The recently concluded 45th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival was the first to have been stricken by the circumstances that the entire world has been suffering from. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the folks at the Toronto International Film Festival were able to put on an incredible show with an astounding amount of variety in their lineup. Yet, for a wider audience than ever before, there were so many to pick and choose from that this left many films flying under the radar and unfortunately not getting as much attention as they deserved from the wider cinema-going public. However, reflecting on the festival’s conclusion, we want to shine a light on some hidden gems that for some reason or another, deserve to be on the general public’s radar as they go through their subsequent releases.
Shadow In The Cloud
Premiering under TIFF’s infamous Midnight Madness banner, Shadow In the Cloud more than lives up to the section’s promise. An enjoyable schlockfest that seems tailor-made for Midnight Madness, it’s a fun film with a final act that ranks among the wildest of the entire festival. However, Max Landis’s involvement in the screenplay is unfortunately clear as day with certain aspects that take on a different meaning once you know who’s behind them, and for those looking for a more refined film, this is not the way to go. Yet, apart from Chloe Grace-Moretz’s brilliant central performance, what saves this film is the direction from Roseanne Ling, who delivers exactly what this film asks for and is definitely one to watch as she hopefully enters the genre blockbuster world in the near future.
The Water Man
Featuring Selma star David Oyelowo’s directorial debut with a stacked cast that includes Rosario Dawson, Lonnie Chavis, Alfred Molina, and Oyelowo himself, The Water Man is a touching family film that superbly balances mature themes with an optimistic outlook that results in a heartfelt tale that is sure to resonate with all who see it. Harkening back to the Spielbergian adventure films of the 1980s, it’s narrative is one that is incredibly compelling and may just become a family classic in its own right a few decades down the road.
Concrete Cowboy
Shining a light on a real-life facet of African-American North Philadelphian culture that has never been portrayed on the screen so prominently before, Concrete Cowboy tells a solid story with an extremely intimate visual style that heightens the films overarching message. Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin delivers a career-best performance and shows he is a talent to watch, and while it does have its flaws and lacks narrative ambition, the powerful final act will have one sold on its well-made conclusion.
Good Joe Bell
Good Joe Bell is an interesting film to say the least. Written by the writers of Brokeback Mountain but lacking the sensitivity or depth of the 2005 Academy-Award nominated film, it may be an uncomfortable watch for more enlightened viewers. However, it is clear that the intentions of all involved are good at heart, and it ultimately results in a compelling film that will be sure to bring an alternative perspective to light in more conservative communities, and win over the hearts of many.
Akilla’s Escape
Akilla’s Escape is a visually impressive film with a stylish flair that helps it stand out from the competition. Incredibly unique and breezy, it delivers with a superb injection of color and vibrance within every frame, yet is able to stay conventional enough that it can please wider audiences. Similar to Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver succeeds with a kinetic bravado that keeps one hooked from start to finish and is a film you won’t be able to get out of your head.
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