TIFF ’19 – Preliminary Picks
TIFF ’19 list of Gala and Special Presentations and Raquel’s top ten picks from the first slate of announced films.
TIFF Review: A Star is Born
Bradley Cooper’s remake adds layers to the story. Cooper and Lady Gaga have great chemistry. Gaga shows real vulnerability. Stellar supporting cast
TIFF Review: Colette
Colette is a superb character study exploring gender dynamics and politics within the confines of deeply entrenched double standards. The real life Colette challenged sexual norms while finding her agency. Her message of female empowerment is desperately needed today.
TIFF Review: The Wedding Guest
The Wedding Guest is a superbly crafted mystery with terrific performances. Winterbottom is such a versatile director.
TIFF ’18 Recap
As a TIFF newbie with a press badge, I give a brief recap of my experience at TIFF 18 and what I learned.
TIFF Review: The Man Who Feels No Pain
The Man Who Feels No Pain is a hip action movie with kick ass slow motion sequences, infectious music, and a lead actor who is poised for stardom.
TIFF Review: Red Joan
Starring Judi Dench and Sophie Cookson, Red Joan is a story of a British scientist turned KGB spy. Fairly old-fashioned period piece.
TIFF Review: The Old Man & the Gun
Classic movie lovers should be all over this one. Redford is charming as a gentleman bank robber. A sweet love story with Sissy Spacek. Funny and witty. A tribute to Redford’s career.
TIFF Review: Prosecuting Evil
Essential viewing. 99 year old Ferencz, last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor, has an important message from the past to deliver to the future.
TIFF Review: Belmonte
A tender portrait of a single dad & his daughter. Also a quirky portrait of an artist who is borderline tormented.
TIFF Review: Tell It to the Bees
A sweet little indie film. Grainger and Paquin are great. The bees add an almost fantastical element to the story. I hope it finds its audience.
Ask Me Anything: TIFF Edition
Curious about TIFF? I answer questions submitted through social media all about TIFF, my first experience, what I would do differently and more.
TIFF Review: Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Captivating drama. Melissa McCarthy seamlessly embodies the unapologetic Lee Israel. Richard E. Grant is perfection as the shifty sidekick.
TIFF Review: The Quietude
Argentine family drama about rich people with dark secrets. Takes several twists & turns. Borders on melodrama. At times absurd and humorous
TIFF Review: Assassination Nation
by Raquel Stecher Assassination Nation dir. Sam Levinson starring: Odessa Young, Hari Nef, Suki Waterhouse, Abra, Joel McHale, Bella Thorne, Bill Skarsgard, Maude Apatow “You had it coming, America.” When … Continue Reading TIFF Review: Assassination Nation
My Preliminary TIFF ’18 Picks
I discuss some of the 2018 TIFF gala and special presentation films that I’m excited about.