Discover the Excitement: 10 Must-See Films at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival, from Knives Out 3 to Soderbergh’s Latest!

It’s time for the Toronto Film Festival again, and the buzz is high this year. After a lackluster festival last year, which tried to bounce back from industry strikes, everyone is looking for a fresh start. Disappointing films like Nightbitch and Eden barely kept viewers interested, but Mike Leigh’s intense drama Hard Truths stood out amid the mediocrity.

After a year of missed moments at Venice and Telluride, Toronto is back in the spotlight. It’s often seen as a launching pad for Oscar contenders, but it has struggled with that lately. Since 2017, only six premieres at Toronto have been nominated for Best Picture, while Venice boasts fifteen. This year, though, there are strong contenders on the horizon.

The Lost Bus is generating excitement. Directed by Paul Greengrass, known for his gripping real-life stories, this film focuses on the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California. Following the true tale of a bus driver, played by Matthew McConaughey, who tries to save schoolchildren during the disaster, it resonates during ongoing wildfires in California. This film is sure to leave audiences breathless.

Another film to watch is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Rian Johnson’s Knives Out took everyone by surprise in 2019, pulling the whodunnit genre into modern times. Now, Daniel Craig returns as the charismatic detective, with an intriguing ensemble cast including Glenn Close and Kerry Washington. The latest mystery has a religious twist, promising more captivating storytelling.

Sydney Sweeney stars in Christy, playing trailblazing boxer Christy Martin. This film sheds light on her rise in the ’80s and the challenges she faced in a tumultuous marriage. Directed by David Michôd, known for his earlier hits, this film aims to reinvigorate Sweeney’s image after some disappointments.

In the realm of comedy, Good Fortune marks Aziz Ansari’s return. This film features a guardian angel switching lives between a rich man and a poor man, with a star-studded cast including Keke Palmer and Keanu Reeves. The film aims to provide that nostalgic laughter reminiscent of classic 80s comedies.

The Fence, directed by Claire Denis, dives into the aftermath of a tragedy at a construction site in Africa. Starring Matt Dillon, this tense drama brings attention to significant social issues often overlooked.

Roofman tells the bizarre yet true story of a runaway robber hiding in a Toys R Us. With Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst leading the cast, this film promises both drama and laughs.

Categorically different, The Christophers features Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel in a tale about an artist completing an aging master’s unfinished work. This collaboration between director Steven Soderbergh and writer Alan Bennett is stirring excitement, given their past successes.

Lastly, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert resurrects archival footage from the ’70s, showcasing the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in his prime. Baz Luhrmann aims to captivate audiences by flipping the narrative to focus on Elvis’s energetic concert performances.

With debuts like Couture, starring Angelina Jolie, directing the audience’s gaze towards fashion and personal intersections, the festival promises a plethora of unforgettable films. These stories not only entertain but also provoke thought about current social dynamics.

As the festival rolls on, let’s hope these films leave a lasting impression, rekindling the magic of cinema. For those interested in further insights into current trends in movie-making, consult trusted sources like the American Film Institute or the National Board of Review, which share essential statistics and analyses on film industry shifts.

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