By Jason Osiason
SATURDAY NIGHT
Happy to report, Saturday Night did not disappoint! Jason Reitman delivers pressure-cooker entertainment of the highest order, immersing you in the whirlwind world of live sketch comedy creation. The film follows cast and crew as they scramble through last-minute revisions, costume tweaks, and frantic rehearsals in a race against the clock. Each scene crackles with urgency, the minutes flying by as tension and anticipation build toward the live show. The craftsmanship here is extraordinary, with tight editing and dynamic set design that pull you straight into the chaotic process.
Dylan O’Brien, Cory Michael Smith, Tommy Dewey, and Cooper Hoffman shine, adding humor and humanity to every scene. Their chemistry grounds the film, but the portrayal of Belushi’s character feels slightly underdeveloped, leaving a hint of something missed. Still, Reitman’s direction turns what could’ve been a predictable backstage look into a true crowd-pleaser that Academy members are sure to appreciate. It’s not a traditional origin story but a high-energy homage to the pulse and precision of live entertainment—a thoroughly captivating ride. Had one heck of a time! [B+]
BABYGIRL
Babygirl flips the script on traditional power dynamics, delivering a sharp, female-centered perspective that feels refreshing and bold. Nicole Kidman stars as Alice, a woman who controls the dance of desire and manipulation with an intensity that builds scene by scene, moving from quiet restraint to fierce confidence. Her character grapples with the complexities of control and self-possession, refusing to fit into any conventional mold, making her evolution both thrilling and deeply satisfying to watch.
There’s a razor-sharp edge to the film’s dark humor, which blends seamlessly with moments of raw emotional insight, giving Babygirl an electric energy. Kidman captures Alice’s assertiveness and vulnerability in equal measure, skillfully navigating the line between dominance and delicacy. Harris Dickinson, playing her younger lover Jake, has a scene-stealing moment with his unforgettable dance to George Michael’s Father Figure. This surreal, charged scene becomes a perfect embodiment of the film’s exploration of intimacy, control, and the balance of power.
With its mix of dark humor, unconventional power plays, and magnetic performances, Babygirl offers an exploration of control and desire through a fresh, nuanced lens. It stands out for its ability to surprise, capturing the intense, complicated dance between two people navigating love, identity, and influence in a story that’s both impactful and daring. [A-]
SKETCH
Sketch feels like a heartfelt audition for something larger, perhaps even an MCU-style universe, but it’s grounded enough to be its own charming and inventive adventure. The film follows young siblings Amber and Jack, who find themselves navigating the magical and slightly terrifying power of Amber’s imagination when her drawings come to life. Each sketch she makes takes on a new and unpredictable reality, bringing her and Jack face-to-face with creatures that seem to embody both her wildest dreams and unprocessed grief over their mother’s passing.
Tony Hale, best known for Arrested Development, plays their father Taylor, who serves as the emotional anchor of the story, balancing humor with an undercurrent of tenderness as he tries to keep the family together. D’Arcy Carden from The Good Place steps in as his sister Liz, adding a down-to-earth, steadying presence amidst the chaos of chalk monsters and imaginative creatures. The film pulls off surprisingly impressive visual effects on a modest budget, with each creature feeling lively and original, as if Amber’s artistic world is bursting out of the screen.
The visual charm of Sketch almost gives it the feel of a larger audition—like a demo reel for what this concept could look like on a blockbuster scale. It’s executed wonderfully for what it is, though, bringing real thrills and a sense of magic to a family-friendly story that’s both heartwarming and layered. The movie captures the imagination’s power to both heal and unleash, making Sketch a unique and memorable journey that stands strong while hinting at a bigger creative potential. [B]
EDEN
Eden is one of TIFF’s biggest surprises; is a salacious survival tale loaded with murder, sex, deception, and backstabbing, set in the isolated beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Ana de Armas is such a riot as Marta, delivering her most cunning and playful performance to date. Marta’s dynamic with her two obsessed lovers fuels the film with Challengers-level sexual energy, giving each interaction a thrill that teeters on the edge of obsession.
Ron Howard directs with remarkable intensity, turning the Galapagos into both paradise and prison as each character’s true motives emerge. The pristine landscape serves as a mirror to the story’s raw human drama, amplifying every twist and betrayal. The pacing is tight and thrilling, peeling back layers of deceit as characters are forced to confront their darkest instincts in a desperate bid for survival. Howard captures the stakes in a way that feels primal and captivating, making this one of his finest films in years.
With de Armas leading the charge, Eden draws audiences into a tale of intrigue, seduction, and danger, bringing both pleasure and peril to the screen. It’s a film that unapologetically dives into human desires and the extremes we go to in pursuit of both power and pleasure. [B+]
PIECE BY PIECE
Piece by Piece leans into self-congratulation, but that’s precisely why it works. Pharrell’s story is presented through vibrant Lego-style animation, celebrating his evolution from music producer to cultural icon with a flair that feels both bold and deserved. Each animated sequence bursts with color and energy, mirroring Pharrell’s own creative spirit. Yes, the narrative is unabashedly celebratory, but the film’s joy and pride feel like an extension of Pharrell’s relentless drive and innovation.
Watching this at a state of the art theater such as the TIFF Bell Lightbox at TIFF only enhanced the impact of the film’s visuals, though the animation sometimes feels like it competes with the story rather than flowing alongside it. This slight disconnect is a nitpick, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. Piece by Piece ultimately captures Pharrell’s journey with a sense of wonder and ambition that fans will appreciate. By embracing the larger-than-life nature of Pharrell’s impact, the film becomes a fitting tribute to an artist who continues to redefine his craft, making the self-congratulatory tone feel not just acceptable but genuinely earned. [B]
Fantastic Film Fans 