The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has made headlines this week, beginning with today’s unveiling of its complete lineup for the Galas and Special Presentations sections. This includes the world premieres of Aziz Ansari’s comedy Good Fortune, featuring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, under Lionsgate, and Maude Apatow’s directorial debut Poetic License. Other notable premieres are Isabel Coixet’s Three Goodbyes, James McAvoy’s California Schemin’, and Brian Cox’s Glenrothan, along with films by Mamoru Hosoda, Baz Luhrmann, and Jafar Panahi, among others.
Leading up to its Broadway premiere of Waiting for Godot on September 13, the festival will feature both stars of the iconic duo Bill and Ted. Keanu Reeves stars in Good Fortune, and Alex Winter debuts his new film Adulthood at the festival.
Good Fortune, first previewed at CinemaCon 2024, portrays a clumsy yet well-intentioned angel named Gabriel (played by Reeves) who intervenes in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a rich venture capitalist (Rogen).
In Poetic License, Liz, a former therapist about to become an empty nester, finds herself at the center of a rivalry between two close college friends, Sam and Ari, played by a cast including Method Man, Nico Parker, and Leslie Mann. This conflict forces her to reassess her life as the friendship of the young men deteriorates into a fierce battle for her attention.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Nuremberg delves into the historical post-World War II trials conducted by the Allies against Nazi leaders. The film focuses on American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (played by Rami Malek), who evaluates whether the Nazi defendants, including Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), are competent to face trial.
David Michôd’s Christy features Sydney Sweeney in the role of Christy Martin, a prominent female boxer from the 1990s, with a supporting cast that includes Merritt Weaver and Ben Foster.
Alice Winocour’s Couture stars Jolie as an American filmmaker who ventures to Paris during Fashion Week, embarking on a critical personal journey of challenges and self-discovery.
California Schemin’ by McAvoy tells the tale of two Scottish youths from Dundee who fool the music industry into believing they are a well-known Californian rap duo, leading to a record deal and a spot on MTV until their deception comes to light.
Glenrothan, directed and starred in by Brian Cox, narrates the story of two brothers estranged after a confrontation with their father during their mother’s funeral, leading one to flee to America. Forty years later, they reunite in their Scottish homeland.
The world premiere of Rachel Lee Goldenberg’s Swiped from 20th Century Studios is inspired by the real story of Bumble’s founder, Whitney Wolfe (played by Lily James). It showcases her rise in the male-dominated tech world, culminating in the creation of a groundbreaking dating app and her becoming the youngest female self-made billionaire. The film is set to premiere on Hulu on September 19.
Yeon Sang-ho’s new film, The Ugly, is a mystery thriller that explores a man’s quest to uncover the truth behind his long-lost mother’s death.
Among other significant films making their North American or Canadian premieres at TIFF are Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, and Edward Berger’s Ballad of a Small Player, a psychological thriller starring Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton about a gambler hiding in Macau from his past and debts.
The festival concludes on September 13 with the closing night film Peak Everything by Canadian director Anne Émond.
TIFF 2025, sponsored by Rogers, runs from September 4 to 14, featuring films from 30 different countries.
The 2025 Galas and Special Presentations include an impressive array of films from around the globe, promising a diverse and exciting range of cinematic experiences for festival attendees.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
