The best movies we saw at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival

1. The 2026 Toronto International Film Festival has concluded, with the popular Scotiabank escalator once again experiencing technical difficulties. During this event, I watched approximately 30 films both before and during the festival.

2. While there were several enjoyable movies, such as The Stunt Driver and Wild Horse Nine, others like Vintage Violence and Everybody Wants To F*ck Me were less compelling for me.

3. Despite not being on the festival's curated list, a few films like Bitter Christmas, Hombre Al Agua, and Edward Said: Between Worlds have remained my top picks from the festival.

4. Among the films I watched, Tender Loving Care by Mike Leigh stands out as a remarkable work. This film, which started my festival journey, is a gentle yet profound exploration of relationships and support among characters.

5. Tender Loving Care highlights the kindness and unwavering support friends and family can offer during challenging times, such as helping a parent through a health crisis. The quiet sincerity of the movie belies its depth, with moments of tension, love, and humor.

6. Kate O’Flynn delivers an outstanding performance as the daughter who steps in to support her ailing father, making Tender Loving Care an impressive and emotional film.

7. Another notable film is The Julia Set, a coming-of-age drama directed by Niki Byrne. The movie follows Julia, a math student who gains attention from a more experienced professor while her new boyfriend struggles. The film delves into themes of privilege, class, and race, while featuring strong performances by Carmen Ejogo, Nina Hoss, Jason Isaacs, and Gillian Anderson.

8. Jesse Eisenberg's witty satire, The Debut, is another standout. This film takes place at a local community theater production and features Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti as a housewife and director, respectively. Their dynamic chemistry and the film's humor make it a delightful watch.

9. Sandra Wollner's Everytime is a haunting and surreal exploration of grief and memory. The movie follows a teenage girl's final days after a tragic event, and her family's struggle to cope with loss. The film's use of surrealism and nature imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after viewing.