TIFF 2024: 5 Must-See Films for Design Lovers
These films capture the beauty of built environments, production design and the art of crafting space
Film lovers and design enthusiasts, rejoice! The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is not just a celebration of cinematic brilliance but also a treasure trove for those with a keen eye for architecture and design. From sleek modernist masterpieces to historic landmarks, these films capture the beauty of built environments, production design and the art of crafting space. To celebrate the festival opening, we’ve curated five must-see films screening at TIFF 2024 that offer a feast for the eyes, spotlighting inspiring structures and innovative design narratives. Don’t miss these gems on the big screen!
The Brutalist
The title says it all. This American epic stars Adrien Brody as a Jewish architect who flees Europe at the end of the Second World War to rebuild his life in an unfamiliar land. Settling in Philadelphia, he has a not-so-gracious run-in with Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy businessman, after he becomes an unwitting client for a home renovation scheme. Marking its North American premiere at TIFF 2024, The Brutalist promises a compelling exploration of Brutalist architecture, using the aesthetic and philosophy of this movement as a central narrative device.
Pedro Páramo
Pedro Páramo, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rodrigo Prieto, brings Juan Rulfo’s legendary Mexican novel to life with striking visual storytelling. The film follows a young man’s journey to find his estranged father, set against the haunting, dreamlike landscape of rural Mexico. For lovers of architecture and design, Prieto’s masterful use of light, shadow and cinematic space creates a deeply atmospheric portrayal of the town of Comala, where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur.
Bonjour Tristesse
Set against a backdrop of sun-soaked villas and chic coastal glamour, this TIFF 2024 film follows a young woman’s summer of love, jealousy, and heartbreak. From the sleek mid-century interiors to the effortlessly fashionable wardrobe of its characters, every frame exudes sophistication. For design lovers, Bonjour Tristesse is a visual feast, capturing the essence of post-war French elegance with vibrant color palettes, bold patterns and timeless style.
Megalopolis
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is a grand exploration of utopian architecture and urban design on an epic scale. Set in a futuristic version of New York City, the film delves into the ambitious quest to rebuild the metropolis as a visionary city of the future. For architecture enthusiasts, Megalopolis offers a deep dive into the intersection of design, politics, and human ambition, with its towering structures and innovative urban planning serving as a central character. The film’s stunning visual effects and architectural concepts push the boundaries of imagination, making it a must-see for those passionate about the future of cities.
Queer
Set in 1950s Mexico City, Queer masterfully uses both urban and rural landscapes to tell a story of longing and displacement. Director Luca Guadagnino’s meticulous eye for design showcases the rich textures of Mexican architecture, from intimate, shadowy interiors to sprawling, sun-drenched plazas. An Industry Selection for TIFF 2024, the film uses landscape as a storytelling device, capturing the essence of Mexican design, where history, culture and emotion are reflected in every frame, making it a visual feast for design lovers.
