There’s something special about attending the Toronto International Film Festival, but this year felt historic. TIFF turned 50, and with it came a lineup of films that were bold, experimental and at times downright unforgettable. As someone who has been watching and writing about stories for years, I couldn’t help but view the festival through both a critic’s eye and my usual “let me tell you how it felt” perspective. Festival street was back to its pre-COVID buzz and celebrities were spotted at all corners of  Toronto, making it such a fun time to roaming around the city. 

Disclosure : My TIFF press pass enabled me to view all the movies I wanted at TIFF but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY mine! 

Here are the ten screenings that stood out to me. From the films that had me buzzing with excitement to the ones that nearly lulled me to sleep (before jolting me awake with cinematic madness).

My TIFFTY Screenings 

Looking back, I realized that every single film I watched had some thread of family woven through it-parents and children, the bonds that hold us together, and the fractures that pull us apart. Whether it was found family, complicated dynamics or unexpected friendships across generations, the theme of connection kept resurfacing. Maybe that’s what made TIFF at 50 feel extra meaningful this year.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

This one hit me hard-in the best way. I’m a fan of Rose Byrne’s work and she was spectacular in this movie about motherhood and loss. What could have been a quirky, offbeat drama turned into something that carried surprising emotional weight. The storytelling balanced dark humour with vulnerability, showing how humor can sometimes be a lifeline. I loved the sharp writing and how the director trusted the audience to find meaning in the quiet moments. For me, this is TIFF magic: a film that entertains while quietly burrowing into your heart. Not to worry, if you missed this one, you can catch it in theatres this October and yes, Conan O’Brian is also in this film!

Sirat

I’ll be honest: Sirat tested my patience. This was a TIFF movie that I ended up joining a friend for at the last moment and not one I had chosen with purpose. All I knew going in was that it had won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2025 and that the movie was set in Morocco, one of my favourite places in the world. The pacing felt glacial and more than once, my eyelids grew heavy. And yet, just when I was ready to mentally check out, the film threw me a curveball-a shocking, almost surreal twist that forced me upright in my seat. No movie has ever had me fling my hands to my mouth in shock as much as this movie did. It’s a strange balance of dull stretches and jolting brilliance, which, in hindsight, mirrors the unpredictability of real life. Maybe that was the point all along. Also, the despite the horror that ensued, dessert scenes had me wanting to embark on another dessert adventure in Morocco! 

100 Sunset

Set in Toronto, this film carried all the promise of being a hometown favourite. It delivered in atmosphere, capturing the isolation and quiet ache of newcomers navigating a city that feels both vibrant and indifferent. But while the theme resonated, the storytelling never fully pulled me in- I always felt like an outsider. And that was perhaps the goal of this documentary style movie that gives us a glimpse into the Tibetan community in Toronto. I appreciated how the film lingered on moments of silence and solitude, something many immigrant families will recognize.

Eternal Return

Loved, loved, loved this one. The perfect blend of supernatural, romance and that little spark of hope I always crave in a film. The ending? Exactly my style! Emotional and satisfying. This is the kind of film that reminds me why TIFF has such a special place in my heart. Hearing the directors and actors chat about the movie and how hopeful they are that it will be picked up for wider viewing was heartwarming. I truly hope this one hits the big screens because it was my favourite #TIFF50 viewing!

Frankenstein

A new take on an old monster. What impressed me most wasn’t just the set design   (which was lush, moody and tactile) but the way the film reframed the creature. Instead of leaning into horror, it asked us to consider the monster’s humanity. It’s a question that never gets old. Who is the real monster? The creature or the society that rejects it? I left feeling both unsettled and oddly sympathetic. Yes this one will definitely be hitting theatres this October but director Guillermo del Toro has also worked with Netflix on this and it’ll be available for home viewing this November. 

Sámi Wedding (TV Series Preview)

Catching three episodes of this upcoming show was like sneaking an early bite of a cake you know you’ll devour later. If you weren’t aware ( I wasn’t until I attended this screening at TIFF) the Sámi are an indigenous Finno-Ugric people who inhabit the Arctic area of Sápmi, which spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia.  The mix of cultural tradition, humour and family drama hooked me instantly. Given my love of TV series, I was thrilled TIFF included it in their lineup. If the rest of the season delivers, this might be one of those rare gems that makes binge-watching feel justified.

The Christophers

Here’s another crowd-pleaser that I suspect will have a strong theatrical run. What I loved most was its intergenerational dynamic. Friendship and mentorship flowing between old and young characters. At times, it felt like a mirror of my own life, where wisdom and playfulness co-exist in unexpected ways. This one balanced heartfelt drama with just enough levity to keep it relatable.

Babystar

As a content creator who has shared glimpses of my children’s lives online, this film hit close to home. It explored the blurry line between storytelling and exploitation, raising big questions about what it means to turn family into content. The set design was phenomenal and the emotional beats were strong, but I wanted the film to dig deeper into the psychology of creators themselves. Still, it’s a powerful step forward to see this conversation on the big screen.

Eleanor the Great

This one was tender and beautifully paced. Like The Christophers, it leaned into the theme of intergenerational friendship, but here the focus was on grief and loneliness. Eleanor’s journey felt real. It was messy, sometimes heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful. Watching her find unexpected companionship reminded me how healing human connection can be, even in the darkest moments.

Dinner with Friends

This one felt deeply personal, like someone had quietly been observing my own circle of friends and put it on screen. It explored how friendships shift as we move through that tricky in-between stage. No longer carefree twenty-somethings but not quite settled into full adulthood either. The filming style was fresh and intimate, pulling me right into the conversations and I loved spotting familiar Toronto actors bringing it all to life. A strong local production that I really hope gets picked up.

Final Thoughts

TIFF’s 50th year felt like a celebration of all the ways stories can move us. My absolute standouts were If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Eternal Return. Both reminded me why I keep showing up, year after year. But even the slower ones (Sirat and 100 Sunset) had moments that stuck with me.

That’s the beauty of TIFF: it’s not just about loving every film. It’s about the conversations after, the unexpected surprises, and the way certain stories linger long after the lights come up.

Here’s to the next 50 years of movie magic.