By Jason Osiason

Last Summer

Directed by Catherine Breillat, Last Summer ventures into the dark psychological perils beyond its The Graduate counterpart, revealing a twisted story of a stepmother and stepson caught in a forbidden affair. Set against the backdrop of Paris, Anne, a well-regarded lawyer, finds her world turned upside down when her 17-year-old stepson, Théo, enters her seemingly stable life. What begins as a summer affair escalates into a tempestuous affair, threatening to dismantle Anne’s professional and personal reputation. The narrative unfolds into a harrowing depiction of control and crossing moral lines. It’s all captured with raw and gripping performances that lay bare the emotions and inner conflict at hand while weighing on the defying expectations one does when it is caught in such an unfathomable taboo. While technically a remake, it’s an unflinching examination of the complexities of human connections, underscored by sultry and brilliantly uncomfortable cinematography. Staying true to the director Catherine Breillat’s trademark, it’s a provocative statement on the intricate and often unforeseen repercussions of our most intimate choices. [A-]

Menus-Plaisirs Les Troisgros

In the captivating documentary Menus-Plaisirs Les Troisgros, Frederick Wiseman, at 93, delivers what could be hailed as the greatest food documentary ever crafted. With the precision of a master, he invites viewers to a backseat journey of La Maison Troisgros, meticulously unpacking the staggering intricacies behind the scenes of this three-star Michelin establishment. The film’s four-hour runtime at the Toronto International Film Festival is a testament to Wiseman’s exceptional editing prowess, where every minute contributes to a rich, immersive experience, making the passage of time seem inconsequential—an accolade-worthy achievement in filmmaking. Wiseman’s work stands as a monumental tribute to the art of gastronomy and documentary cinema, paralleling the rigorous artistry and dedication depicted in the kitchen of La Maison Troisgros. [A]

His Three Daughters

A standout at TIFF, His Three Daughters delves deeply into the emotional complexities of facing the mortality of your parents, a theme not so rawly touched upon since James White. The story revolves around the impending death of their father, bringing sisters Elizabeth, Jane, and Nina together under one roof. The performances are uniformly fantastic, with Elisabeth Olsen as Elizabeth, Carrie Coon as Jane, and especially Natasha Lyonne as Nina delivering stripped-bare and powerfully conveyed portrayals without veering toward ham. They are brought together by their father’s impending death, navigating their tangled lives and relationships. Set in the intimate confines of the father’s apartment, shared with their unseen ailing father, the film unfolds as a bottle movie, enhancing the intense emotional interplay between the sisters.

Lyonne brings this remarkable authenticity to her role, unvarnished yet avoiding melodrama. The film’s ability to convey such vulnerability with restraint makes it quite remarkable, offering a poignant and deeply human experience. [B+]

Next Goal Wins

Next Goal Wins, directed by Taika Waititi, attempts to blend an underdog sports narrative with the depiction of indigenous culture, focusing on the American Samoa national football team’s efforts to reach the World Cup, coached by Thomas Rongen, a role taken on by a fairly serviceable Michael Fassbender. The American Samoa national football team, notorious for enduring one of the most humiliating defeats in the sport’s history, gets a chance at redemption under the initially frustrated coach. As the team embarks on this challenging journey to qualify for the World Cup, Jaiyah Saelua, portrayed by Kaimana, emerges as a key figure, not only as the first transgender player in a World Cup qualifier but also as a symbol of determination and hope.

While it ambitiously aims to represent the story of Jaiyah Saelua, the first transgender player in a World Cup qualifier, the film sometimes struggles to find a balance between its various elements, leading to a mixed execution. The narrative weaves through the cultural tapestry of American Samoa, showcasing the personal and collective struggles of the team members as they aim to defy the odds. Despite its earnest intentions, the result is a movie that feels heartwarming but somewhat forgettable in the vast landscape of sports cinema. [B-]