Victor Stiff, Author at That Shelf

Victor Stiff

Senior Critic

Victor Stiff is a Toronto-based entertainment journalist and member of the Toronto Film Critics Association. He is the News Editor and Senior Critic at ThatShelf.com and host of UFO Movie Club on YouTube. Victor has contributed to the Canadian Academy, POV Magazine, Global News, The Playlist, Screen Rant, We Got This Covered, In the Seats, and Sordid Cinema. Victor received the TFCAâ€™s 2019 Emerging Critic award and served as a jury member at the 49th Festival du nouveau cinéma. Heâ€™s currently a programmer for the Rendezvous With Madness Festival.

Articles by Victor Stiff:

December 19, 2018
COMEDIANS of the World: Kick Off 2019 with a Smile
On January 1st, Netflix will launch a first-of-its-kind comedy special to help lift our spirits as we ring in the new year.

December 19, 2018
Aquaman Review: Sea Sludge or Swashbuckling Adventure?
Aquaman doesn’t dare take itself seriously, and it’s a better movie for it.

December 17, 2018
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance – Netflix Reveals an All-Star Cast
Netflix reveals voice cast and offers first look at images from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance .

December 13, 2018
One Day at a Time: TV’s Best Sitcom Announces its Return
Netflix announces the return date for season three of their 13-episode family sitcom One Day at a Time .

December 12, 2018
2019 SAG Awards Nominations: Witness Netflix’s Dominance
Netflix and A Star is Born make their presence felt at the 2019 SAG Awards nominations.

December 10, 2018
TFCA Awards 2018: Roma Wins Best Picture and Nets Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón
The Toronto Film Critics Association has announced their 2018 Awards.

December 7, 2018
Anna and the Apocalypse: Christopher Leveaux And Sarah Swire Dish on Their Gutsy New Film
Anna and the Apocalypse ‘s Christopher Leveaux and Sarah Swire join That Shelf to discuss their new zombie apocalypse Christmas movie mash-up.

December 6, 2018
Narcos: Mexico Season 2 is Set to Fuel Your Binge Addiction
If you’re still on the fence about diving into Narcos: Mexico , check out Netflix’s short and spoiler-free season two announcement trailer.

December 4, 2018
Prepare Your Oscar Brackets: AFI Names 2018’s Best 10 Films
The American Film Institute has revealed their top ten list of 2018 AFI Awards’ honourees. Can you guess which movies made the cut?

November 30, 2018
Blame Disney for Netflix Canceling Daredevil
The era of Marvel superheroes on Netflix is ending not with a bang, but with a whimper. Netflix has cancelled Marvel’s Daredevil after its third season.

November 29, 2018
Blade Runner: Black Lotus Coming To Adult Swim And Crunchyroll
Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, and Alcon Entertainment have joined forces to create a new anime series based on Blade Runner 2049 titled Blade Runner: Black Lotus .

November 28, 2018
Sundance 2019 Announces 112 Features
Sundance 2019 has announced its upcoming feature film slate, which consists of 112 movies!

November 12, 2018
Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Preview at The VOID
The VOID’s new Star Wars -themed hyper-reality experience is a like a dream come true. It’s an action-packed multi-sensory, untethered story, designed to thrill VR veterans while remaining accessible to newbies.

November 9, 2018
What’s New & What You May Have Missed
Don’t trust any one person who claims they’re on top of all the new movies and TV series hitting theatres and streaming services. To make life easier, the team at That Shelf will pool their collective knowledge, and chime in with the latest – and straight up late – additions to the pop culture conversation.

November 4, 2018
Blood in the Snow Film Festival Announces its 2018 LINEUP
The Blood in the Snow film festival is a horror lover’s nightmare come true. The Toronto-based festival offers audiences several days of Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema.

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The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket struggling to survive in a city that has moved on from cash and the old ways of doing business. When he unknowingly steals a USB key tied to a dangerous criminal operation, Harry finds himself caught in a race against time that forces him to confront his past and the people he has left behind. John Turturro delivers a tender, compelling performance as a man caught between nostalgia and a changing world, with Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany adding to the film’s strong cast. However, an overly predictable plot and underdeveloped character motivations prevent this crime drama from reaching its full potential, despite its evocative New York atmosphere and glimpses of a more compelling story. 📝 Full review by Andrea Miller now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 day ago
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1/9

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Wicker follows a lonely Fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who has grown tired of being judged by her medieval village for failing to meet its beauty standards and expectations of womanhood. She asks a local Basketweaver to make her a husband, resulting in a devoted companion made entirely of willow. But as their unconventional romance blossoms, their happiness begins to threaten the village’s established social order. Blending fairy-tale fantasy with raunchy humour and heartfelt romance, the film offers a thoughtful exploration of gender politics, societal expectations, and the freedom to define happiness on your own terms. Colman and Alexander Skarsgård share charming chemistry, while the imaginative craftsmanship and beautiful visuals bring this strange, whimsical story to life. What begins as an absurd premise becomes a surprisingly tender celebration of love beyond convention. 📝 Full review by Rachel West now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 days ago
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2/9

