SIFF has officially hit the half way mark. And, with 5 days under our belt (6 if you count opening night) there have been plenty of hits. Overall, if the next 5 days bear out like the first 5 days, you can count SIFF 2023 as a success.

Top 5 films from May 12 – 16

It’s no easy to feat to whittle down the 15-plus films seen over a 5 day stretch into a top 5 list.  There are some films that may have made the list, but given scheduling choices we were unable to see – it’s a classic Sophie’s choice kind of thing. But, on to the top 5.

The Night of the 12th

Talk about determination. This true crime police drama follows two detectives doggedly puruing clues and suspects that will hopefully lead them to the killer of a shocking murder of a young woman. Engrossing to the end.  

Stephan Curry: Underrated

Determination must be a theme here. You don’t even have to be a basketball fan to be inspired by Steph Curry’s path to the NBA. With the camera focused solely on Curry’s journey, this doc has you rooting for his success and cheering after every “three” – for which there are plenty.

Year of the Fox

One of the best of the fest so far this year. Local filmmaker Megan Griffiths knows how to tackle sensitive subjects with compassion – and with the lack of exploitation that many other filmmakers might lean on. This is an impressive trait that can be found in all of her work over the past decade. The cast is also outstanding.

Scrapper

This was somewhat of a surprise. Funny and compassionate.  Keep an eye out for newcomer Lola Campbell who shines in this film as a 12-year-old living alone and getting by in London on her wit and…scrappiness.

The Beasts

 A slow burn of a thriller. A French couple moves into a remote village in Spain and the locals aren’t too happy about it. It clocks in at just over two hours, and every second of that is filled with mounting tension.