The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off its opening weekend with a selection of world premieres that bypassed earlier showcases at Sundance, Cannes, and Venice. Among these premieres were two highly anticipated films, Unstoppable and We Live in Time, which debuted on Friday night. Both films succeeded in tugging at heartstrings, leaving audiences moved, but their paths to major awards recognition may prove challenging.
Unstoppable, the directorial debut of Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg (best known for his work on Argo), tells the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles. Born with one leg and raised in difficult circumstances, Robles defies all odds to become a celebrated college wrestling champion. Leading the cast is Jharrel Jerome, who already has an Emmy to his name for When They See Us. Jerome’s portrayal of Robles is exceptional, with the film’s visual effects enhancing his physical performance. The cast also features standout performances from Jennifer Lopez as Robles’ supportive mother, Bobby Cannavale as his troubled stepfather, and Michael Peña and Don Cheadle as his dedicated coaches.
The film evokes strong emotional responses, similar to Rocky, which it even references multiple times. During its screening, Unstoppable brought the audience to tears and earned a two-minute standing ovation, boosted by the real Anthony Robles’ presence. However, despite its emotional resonance and powerful storytelling, Unstoppable faces an uphill battle for awards recognition. The sports underdog narrative has become familiar territory for both audiences and awards voters, who have seen countless films in this genre. Even when the stories are true and well-executed, as in this case, the sheer volume of similar films has diluted their impact.
Despite these challenges, Jerome’s performance could be a potential contender in the Best Actor race, especially in a relatively weak awards season for male leads. However, unless Unstoppable manages to secure the TIFF Audience Award—a key indicator of potential Oscar success—Amazon/MGM may need to focus on the film’s reception in limited theatrical releases and streaming platforms later this year.
Meanwhile, We Live in Time, directed by John Crowley, also had its world premiere on Friday night. Crowley, who previously helmed the Oscar-nominated Brooklyn, returns with a more intimate project after the critical failure of 2019’s The Goldfinch. His latest film sits somewhere between the highs of Brooklyn and the lows of The Goldfinch, offering an emotional, albeit smaller-scale, experience.
Written by Nick Payne, the film is a two-hander that toys with time, much like Payne’s earlier work Constellations. It stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, two of the industry’s most charismatic and beloved actors, as a couple navigating love, life, and loss. The chemistry between Garfield and Pugh is undeniable, and their performances deliver the emotional depth required for such a story. The film presents itself as a modern-day tearjerker, reminiscent of the classic romances of Hollywood’s Golden Age but with a contemporary twist.
Despite its emotional impact, We Live in Time might struggle to find a place in the awards conversation. While it succeeds in its primary goal of evoking strong emotions, it lacks the grandeur and gravitas that typically attract Academy attention. The film feels more like a heartfelt, intimate drama that may resonate with audiences but might not possess the scale or ambition to compete against bigger, flashier projects in this year’s awards season.
A24 has yet to announce a release date for We Live in Time, leaving some room for the film to build momentum. However, while it will likely find its audience, its journey to awards recognition may be an uphill battle.
In a season crowded with contenders, both Unstoppable and We Live in Time deliver emotionally compelling stories that leave lasting impressions. Yet, they will need to overcome considerable obstacles to make significant waves in the upcoming awards circuit. Still, with strong performances from their leads and powerful storytelling at their cores, these films are bound to find their place in the hearts of many, even if that place isn’t at the top of the awards podium.
Follow https://adelaadven.net/ for more updates!