Do you love being the first to see new movies? If so, here are some of the films opening in Toronto this weekend.
The Six Triple Eight
Kerry Washington leads a Second World War battalion of women of colour in this drama based on the true story of 855 soldiers who joined the military to fix a three-year post office backlog. Facing discrimination and a country devastated by war, they manage to sort 17 million pieces of undelivered mail. Also starring Ebony Obsidian and Milauna Jackson, the movie features appearances by big names including Oprah Winfrey, Susan Sarandon and Sam Waterston. The Six Triple Eight is on this weekend at the TIFF Lightbox on King Street West.
Solo Leveling: ReAwakening
An animated action-fantasy movie inspired by video games, Solo Leveling: ReAwakening offers a recap of the first season of the franchise's anime and a sneak peek into the second season. In the film, over a decade has passed since a pathway, called a "gate," appeared to connect this fantasy world to another dimension. At the same time, people with superhuman powers called "hunters" have been awakened. In Japanese with English subtitles, Solo Leveling: ReAwakening opens Thursday at Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas.
The Girl with the Needle
Young factory worker Karoline (played by Vic Carmen Sonne) is struggling to survive in post-WWI Copenhagen. When she ends up unemployed, abandoned and pregnant, the charismatic Dagmar (played by Trine Dyrholm) takes her in as a wet-nurse at an underground adoption agency. A deep connection forms between them, until a shocking discovery shatters Karoline's world. The black-and-white period piece is inspired by a true story. The Girl with the Needle is the official submission of Denmark for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, and opens Friday at the TIFF Lightbox.
La Cocina
At a bustling Times Square restaurant, food orders flood in and pressure mounts to a boiling point as the passionate relationship between chef Pedro (played by Raul Briones) and waitress Julia (played by Rooney Mara) starts to fray. When missing money and shocking revelations causes things to spiral out of control, it’s not long before one of New York’s busiest kitchens is on the verge of imploding. La Cocina, is a black and white film and is rated R for profanity and nudity. La Cocina opens Saturday at the TIFF Lightbox.
Drive Back Home
Set in 1970, Canadian flick Drive Back Home follows a small-town New Brunswicker who drives his beat-up truck 1,000 miles to Toronto to bail his estranged brother out of jail after he was arrested for having sex in a public park. The film won awards this year at the San Diego and Calgary film festivals. It's playing at Carlton Cinema this weekend.
Die Hard
Not a new film, but yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. The Revue Cinema on Roncesvalles Avenue is presenting this 1988 Bruce Willis favourite on Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. in 4K restoration as part of its Drunken Cinema series. The theatre's annual “X-Mas” themed interactive movie screening will celebrate the action-packed cult classic featuring John McClane versus Hans Gruber with popcorn, a holiday themed pre-show and a themed cocktail on offer. A customized game card and a glowstick are included in the price of admission. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this licensed event. Buy tickets here.
Home Alone
If you've always wanted to see Home Alone on the big screen, the Fox Theatre is showing the 1990 family classic this weekend. When Kevin's family leaves for vacation, they forget one thing: Kevin! The eight-year-old (played by Macaulay Culkin) becomes the man of the McCallister house and gets busy decorating for the holidays, only to realize two bumbling burglars are trying to break in. He proceeds to set a series of booby traps for the hapless intruders. The film also features memorable performances by Joe Pesci and John Candy. Catch Home Alone this Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at The Fox Theatre on Queen Street East.
