I’ve already reviewed some of the movies I saw this year at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. However, there were a few other feature films I had the pleasure of screening that also deserve some spotlight. Including new projects from Academy Award nominated auteurs as well as great international newcomers. Featuring A-List movie stars and criminally under-seen talents. And ranging thematic topics from trauma, courage, death, rebirth, and everything in-between.
In my 3 and a half days in the lovely city of Toronto, I saw 8 feature films, 6 short films. had about 15 lattes, ate approximately 25 croissants, drank 4 Guinnesses and 2 martinis, consumed maybe 7 gallons of popcorns, and surprisingly never fell asleep in any screenings. Anywhere, here are thoughts on 5 those 8 feature films.
Ballad of a Small Player (2025)
Edward Berger’s follow up to the Oscar winning Conclave does not reach the heights of the director’s previous flicks. Although Ballad of a Small Player is a fun romp with colorful characters and an even more colorful Macau setting, the film never feels like it fully comes together. Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton headline a delightful cast. Their charm and presence makes this otherwise lackluster tale finding oneself while dancing with the devil bearable enough to sit through a viewing.
Girl (2025)
Longtime and renowned actress Shu Qi made her directorial debut with the absolutely heart-wrenching Girl. The film follows Hsiao-lee, whose young life is defined by unrelenting cycles of brutality and abuse. Although said brutality is presented as an unflinching onslaught, it never feels like a gratuitous trauma-porn dump. Shu Qi’s direction contains enough compassion and delicacy that we never feel completely overwhelmed by what we’re watching to fully turn away.
Out Standing (2025)
The real life story of Canadian military officer Sandra Perron is equal parts inspiring and upsetting. The movie version delivers on both fronts thanks to Melanie Charbanbeau’s quality direction. She shows brief flashes of directorial flourish that spice up this otherwise conventional biopic. Nina Kiri’s screen presence as Perron is strong enough to hold the story together in both convincible and entertaining manners. Thankfully, Out Standing doesn’t just rely on the significance of Perron’s story to be a worthwhile viewing experience; it dares to express some cinematic flourish on top of that.
Wake Up Dead Man (2025)
The latest Knives Out mystery proves that the universe of Benoit Blanc remains an incredibly fun playground for Rian Johnson to work in as a writer/director. The best part of these movies is that you can tell Johnson and his brilliant ensemble casts are having so much fun making these movies. No one is having as much fun as star Daniel Craig though. This was the perfect post Bond series choice for him. Hopefully Johnson and Craig continue to team up for these films for years to come.
Wizard of the Kremlin (2025)
Before Jude Law shows up as Vladimir Putin, The Wizard of the Kremlin has all the makings of an incredibly interesting character study about Vadim Baranov – a fictional Russian politician and power broker. Which is a shame because Paul Dano is extremely captivating in the lead role. However, the allure of Putin is too stong, and thankfully Jude Law’s performance is also oustanding. An English language film about Russian politics directed by a French filmmaker is going to lead to slightly messy and confused sensibilities, but the intrigue and humor admirably carry things along relatively smoothly.
That does it for ScreenAge Wasteland’s 2025 Toronto International Film Festival coverage. Hopefully we’ll be back next year with even more coverage, more movies, and more popcorn.
