The Toronto International Film Festival is fast approaching, and, as seems to be tradition with TIFF, the titles making their appearances on the schedule continue to be a spoil of riches.
The AU Review will be on the ground this year covering the festival for another year, and today we’re looking at three spotlight titles that have absolutely shot to the top of our viewing wishlist.
Making its World Premiere in the Special Presentations Program, writer/director David Michôd sets a spotlight on the bombastic life of trailblazing professional women’s boxer, Christy Martin, in Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney like we’ve never seen before, transforming physically and emotionally, giving a performance many will continue to discuss long after the credits roll.
Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney) never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia—until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster).
But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. Based on remarkable true events, Christy Martin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life.
A Canadian Premiere, also featured in the Special Presentations Program, is Tuner, which comes from documentarian Daniel Roher (Navalny), a whip-smart thriller about an unusual safecracker, featuring a star-making turn from Leo Woodall, and an exciting ensemble cast of Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, and Lior Raz.
In this wholly original story about a former piano prodigy (Woodall) turned piano tuner apprentice who is down on his luck. Using his excellent auditory skills to help out his found family (Hoffman) in a time of dire need, finding love and inspiration in unexpected places with a composer (Liu), he’s forced to make tough decisions as he gets involved in some unsavory business cracking safes.
And another World Premiere set for the Midnight Madness sector – the only section that could contain such a film – is Normal, a love letter to action from director Ben Wheatley and the creative team behind the beloved and pulse-bounding Nobody franchise, Bob Odenkirk (star, producer, story credit), Derek Kolstad (writer) and Marc Provissiero (producer).
A provisional sheriff (Bob Odenkirk) is pitted against his constituents when the exposure of a small town’s sordid secret sparks a rip-roaring firefight.
Running between September 4th and 14th this year, the Toronto International Film Festival will celebrate its 50th edition alongside the best of Canadian and Global cinema. We’re so excited here that we’re on the birthday guest list! For more information on TIFF titles and ticket information, head to the official TIFF site here, and keep an eye out on The AU Review for the latest reviews as the festival rolls out.
