The Toronto International Film Festival is finally here, running from Sept. 5-15, and movie fans have been eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars — both on the big screen or in the streets of Toronto.
And while TIFF is a great place to catch some of the year’s most-talked about movies before they hit big-box theatres, it’s also a unique chance to watch top actors stretch their acting chops in films you may not have heard of. Here are some of the biggest stars starring in films at this year’s festival you shouldn’t miss.
Tim Robinson, left, and Paul Rudd star in Friendship, which is among the titles in TIFF's Midnight Madness lineup.HO/The Canadian Press
Friendship — Paul Rudd
Now firmly placed in Marvel superhero-stardom, Paul Rudd finds the time to star in this twisted take on a buddy comedy. Co-starring alongside I Think You Should Leave’s Tim Robinson, Rudd plays a charming weatherman who must contend with the increasingly obsessive advances of his neighbour, who goes to great lengths to kickstart a friendship. Fans of Robinson’s cringey, over-the-top comedy style shouldn’t miss it.
Riff Raff — Jennifer Coolidge, Bill Murray
Hot off an iconic two-season run on The White Lotus, the ever-funny Jennifer Coolidge stars in this black comedy alongside Ed Harris and Gabrielle Union. Coolidge appears as Harris’s ex-wife who shows up unannounced to a family reunion, while Bill Murray (who is also featuring in The Friend at the festival) plays an old mobster with a score to settle.
The Substance — Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley
The new film directed by Coralie Fargeat, whose 2017 thriller Revenge made headlines during its TIFF premiere after a moviegoer reportedly fainted during a midnight screening, stars Demi Moore as a fading Hollywood celebrity looking to regain her past stardom. But a wrench is thrown in her plans as a mysterious medical procedure gone wrong creates a clone of her younger self, played by Margaret Qualley — who already proved she can play a Frankenstein’s monster-esque role in 2023′s Poor Things.
The Return — Ralph Fiennes
It’s the year of the double dip. On top of the much-anticipated Vatican drama Conclave, Ralph Fiennes is also starring in The Return, an adaptation of the Greek epic The Odyssey. The Menu star plays Odysseus, returned to his kingdom after a 20-year journey, and desperate to prove to his people (and his queen) that he is still fit to rule. Expect a lot of drama and a few steely gazes.
The Life of Chuck — Tom Hiddleston
Based on a Stephen King short story — and directed by the king of King adaptations Mike Flanagan — The Life of Chuck follows Tom Hiddleston’s titular character as we watch his life in reverse, from finish to start. Fans of King’s more spooky stories will be surprised at the warmth and optimism that this tale radiates.
Richard Gere, seen alongside Uma Thurman in the Paul Schrader film "Oh Canada."HO/The Canadian Press
Oh, Canada — Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Jacob Elordi
This one has a little something for everyone. Chicago star Richard Gere stars as a draft dodger who moved to Canada from the U.S. to avoid the Vietnam War draft, and Kill Bill’s Uma Thurman as his wife fighting to protect his legacy. For the younger crowd, Saltburn star Jacob Elordi appears as Gere’s younger self. Did we mention The Sopranos and White Lotus star Michael Imperioli is in this one as well? Oh, Canada is a must-see for the cast alone.