Labor Strikes Impact Star Power at Toronto International Film Festival 2023
The ongoing labor strikes in Hollywood have caused a significant shift in this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The absence of many big-name stars has altered the festival’s usual glamour. However, despite the lack of star power, there is still a wide range of movies set to premiere at TIFF 2023.
Last year’s festival showcased a diverse selection of films, ranging from “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” to “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” to “Pearl.” This year, audiences can expect a similar level of diversity. One of the most highly anticipated films is the North American premiere of “The Boy and the Heron,” the latest animated feature by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
While the labor strikes may have impacted attendance, our team will be live in Toronto, striving to watch as many films as humanly possible during the festival. In the meantime, here are some notable movies that we’re excited to check out.
“The Beast” is a thought-provoking sci-fi film directed by Bertrand Bonello. Starring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, the film explores themes of yearning, obsession, and existential dread. It does not have a confirmed theatrical premiere date.
“The Boy and the Heron,” from acclaimed animator Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, is expected to be the most anticipated film at TIFF this year. It premiered in Japan earlier this summer and will make its North American debut at the festival. The film is set to hit theaters on December 8th.
“Dicks: The Musical” is a comedy directed by Larry Charles, known for his work on “Seinfeld” and “Borat.” The film revolves around two self-obsessed businessmen who discover they are long-lost twins and plot to reunite their eccentric divorced parents. With a title like that and Charles’ comedic background, it promises to be a ridiculous and entertaining watch. The film will be in theaters on September 29th.
“Dream Scenario” by Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli features Nicolas Cage as a man named Paul, whose life is turned upside down when strangers start seeing him in their dreams. As his appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul must navigate his newfound stardom. Produced by Ari Aster, the film is slated for release on November 10th.
Craig Gillespie, known for “I, Tonya” and “Cruella,” attempts to tell the story of the GameStop short-squeeze in a comedic way in “Dumb Money.” With a star-studded cast including Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, America Ferrera, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, and Seth Rogen, the film hits a limited number of theaters on September 22nd before a wider release on October 6th.
“Evil Does Not Exist” from director Ryusuke Hamaguchi follows Takumi and his daughter Hana, who live in Mizubiki Village near Tokyo. Their modest life is disrupted when a glamping site threatens their way of life. The film’s release date for North American audiences is currently unknown.
“Fingernails” is a sci-fi drama centered around a new technology that can prove whether two people are in love. The film stars Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Annie Murphy, and Luke Wilson and will be available on Apple TV Plus on November 3rd.
“Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person” tells the story of an unwilling vampire in Montreal, directed by Ariane Louis-Seize. The film does not have a confirmed wider release date.
From Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, “Monster” delves into the dark depths of school bullying. It marks the final soundtrack from composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who passed away earlier this year.
“Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” follows the life of author Isabel Wilkerson and stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jon Bernthal. The film is expected to be released later this year.
“Pain Hustlers” from director David Yates, known for the “Harry Potter” films, focuses on the pharma industry. Based on the book by Evan Hughes, the film features Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, and Catherine O’Hara. It will be available for streaming on Netflix on October 27th.
Bong Joon-ho, director of “Parasite,” has praised “Sleep” as “the most unique horror film and the smartest debut film I’ve seen in 10 years.” Directed by Jason Yu, who previously worked with Joon-Ho and Lee Chang-dong, the film promises a fresh take on horror.
“When Evil Lurks,” written and directed by Demián Rugna, presents a horrifying story of two brothers battling a demonic infection. The film will be in theaters on October 6th and available for streaming on Shudder on October 27th.
Despite the labor strikes impacting star attendance, TIFF 2023 is still set to deliver a diverse lineup of films for audiences to enjoy.