TIFF 2026 Archives - That Shelf

TIFF 2026

John Turturro stands in the foreground of a image of New York City's Chinatown neighbourhood, with street signs and lanterns behind him.

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Review: Turturro Shines in Uneven Crime Drama

by Andrea Miller | October 22, 2026

The beloved character actor takes the lead in a film that asks for a sympathetic view of a man who takes from others.

Helen Mirren Embraces Patricia Highsmith’s Dark Side

by Pat Mullen | October 22, 2026

An interview with Helen Mirren on playing Patricia Highsmith in A Talent for Murder and embracing the dark side of a famed Talented Mr. Ripley author.

La Bola Negra Review: A Swoon-Worthy Masterpiece

by Pat Mullen | October 22, 2026

La Bola Negra is a sweeping epic pays tribute to lost lives and loves by connecting the stories of gay men across generations.

Tenzing Review: A Visually-Stunning Journey Through History

by Emma Badame | October 16, 2026

Jennifer Peedom's biopic is a fitting, long-overdue tribute to an icon, with charismatic performances from Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston.

Sebastian Stan and Vanessa Ceban in Fjord

Fjord Review

by Andrew Roberts | October 15, 2026

Cristian Mungiu's script is able to ride the line between cultural extremes and lands at a basic lesson on humanism

Contra Zoom Pod Episode 345: 2026 TIFF Wrap Up

by Contra Zoom | October 7, 2026

The 51st edition of TIFF ran from September 10th to 20th, and Contra Zoom Pod looks at the award winners and discusses some of our favourite films.

Gary Oldman Follows His Nose with Slow Horses

by Pat Mullen | October 7, 2026

An interview with Gary Oldman about diving into his dishevelled spy Jackson Lamb on season six of Slow Horses and learning the character as the series evolves.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother Review: Faith, Blood and Milk

by Lyle Kruger | October 7, 2026

Mahershala Ali is magnificent in Bassam Tariq's violent, funny and deeply devout Houston folk tale.

Tender Loving Care Review: VIFF 2026

by Eyal Dattel | October 6, 2026

For all its sadness, Mike Leigh's wonderful Tender Loving Care leaves behind something surprisingly comforting.

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! Review: Life, Loss, and a Thing With Feathers

by Mel Valentin | September 26, 2026

Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! gently delivers a life lesson or two, often to stunning ballroom choreography.

TIFF Is Officially Party City Once Again

by Pat Mullen | September 25, 2026

Highlights from the party side of the Toronto International Film Festival include the TFCA's pre-TIFF party at Le Germain, the Golden Globes bash, and La Bola Negra 's Nobu fÃªte.

TIFF 2026: A Playlist of Memorable Soundtrack Moments

by Emma Badame | September 21, 2026

From Billie Eilish to The Rolling Stones and beyond, we round up the memorable needle drops from all the festival films we loved at #TIFF26.

Masc Review: TIFF 2026

by Pat Mullen | September 20, 2026

With Masc , Bertil Nilsson and Joshua Griffin create an enigmatic and evocative exploration of identity politics that refuses to fit within a box.

Club Kid Review: TIFF 2026

by Victor Stiff | September 20, 2026

Club Kid kicks off like a cocaine-infused glitter bomb before transforming into a tender story about sacrifice, growing up, and finding your calling.

Le Faux Soir Review: TIFF 2026

by Sarah Gopaul | September 19, 2026

Le Faux Soir recounts a group of Belgians' efforts to undermine the Nazis by briefly replacing a propaganda newspaper.

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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.
9 hours ago
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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).
3 days ago
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2/9

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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).
6 days ago
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3/9

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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.
1 week ago
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4/9

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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).
1 week ago
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5/9

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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).
1 week ago
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6/9

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What does it mean to see and hear yourself represented on screen? In his feature directorial debut, California Schemin’, James McAvoy tells the true story of Scottish rappers Silibil N’ Brains, who found success by pretending to be American. In this interview with That Shelf, McAvoy discusses the importance of staying true to the Scottish identity at the heart of the film, bringing the duo’s story to life, and why everyone deserves to see their own experiences reflected in cinema. 📝 Full interview by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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7/9

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The Social Reckoning revisits the world of Facebook, following data scientist Frances Haugen and Wall Street Journal journalist Jeff Horwitz as they investigate the company’s role in spreading harmful content and radicalizing users. Set between 2019 and 2021, the film examines the consequences of prioritizing profit over people in the social media industry. Despite tackling an urgent and relevant subject, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up struggles to offer fresh insights into the damage caused by social media. While the story raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the power of technology, underdeveloped characters, an awkward central relationship, and uninspired direction prevent the film from reaching its full potential. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 weeks ago
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8/9

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Six seasons into Slow Horses, Gary Oldman continues to find new layers in Jackson Lamb, the sharp-tongued, dishevelled spy at the centre of the series. In conversation with That Shelf at TIFF, Oldman reflects on playing Lamb over multiple seasons, the character’s history and hidden vulnerabilities, and the parallels between Lamb and another of his iconic spies, George Smiley. He also shares how adapting Mick Herron’s novels allows him to keep discovering new details about a character who carries years of history and baggage. 📝 Full interview by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 weeks ago
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9/9