Toronto International Film Festival, Report 1: FIXATION, ARISTOTLE & DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE & PATRICK AND THE WHALE

“Boots on the ground.” This was a phrase I had said on an episode of The Latest Podcast last year, in reference to TIFF 2022. It not only was an optimistic wish for the future of our industry but that of life itself. The last time I covered a festival in person was January of 2020, and as I arrived in Toronto (for the first time) with my feet very much on the ground, I was struck by how excited and nervous I was in equal measure. What has since followed has been a joy and a return to form that didn’t feel forced. Between the connections (and reconnects) red carpets, screenings and interviews, I was able to truly celebrate film. Here’s my first report with three wildly, but uniquely different films: Fixation, Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe & Patrick and the Whale.

Fixation (Mercedes Bryce Morgan)

How reliable are your memories?

Fixation is a film that seemed to have crept up on me since my original viewing. When I watched this disorienting piece, it felt claustrophobic, in a way that when it ended, I was relieved. It’s a psychological thriller, and it is one woman’s journey through her memory loss as she tries to figure out why she’s under psychiatric evaluation and what the crime is that she’s committed. Bizarre and effective Fixation is a deep and disturbing dive down the rabbit hole.

Dora (Maddie Hasson) can’t remember what happened since her recent trauma. Something happened with her brother Griffin, but what we do not know. We watch as she struggles to discern it, and those here to “help” Dr. Melanie (Genesis Rodriguez) and the questionably stable Dr Clark (Stephen McHattie). Their motives are as much of a mystery as anything else, which makes the movie not only a whodunnit, but also a frustrating avenue for a woman to be gaslighted. The one thing we can undoubtedly count on is that pain that Dora feels, displayed expertly by the performance of Maddie Hasson. Her anxiety permeates throughout the film making Fixation an uncomfortable endeavor. She’s defiant, but brave, as she tries to figure out what is real. At times a subconscious nightmare, this directorial debut is never short on style.

The film opens with a shot of a young girl dancing when she’s suddenly startled by a loud banging at the door. We don’t know who or what awaits her, we just see the terror on her face. The song that plays emulates a haunting feel, and it’s one that will be brought back several times throughout the film, nodding to this particular memory. It’s an eccentric dance of a film, playing out like you’ve stumbled accidentally into a funhouse at a carnival. There are some creative flourishes that make Fixation distinct even if it shows its inspirations throughout. The set design and costumes are terrific, but at times the film feels like sensory overload. Perhaps that is the point, but I feel it could have benefited from being reined in some.

It’s an exploration of trauma and the various ways that it can trick and subdue our psyche. Fixation shows the promise of director Mercedes Bryce Morgan who weaves an intriguing yet disorienting passage into one woman’s pain.

Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aitch Alberto)

While undoubtedly sure to be a crowd pleaser that accomplishment requires lovable characters and a sensitivity that makes this world we live in shown in a vulnerable embrace. Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe follows two teenage boys in 1980s Texas from the beginning of their blossoming friendship and eventual love story.

Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) doesn’t seem to have many friends. There’s a sadness about him that isn’t easily discerned at first, but when he meets Dante Quintana (Reese Gonzales) at the pool during the summer, everything changes. As soon as Dante enters into the story it’s like a light wraps around the film, and especially, around Aristotle. The two become close quickly as Dante teaches him to swim, and they spent time with each other’s families (Eugenio Derbez, Verónica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro, Eva Longoria). Together they each bring out the best in one another and find a confidence and acceptance that they didn’t have before.

Their friendship is tested when Dante goes to Chicago, and the two are forced to reexamine things, their separate feelings coming to light through letters and narration. There’s a poetry to Aristotle and Dante that makes the film feel beautifully hopeful. There are some difficult moments, but overall it is an uplifting story that doesn’t require a lot of its audience and has plenty of wonderful performances.

There is s little opportunity in life to find someone that you truly connect with. Someone who calms that lonely storm within. It can be a rule world, especially as you’re coming to age and finding out who you are. This is both a coming of age and a coming out story, and while it may feel familiar it also stands out.

This is Aitch Alberto‘s directorial debut and without a doubt it is sweet, and the charming cast is able to keep the film floating above water. When you learn to connect to the characters, that extra sweetness is well-earned, and both Pelayo and Gonzales are easy to root for. It’s a sweet coming-of-age story, grounded by its strong lead performances. It doesn’t ask a lot of its audience but doesn’t need to.

Overall, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is crafted with love, and while it isn’t perfect, it still feels special and has a lovely sentiment: the universe is what we make of it.

Patrick and the Whale (Mark Fletcher)

Marine Videographer Patrick Dykstra has spent his life underwater, studying whales, specifically, Sperm Whales. Patrick and the Whale is a breathtaking documentary that’ll undoubtedly leave you awestruck.

He mentions being fascinated as s child with whales. While our career choices are wildly different, I too had an experience as a kid that had stuck with me since. I found whales to be some of the most majestic and incredible creatures. So I knew as soon as the gorgeous footage started pouring in, that I’d be an easy sell here. It takes you on a journey, and I loved it.

The ocean is a vast mysterious thing. What happens below the surface between these creatures is in many ways, despite our extensive resources, unknown. Patrick and the whale capture the relationship he has with two whales in particular whom he has observed and established trust with. One is Delores and the other: CanOpener. The documentary gives us insight on the sounds, movements, and bonds that form so strongly between this species. There’s something rather intoxicating about watching thee massive creatures careen through the water. Especially as you see the scope in comparison as Patrick floats nearby. This is the closest opportunity man has to interact with the historical creatures of our past. It’s an easy 72-minute watch that glides by, visually stunning you with each shot. I felt like I could have floated there even longer!

Patrick and the Whale is this year’s Octopus Teacher, but I personally found Patrick to be more fascinating. I learned a lot about the species but also was reminded, with a heavy heart, how much we shouldn’t interfere. Patrick and the Whale is a must-see for whale lovers, oceanic enthusiasts or anyone who wants to be swept up in a wonderous journey under the sea.

Have you seen any of these? Let us know in the comments below!