TORONTO — The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) showcased a diverse array of films this year, ranging from the eccentric to the comical, with several presentations prompting strong reactions from critics and audiences alike.
One of the more unconventional offerings came from acclaimed director Werner Herzog, whose new film “Bucking Fastard” explores the intense and unusual bond between two sisters, Jean and Joan Holbrooke, played by Rooney Mara and Kate Mara. Set against the backdrop of an Irish court case where the sisters face stalking charges linked to their former lover, the narrative quickly shifts into a surreal quest to locate a tunnel leading to Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Accompanied by a fox named Cupid, the Holbrookes navigate a world that blends metaphorical elements with Herzog’s signature focus on nature and madness. The film features a notable stylistic choice in which the sisters speak simultaneously, occasionally credited simply as “Mara,” underscoring their near-identical personas. While some viewers found the increasingly abstract elements challenging—evidenced by walkouts during later scenes—the film maintained a compelling, if enigmatic, tone throughout.
From the realm of magical realism comes “Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!,” a Japan-set drama directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka featuring Rinko Kikuchi as Ha-Chan, a talented dancer devastated by the sudden death of her Mexican husband Luis, portrayed by Alejandro Edda. The film blends dance competition sequences with supernatural elements, including Luis’s ghost manifesting as a giant bird that haunts Ha-Chan’s home. The film’s visual style invokes imagery reminiscent of “Day of the Dead” celebrations, which some viewed as cultural appropriation. Despite a precarious third act, the movie’s vibrant fantasy elements and strong performance by Kikuchi provide an engaging exploration of grief, passion, and the healing power of dance.
Among the more divisive screenings was the horror-comedy “Everybody Wants to F*ck Me,” written and directed by Jonathan Schey and starring Taron Egerton. The film follows Adam, a self-styled "nice guy" whose flawed attempts at dating unravel dramatically when women around him inexplicably develop a violent obsession with him. The movie attempts a satirical take on gender dynamics and male-female relationships but has drawn criticism for its superficial treatment of its subject matter and perceived misogynistic undertones. Critics noted that the screenplay falls short in balancing its horror elements with incisive commentary, resulting in a portrayal that some found reductive and unsatisfying.
In contrast, the light-hearted comedy “Babies,” featuring Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen, received praise for its balanced and humorous look at the anxieties and decisions surrounding parenthood. Written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, the film centers on a childless couple navigating their place within a circle of friends increasingly focused on family life. The movie was noted for its candid, irreverent dialogue and empathy toward diverse perspectives on having children.
TIFF continues to deliver a broad spectrum of cinematic experiences, from Herzog’s enigmatic narratives to films addressing contemporary social issues with humor and fantasy. The festival’s lineup offers a rich field for discussion on filmmaking approaches and storytelling styles as it progresses.