My Atlantic International Film Festival experience

Why The Substance and Anora take my top prize

This Fall, I had the privilege of having my first Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) experience. During the four days, I was able to catch a total of seven screenings. I quite enjoyed all seven films but there were two clear standouts from the bunch.

Kaya Panthier – Argosy Illustration Editor

 

Late on the night of Saturday  September 14, I was a little on edge about catching a movie that has been described by film critics and directors as one of the goriest movies ever released. Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance is as unsettling and disgusting as they say. The uneasiness I felt was all worth it because of the added commentary on body dysmorphia and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. For anybody who does not get squeamish about body horror, this film is out now in theaters everywhere.

 

The closing night gala feature was my most anticipated film of the festival. I had driven four total hours in one evening just to catch this screening. Director Sean Baker has made many beloved films but Anora might just be his magnum opus. Mikey Madison gives a breakout performance as Anora, a sex worker that spontaneously marries the rich son of a Russian oligarch. Baker is a master of entrancing audiences with scripts that blend devastation and hilarity along with beautiful cinematography. Catch Anora in Canadian theaters on October 25. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the strength of the schedule at AIFF this year. All seven movies I saw were quite enjoyable, but Anora and The Substance shared my personal top prize for the festival.

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