The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back on September 8, and this year’s list of buzz-worthy flicks is better than ever! From the action-packed feature, The Woman King to emotional masterpiece, My Policeman, it’s pretty clear this year’s lineup of cinematic art is set to exceed our expectations.

So, here are six of the most anticipated films at this year’s festival. Along with special mentions, these movies capture the perfect amount of human emotion and story. Some raise awareness on important issues like mental health and racial inequality, while all ooze out the highest level of creative flair on the big screen. So, whether you’re excited about Hugh Jackman’s new flick, or totally stoked for a new thriller like The Menu, one thing’s for sure, you won’t want to miss any of it.

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Causeway

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Diving into another side of military casualties, Causeway stars Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence as Lindsay. An engineer for the US Army Corps deployed in Afghanistan. One day, her vehicle hits an explosive that injures her body and brain. Evidently, she’s left to cope with the trauma of her new reality. As she tries to make her way back to trust and tenderness, she’s also faced with the constant temptation of shielding herself from experiencing further harm.

My Policeman

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Taking place in 1950s Britain, My Policeman is a tale of forbidden romance and changing social conventions. Starring Harry Styles (Tom Burgess), Emma Corrin (Gina McKee), and David Dawson (Rupert Everett), the story follows an emotional journey shared by the three that span decades. Instinctively knowing his desire for more, Burgess, Styles’ character finds himself in a love triangle between his heterosexual relationship and his intense attraction toward a sophisticated museum curator.

The Menu

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Prepare to be served more than you bargained for at the one-percenter’s table. Merging the sinister duo of status and guilt, The Menu stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot. An innocent plus-one about to uncover the dark culinary plans of Hawthorne Island, a 12-acre private paradise that serves a hefty farm-to-table dining experience with menacing surprises.

The Woman King

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Based on a true story, The Woman King stars Oscar winner Viola Davis as Nanisca, the leader of Agojie’s all-female military regiment that is set to protect the African Kingdom of Dahomey from Portuguese slave traders. The film does not shy away from showcasing the past horrors of the slave trade, nor does it thoroughly pinch the surface when exploring the depth of what truly strengthens the bonds between women. This makes it an overall captivating story of friendship, heroism, and female unity.

The Son

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A follow-up to The Father, The Son stars Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, and Anthony Hopkins in a moving family drama on the struggles of supporting a teenager forgoing a mental health crisis. Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is suffering from severe depression. His condition worsens each day, which brings Kate (Laura Dern) to seek assistance from her first husband Peter (Hugh Jackman), and his new wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby), believing the presence of their newborn child will offer an ounce of solace Nicholas needs.

Empire of Light

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An ode to the magic of cinema and human connection. Empire of Light stars Olivia Colman and Michael Ward as Stephen and Hilary. Two strangers that are both wounded from their own set of adversities, who, despite their differences, come together under the marquee of cinema. This film is a tribute to those who not only love the magic of movies, but to the films themselves, and the abundance of tales told that touch us for the rest of our lives.

A few other special mentions to include in this roundup is Zac Efron’s new flick, The Greatest Beer Run Ever, Canadian playwright Marie Clements’ Bones of Crows, and Canadian documentary filmmaker Hubert Davis’ Black Ice.

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