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A Talent for Murder follows reclusive author Patricia Highsmith during her final years in Switzerland, where a publishing representative named Edward Ridgeway arrives hoping to convince her to write another Tom Ripley novel. What begins as a battle of wills soon turns into a dangerous game of manipulation, lies, and murder as the two collaborate on a new story. Helen Mirren relishes the chance to play the sharp-tongued, unpredictable author, trading deliciously cutting insults with Alden Ehrenreich in a gripping battle of wits. While the film occasionally loses momentum and its psychological thriller elements could go further, the strong performances, dark humour, and eerie atmosphere make for an entertaining mystery. 📝 Full review by Colin Biggs now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
4 days ago
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3/9

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Rest in peace, Patrick Stewart (1940–2026). A distinguished actor whose career spanned more than six decades, Patrick Stewart brought an unmistakable presence, intelligence, and depth to every role he inhabited. Best known to generations of audiences as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, he helped define one of science fiction's most beloved characters, carrying that legacy across films, television, and countless adventures throughout the Star Trek universe. He also became an iconic part of the X-Men franchise as Professor Charles Xavier, bringing warmth, wisdom, and humanity to the legendary mutant leader. Beyond these defining roles, his remarkable filmography includes Excalibur, Dune, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Green Room. Before becoming a household name on screen, Stewart spent years honing his craft with the Royal Shakespeare Company, building a celebrated stage career that reflected his extraordinary command of language and performance. Equally at home in Shakespearean drama, science fiction, comedy, and animation, he was an actor whose versatility extended far beyond his most recognizable characters. His contributions to theatre, film, and television leave behind an extraordinary legacy. Live long and prosper, Sir Patrick.
5 days ago
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4/9

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La Bola Negra weaves together three timelines to explore queer love, identity, and the stories that survive across generations. From a musician navigating love and survival during the Spanish Civil War to a playwright uncovering a forgotten piece of queer history in contemporary Spain, the film connects lives shaped by stigma, loss, and the courage to be true to oneself. With soulful music, a richly interconnected narrative, and outstanding performances led by Guitarricadelafuente and Penélope Cruz, the film becomes a moving tribute to queer artists and the histories that deserve to be remembered. Directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo build on Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play to create an expansive, deeply felt celebration of LGBTQ+ lives, love, and artistic expression. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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5/9

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With just 34 days before reporting to federal prison, Elizabeth Holmes invites filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim into her home for an unrestricted look at her life. What begins as an offer of complete access becomes an unsettling exploration of truth, performance, and the difficulty of knowing who someone really is. Balancing uncomfortable humour with a fascinating sense of ambiguity, the documentary refuses to offer easy answers about Holmes or her carefully constructed public image. Through intimate cinematography, intricate editing, and Fielder’s signature awkwardness, it challenges audiences to question what they’re seeing, making for an ambitious, thought-provoking film that lingers long after it ends. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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6/9

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Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt (1933–2026). A familiar and commanding presence on screen for more than six decades, Skerritt built a remarkable career across film and television, bringing a quiet authority and understated humanity to every role. From Captain Dallas in Alien and Viper in Top Gun to his performances in MASH*, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, and A River Runs Through It, he became part of some of cinema’s most enduring stories. On television, he earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, a role that showcased his ability to balance strength, warmth, and humour. Whether playing a military commander, a father, or a small-town sheriff, Skerritt had a way of making his characters feel grounded and real. With a career spanning generations and more than 170 film and television credits, he leaves behind a body of work that will continue to find new audiences. Thank you for the performances and the lasting mark you left on cinema.
2 weeks ago
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7/9

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Street Fighter brings the iconic video game franchise back to the big screen, following estranged brothers Ryu and Ken as they reunite for the World Warrior Tournament. But with M. Bison plotting to harness the fighters’ power for his own sinister purposes, the competition soon becomes a battle for the fate of the world. Packed with spectacular fight sequences, nostalgic references, and a soundtrack that takes audiences straight back to the ’90s, the film delivers a major upgrade over its predecessor. With a perfectly matched cast, genuinely funny dialogue, and faithful recreations of the game’s signature moves, it balances fan service with entertaining action that newcomers can enjoy, too. 📝 Full review by Sarah Gopaul now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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8/9

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Whalefall follows Jay Gardiner, a young scuba diver who finds himself trapped inside a sperm whale and facing an increasingly desperate fight for survival. But as he struggles to escape before his oxygen runs out, the experience also forces him to confront unresolved grief and his complicated relationship with his late father. Led by Austin Abrams, the film delivers an intense underwater survival thriller with impressive technical work and a convincing sense of claustrophobia. However, its exploration of grief and family trauma struggles to match the tension of its central premise, relying on familiar character arcs and heavy-handed emotional beats that leave its themes feeling muddled. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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9/9