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Midnight Madness at TIFF: A deep dive into the lineup
A new wave of horror and thrillers
Canada, get ready for an electrifying experience as “The Substance” is set to open the Midnight Madness section at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This body horror film, starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, is directed by the French sensation Coralie Fargeat.
The substance: A tale of transformation
In “The Substance,” we follow Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an Oscar-winning actress who faces the harsh reality of aging in Hollywood. Reduced to hosting a morning fitness show, Sparkle’s life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious stranger offers her a chance to become a more perfect version of herself through a titular substance. Margaret Qualley plays the idealized version of Moore, and the film explores the complexities of their coexistence in a violent and fantastical narrative. For a sneak peek, check out the trailer for The Substance.
Ick: A tribute to ’80s creature features
Veteran director Joseph Kahn brings “Ick” to the festival, a film that pays homage to the creature features of the 1980s. Starring Brandon Routh and Mena Suvari, “Ick” promises to deliver a nostalgic yet terrifying experience. The film’s unique blend of horror and nostalgia makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Watch the trailer for Ick.
Else: A horrifying new concept
“Else,” directed by Tibault Emin, introduces a chilling concept where infected humans are absorbed into their physical surroundings. This film promises to push the boundaries of horror with its innovative and terrifying premise. For more details, view the trailer for Else.
Found-footage films: A resurgence
Two found-footage films are set to make waves at TIFF:
- Dead Mail: Directed by Joe DeBecker and Kyle McConaghy, this film evokes a vintage Midwestern aesthetic and revolves around a sinister Post Office department. Check out the trailer for Dead Mail.
- It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This: A meta adventure about a couple who rent a haunted duplex to make a movie, hoping to get into the Midnight Madness section at TIFF. Watch the trailer for It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This.
Friendship: A dark comedy debut
Andrew DeYoung, known for his work on “PEN15” and “Our Flag Means Death,” makes his directorial debut with “Friendship.” The film stars Tim Robinson, Kate Mara, and Paul Rudd. It follows a mild-mannered man (Robinson) whose life unravels when a dynamic weatherman (Rudd) moves into his neighborhood. Produced by the team behind “Barbarian,” this film promises a unique blend of dark comedy and drama. Don’t miss the trailer for Friendship.
Full Midnight Madness lineup
TIFF kicks off on September 5, and the Midnight Madness program is packed with exciting premieres:
- Dead Mail, Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy (USA) — Canadian premiere
- Dead Talents Society, John Hsu (Taiwan) — North American premiere
- Else, Thibault Emin (France/Belgium) — World premiere
- Escape From the 21st Century, Yang LI (China) — International premiere
- Friendship, Andrew DeYoung (USA) — World premiere
- Ick, Joseph Kahn (USA) — World premiere
- It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti (USA) — Canadian premiere
- The Gesuidouz, Kenichi Ugana (Japan) — World premiere
- The Shadow Strays, Timo Tjahjanto (Indonesia) — World premiere
- The Substance, Coralie Fargeat (United Kingdom/USA/France)
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the Midnight Madness section at TIFF is a treasure trove of innovative and boundary-pushing films. Each movie offers a unique perspective and a fresh take on the horror and thriller genres. Whether you’re a fan of body horror, creature features, or found-footage films, there’s something for everyone.
As a personal reflection, the inclusion of films like “The Substance” and “Ick” highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse and groundbreaking works. These films not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion, making them essential viewing for any serious film aficionado.
In the realm of music, the festival’s lineup also offers a chance to explore new soundtracks and scores that complement the visual storytelling. For those interested in discovering new music, platforms like Spotify provide an excellent way to dive deeper into the soundscapes of these films. For instance, you can explore the soundtrack for The Substance on Spotify.
Final thoughts
The Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section is a celebration of creativity and innovation in cinema. With a lineup that includes world premieres, international debuts, and Canadian premieres, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Whether you’re a seasoned film buff or a casual viewer, the films showcased in this section are sure to leave a lasting impression.
