We’re back from Toronto to bring you more films we’ve seen so far! Lot’s of a terrific films from all over the world with an even wider array of genres! Powered by nothing but coffee and stale popcorn, we are dedicated to seeing as many films as possible! So here are 5 more films we’ve seen at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)!
“U Are The Universe“
There are a quite a few films at TIFF this year surrounding the invasion of Ukraine, but none quite like Pavlo Ostrikov’s “U Are the Universe.” Written and directed by Ostrikov during the invasion, the film takes a unique perspective on the end of the world, the wars that cause it, and the poor decisions of broken systems that lead to our ultimate demise. All of those themes are the set up for “U Are the Universe,” as the film transforms into a last man in the world story that then transitions into a meet cute love story in the vastness of space. Ostrikov seamlessly blends these genres to tell an effective, emotionally charged chamber piece in darkness of the universe.
Andriy (Volodymyr Kravchuk) is a space trucker who transports nuclear waste from earth to the outskirts of space. On a long mission with nothing but his dad joke robot Max (Leonid Popadko) he witnesses earth exploding, making him the last man in the universe. All hope is lost, until the voice of Catherine (Alexia Depicker) reaches him and they discover that are the last two human beings in the universe. Against all odds, Andriy decides he’s going to reach Catherine, and sets out on the arduous journey through space to reach her. “U Are The Universe” is powered by an incredible performance from Kravchuk, who shoulders the bleak, almost nihilistic view of the end of the world with charm and emotion, up to the complicated task of his character and operating with ease and instant likability. “U Are The Universe” is a beautiful hidden gem, one that finds hope and connection in hopelessness and loneliness, reminding us that even in the darkest hour what we really need the most is each other. Dad jokes forever!
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Bergers (Shepherds)“
A serene portrait of the french alps, Sophie Deraspe’s “Shepherds” is a quiet journey of self discovery, told with patience and earnestness of leaving it all behind to pursue something impossible. It follows Mathyas (Félix-Antoine Duval) who abandons his big city life in Canada to become a shepherd, something he knows nothing about has never attempted before. After a rough start, he is joined by Élise (Solène Rigot) another self-searcher and together they work to make a new life for themselves in the mountains tending to their flock. There is beauty in the breakdown, and Deraspe’s naturalist approach to the material engrosses you into the world of herding and shepherding through an array of lenses including violence, longing, and love. “Shepherds” certainly takes its time, and requires some effort on the part of the viewer. But the gorgeous landscapes and countryside and even the hard work are beautifully captured with stunning cinematography, the kind that transports you to an unknown world and asks you to live with the images as they unfold; cinema at its finest. I don’t know that I loved it as much as I would’ve liked, but “Shepherds” is an undeniable journey of beauty and self discovery, reminding us all that it is never to late to become something new.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
“Freedom Way“
I love a good multiple storylines that interconnect framework, and “Freedom Way” is decent attempt from director Afolabi Olalekan and writer Blessings Uzzi. It is a story about Nigerian life, as it explores the lives of different people from all walks of life in the country as they struggle to survive and stay afloat in an ever changing city. Tech start ups, corrupt cops, and motorcycle riders are all stories and characters that we follow that all collide in “Freedom Way” as their stories and lives take shape and change indefinitely. Uzzi and Olalekan are clearly very critical of the Nigerian government, and transfer those criticisms from their music video background to a tangled feature film debut. There is also a love for Lagos despite its criticisms, and “Freedom Way” blends both of these opposing ideas well. The inexperience of feature film does show up here, and it is held back by some rough around the edges choices and performances. It wears its inspirations of things like “Crash” on its shoulders a little too much and doesn’t quite separate itself entirely from the its influences. Still, “Freedom Way” feels like a fresh look at Lagos, with a personal voice that highlights both the best and worst parts of an often misunderstood and unrealized city in cinema.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
“Aberdeen“
I enjoy a good cinematic surprise, and “Aberdeen” is that film. One I wasn’t planning on seeing or frankly, had any interest in seeing ended up being shockingly good and effective. This is largely due to an absolute knock out performance form Gail Maurice as the titular character Aberdeen, an indigenous woman who left her reservation and is now struggling on the streets of Winnipeg. She is brash, angry, and addicted, but after discovering that her grandkids are in the foster system, she sets out to try and find a way to take them into her care. But Aberdeen must first learn to take care of herself, and as her world continues to crumble and her mistakes have consequences, she may not survive long enough to keep what’s left of her family together. Maurice is the anchor of “Aberdeen,” bringing to life the struggle of the system and self imposed destruction that shows us at rock bottom. Never dull and constantly engaging, Maurice gives a textured and complex performance that elevates “Aberdeen” to be a devastating by hopeful watch. There’s a richness she brings to the titular character, and an empathic sincerity that “Aberdeen” approaches its subject matter with that make this one a surprisingly emotional watch.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
As always, more films to come as the festival continues!
