TIFF Day 5 – Unicorn Store, Downsizing, The Shape of Water, Breathe

The heavy schedule of the weekend has made way for a slightly less crazy week ahead.  This is the normal ebb and flow of TIFF, and as the week progresses there will be fewer press, fewer fans and fewer A-listers.  However, still plenty of star power and premieres to come!

Monday afternoon at Ryerson, Oscar winner Brie Larson made her directorial debut with the quirky film, Unicorn store.  Her co-star Mamoudou Athie (The Get Down) was also on hand for the red carpet and Q&A afterwards.  The audience seemed truly charmed by the film, which was definitely a unique and hopeful film, perfect in these times where a smile might be needed.

A few blocks away, the premiere of Alexander Payne‘s newest film Downsizing was taking place.  However star Matt Damon, who had been in town Sunday for press conferences for that film as well as Suburbicon was not present at the screening.  He currently has RFK (where he plays Robert Kennedy) in development, so perhaps he had other obligations there, however audience members definitely commented on his absence.  Co-stars Christoph Waltz and Hong Chau were on hand instead to introduce the film to Toronto.

Master of motion-capture Andy Serkis also presented his directorial debut, Breathe, as a gala at Roy Thomson Hall Monday evening.  The film stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy who were both walking the red carpet.  Once they were finished, the premiere of Darkest Hour was next on the slate.  Stars Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas had, earlier in the day been also present at their press conference.

Also in the press conference hot seat was Guillermo del Toro.  Fresh of his win at Venice for best picture, the cast of The Shape of Water, including Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Doug Jones, and Octavia Spencer joined the director for their Q&A.

The Toronto International Film Festival continued until September 17th.  You can head to www.tiff.net to check out information on all the movies as well as buy tickets.