TIFF: Where awards contenders and pretenders go to show off what they’ve got. This will be my first year attending (and my first time properly attending a film festival). The good news? The lineup is already stacked. The bad news? I’m only there for 5 1/2 days and there’s more to see than I can possibly fit in. The good news re: the bad news? I’m covering NYFF in my backyard two weeks later.

Now that we have all the good news, bad news, and good again news out of the way, let’s get to a quick overview of what I’m initially most excited to see. Today, we’ll list the few I refuse to miss. Tomorrow, we’ll get into the one’s I really hope I can fit in.

My Must See List

JOKER

Source: Warner Bros

No surprises here. One of the greatest villains ever being played by one of the greatest actors of our generation. I have loved everything I’ve seen from this so far. While many think it’s too soon to see the character portrayed by anyone other than Heath Ledger, I for one can’t wait to see what Phoenix has cooked up us. I think we’ll be seeing him on some best actor nomination lists.

KNIVES OUT

Have you seen the cast list? Perhaps the only cast more stacked than this is DUNE, which is my most hyped movie of all time. I still stand by overall loving The Last Jedi (with a few scenes I didn’t like). Rian Johnson has proven what he can do with an original idea (see: LOOPER). Don’t think this will be a big awards play, but will be highly entertaining. Double feature it with CLUE, you cowards.

UNCUT GEMS

Source: A24

Listen, I know festivals are about taking chances on films that don’t have distribution. I also realize none of my choices so far have done that. I don’t care. If you’ve seen GOOD TIME, you know anything from the Safdie Brothers is can’t miss. Add in a more serious role for Adam Sandler and literally just say the name Lakeith Stanfield and I’m in. I refuse to wait until A24 releases this. I demand to be one of the first. Until then, you can find me watching GOOD TIME on repeat.

THE FRIEND

Here’s my wild card for this part of the list. Jason Segel hasn’t been in anything high profile in a while. I think he’s an extremely underrated dramatic actor. Throw in Casey Affleck who’s extremely talented (even if he’s controversial) as well as Dakota Johnson, and it’s a really interesting mix. THE FRIEND is written by Brad Ingelsby who’s best known for AMERICAN WOMAN and OUT OF THE FURNACE. Don’t sleep on this my friends.

Come back tomorrow to see what’s on my “Really want to see” list.

What festival films are you most excited for? Sound off in the comments