF might not be first for these films, but their inclusion shows its power as a critical global stage.
🧠 TIFF Loves Fresh Voices Too
Let’s give a round of applause for the debut filmmakers bringing fresh perspectives:
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Brian Cox tries his hand behind the camera with "Glenrothan."
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Maude Apatow directs "Poetic License"—and yes, the buzz is already loud.
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Alex Winter’s drama "Adulthood" also enters the fray.
Then there’s "Bad Apples," starring Saoirse Ronan as a teacher clashing with a troublesome student. Or "Easy Waltz," featuring Vince Vaughn and Al Pacino in a Vegas-set drama that sounds like a ticking time bomb of emotional tension.
⚖️ Historical Dramas & Biopics Add Serious Depth
Love courtroom drama? TIFF’s got you covered with "Nuremberg," directed by James Vanderbilt and starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe in a retelling of the infamous trials that shaped modern justice. It’s shaping up to be both a history lesson and a performance powerhouse.
Also on the more cerebral side: Agnieszka Holland’s "Franz," a deep dive into the life and mind of Franz Kafka. Expect moody vibes and existential musings.
🌟 TIFF 2025: A Perfect Mix of Glamour, Grit, and Game-Changers
Toronto might share the spotlight with Venice and Telluride when it comes to prestige launches (expect Chloe Zhao’s "Hamnet," Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein," and Edward Berger’s "Ballad of a Smaller Player" to premiere there first), but TIFF remains unmatched in its energy, accessibility, and star-studded premieres.
Whether it’s the red carpet, the after-parties, or the transformative storytelling on screen, TIFF 2025 is shaping up to be one unforgettable ride.
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