Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud TIFF IN 12: Big surprises, Elvis Presley in Concert, and Oscar buzz for Sydney Sweeney
Sep 8, 2025
The buzz surrounding the Toronto International Film Festival is electric, with standout films like 'Frankenstein' sparking lively discussions. There's a spirited debate over Baz Luhrmann's bold portrayal of Elvis Presley, revealing the complexities of his legacy. Sydney Sweeney's powerful performance as a boxer dealing with domestic violence has Oscar whispers swirling, highlighting her promising future. Amidst the critiques, hosts also share personal updates, adding a relatable touch to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Unexpected Festival Momentum
- Hamnet and Gus Van Sant's Dead Man's Wire are generating strong early festival momentum and awards chatter.
- Critics flagged unexpected buzz around Maude Apatow's Poetic License as a surprising festival contender.
Secret Agent: Arthouse Meets Pulp
- Rad called The Secret Agent his favourite festival movie and praised Kleber Mendonça Filho's blending of arthouse style with pulp thriller elements.
- He highlighted the film's slow revelation of setting and its thematic echoes of 1970s dictatorship stories.
Nuremberg's Legal Focus
- Nuremberg focuses tightly on legal processes and uses real, devastating footage to ground its long runtime.
- Michael Shannon's portrayal anchors the film while some side plots feel less essential.