The Movies to Look for Through the End of the Year

Every fall, filmmakers from around the world show their newest movies at the Toronto International Film Festival, known as TIFF. This year's festival, which ended in mid-September, featured films of all kinds — from action thrillers to quiet dramas about everyday life. Audiences got a first look at 14 exciting films that will arrive in theaters and on streaming services in the coming months. Many of these stories take a close look at what it means to be human.

One of the most talked-about films is 'Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,' which is already in theaters. It stars Mahershala Ali, a two-time Oscar winner, as Latif, a hit man who is deeply devoted to his faith and his family. After his wife dies, Latif struggles to care for his baby and gets pulled into dangerous situations. The film blends action-packed fight scenes with quiet, personal moments that show who Latif really is.

Opening on October 9 is 'Fjord,' directed by Cristian Mungiu. The film follows a strict Romanian family that moves to Norway, where their religious beliefs are unusual. When one of their daughters shows up to school with a bruise, authorities begin to investigate the parents. The movie raises big questions about responsibility and how good intentions can sometimes lead to trouble.

'La bola negra' opens October 16 and will stream on Netflix on December 2. It won the People's Choice Award at TIFF, which is the festival's biggest honor. The film tells the stories of three gay men living in Spain during different periods of history — 1932, 1937, and 2017. Their stories are connected by an unfinished play written by the famous poet Federico García Lorca.

On October 23, two very different films arrive. 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' stars John Turturro as Harry, an aging thief whose old tricks no longer work. When Harry steals a USB drive from the wrong person, he must race through New York City to fix his mistake. The film is less about crime and more about letting go of old habits and finding a new way to live.

Also opening October 23 is 'Possible Love,' the latest film from Korean director Lee Chang-dong. It follows two couples whose lives become tangled together in unexpected ways. A documentary filmmaker named Ye-ji wants to make a film about laid-off workers, but when her subject refuses to talk, she befriends his wife instead. The film is nearly three hours long, but reviewers say every moment counts.

'Wild Horse Nine,' opening November 6, is a dark comedy starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as two CIA agents on vacation. One of them is dying of cancer and begins recording his thoughts about the dangerous work they have done. The other must scramble to keep his friend from getting into trouble with their bosses. It is strange, funny, and full of big questions about right and wrong.

Also on November 6, 'Being Heumann' tells the true story of Judy Heumann, a disability-rights activist who fought for important changes in the 1970s. She helped make public spaces more accessible for wheelchair users and pushed for better education programs for students with disabilities. The film is directed by Siân Heder, who also made 'CODA,' and stars Ruth Madeley. It features many disabled actors playing real roles.

'Minotaur' opens November 20 and tells the story of a very wealthy man obsessed with his wife's secret affair. At the same time, he is sending workers off to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine. The film is shot like a horror movie and asks hard questions about how rich and powerful people avoid consequences. Director Andrey Zvyagintsev returns to filmmaking after nine years away.

December brings a wave of new releases. 'Tender Loving Care,' opening December 4, is a funny and touching story about Amy, a social worker who moves in with her best friend after a breakup. As Amy figures out her life, she leans on her friend and her elderly parents for support. The film was directed by Mike Leigh, a British filmmaker known for stories about ordinary people.

'Clarissa,' opening December 11, moves Virginia Woolf's classic novel 'Mrs. Dalloway' to modern-day Nigeria. Actress Sophie Okonedo plays Clarissa, a refined woman who reflects on her past as she prepares for a big party. Throughout her day, she meets old friends and remembers important moments from her life. The film is a beautiful look at memory, regret, and starting fresh.

Also on December 11, 'The Debut' stars Julianne Moore as Mona, a shy housewife obsessed with perfecting her small role in a community theater show. Director Jesse Eisenberg fills the cast with fun characters, including Paul Giamatti as the theater director and Halle Bailey as a supportive co-star. The film uses quirky songs and humor to tell a feel-good story about chasing your dreams. It is one of the most cheerful films of the season.

'La gradiva,' opening December 18, follows a group of French high school students on a trip to Pompeii. As they explore the ancient city, they deal with crushes, shifting friendships, and big ideas. The film focuses on a quiet loner named Suzanne and a troublemaker named Toni, who hides his true feelings. It is the debut film of director Marine Atlan, and reviewers are already calling it one of the year's best.

Two more films do not yet have release dates. 'The Man I Love' stars Rami Malek as a performance artist in 1980s New York living with AIDS, and 'Trash Mountain' follows two half siblings sorting through their late father's packed home. Both films use humor and honest emotion to tell stories about family, loss, and moving forward. Whether you enjoy action, comedy, or drama, this season's lineup has something for everyone.