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Our Top-10 Must-See Films of TIFF 2016

Picking your must-sees for this year’s TIFF lineup is a feat for even the most experienced festival film-goers. With so many options, and so little time, the potential for FOMO is extreme. We’ve scoured the program guide (and the web) to find out which films have everyone talking, which have the most impressive casts, and which are most likely to garner the kind of buzz you’ll want to be a part of. You’re welcome!

The Film: American Pastoral


The Scoop:

This historical crime-drama based on Philip Roth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel offers a snapshot of the late 1960, the political upheaval surrounding the Vietnam War, and the story one seemingly “perfect” American family that gets torn apart. The film is Ewan McGregor’s directorial debut, and he stars in it too, alongside Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning.

The Film: Arrival

The Scoop:

After premiering in Venice, critics say actress Amy Adams outdoes herself, in the role of a linguist recruited to help humanity communicate with some visiting extra-terrestrials, and potentially saving the world (depending what said visitors are after). Oscar-nominated Denis Villeneuve directs the film, so expect to be on the edge of your seat. (Nervous nail biters—we recommend gloves.)

The Film: La La Land


The Scoop:

We haven’t seen a proper old-timey (yet nicely modern) musical in quite some time, and if we’re going to be entertained by singing, dancing, and romancing, we couldn’t be happier that Ryan Gosling will be the the man to do it. Emma Stone stars opposite Gosling, meeting (and falling in love) after venturing to LA to fulfill their Hollywood dreams. Expect energy, colour, romance, and an overall feel-good experience.

The Film: Queen of Katwe


The Scoop:

Queen of Katwe is based on the true story of a young Ugandan girl from a poor family, who opens doors and earns respect as her passion for (and prodigy-like skills) take her on a quest to become an international chess champion. The cast includes the Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, and a newcomer you’re probably going to be hearing about: actress Madina Nalwanga, the story’s main character.

The Film: Snowden


The Scoop:

Social media, cell phones and computers play such an important role in our lives today, but is it worth giving up all privacy for it? Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in this culturally important film that tells the story of Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who worked to expose the organization’s privacy-invading practices to the world. The A-list cast also includes Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, and Zachary Quinto.

The Film: The Edge of Seventeen


The Scoop:

Touted as the potential “coming-of-age classic” for the new generation (think The Breakfast Club, or Pretty in Pink), this is a film we don’t want to miss.

The Film: Sing


The Scoop:

It’s animated, and it’s made by the studio that created hits like Despicable Me, Minions, and The Secret Life of Pets. Essentially, when we’re looking for something fun with guaranteed laughs, Sing hits all the marks. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, so bring your family!

The Film: Nocturnal Animals

Amy Adams in Nocturnal Animals (Focus)
Amy Adams in Nocturnal Animals (Focus)

The Scoop:

Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Peter Nyong’o, Isla Fisher, Laura Linney, Jena Malone, and Michael Sheen star in what is clearly one of the most star-studded films of the festival. It also happens to be the second film produced by designer Tom Ford, whose talents clearly expand beyond the atelier. The film merges romance, revenge (and therefore suspense), through two parallel, but deeply intertwined stories.

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