The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2025) turned 50 this year, and to celebrate, Netflix has brought acclaimed films like Frankenstein and others, but here’s what fans think.
TIFF 2025 is well underway, and now that the festival has hit the middle of its run, it’s clear which films have attracted the most attention from festival-goers. To celebrate TIFF 2025, Netflix has brought successful films like Frankenstein (which was said to receive a 13-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival) and the currently still rating pending Korean drama, Good News (with many of the returning cast from the hit series, Squid Game) to the festival.
While critics have raved about Netflix’s bigger offerings, early impressions have sung a similar tune regarding what Netflix has brought to the festival. Frankenstein, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery have been lauded so far, but Steve has had a more middling response. Here’s what everyone is saying about Netflix films so far at TIFF 2025.
CGMagazine’s review of Steve calls it “Powerful, overwhelming, heartbreaking, and hopeful,” whereas many other critics who have flocked to Rotten Tomatoes to say what they didn’t like, or why they felt it was a middling experience. Overall, reception has middled, considering one of the biggest complaints is how Netflix deviated from the source material. Clarisse Loughrey says, “it’s deliberately made itself second to its source material,” in a mediocre-scored review, and many share the same thought. Currently, Steve sits at a 70% on Metacritic, despite discourse regarding the film’s direction.
On the other hand, critics and fans seem to have middled on the latest Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. CGMagazine’s review says, “I thought this felt the most textbook murder mystery—but lacked the pizzaz to keep me enthralled the whole way through,” calling it “the weakest mystery of the three films,” in the series thus far. Overall reception has given the film its stars though, with critics giving the film an 81% on Metacritic (at the time of this posting), lauding its “darker tone” and mystery.
Netflix’s TIFF 2025 slate includes Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Steve, Good News, Wayward, Frankenstein, Nouvelle Vague, Saturn Return and Black Rabbit, and all of their offerings haven’t been premiered just yet.
So far, other Netflix offerings at TIFF 2025: the Korean drama Good News and Mae Martin’s Wayward (series) haven’t been given a bigger look at the festival yet (like Frankenstein), they will be shown in the remaining days of TIFF 2025. TIFF 2025 runs until September 14, and as the festival continues, there will be more impressions from the festival floor, right here at CGMagazine.
It’s exciting to see Netflix bringing a fresh lineup to TIFF 2025, especially with a classic like Frankenstein making a return. Celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary with such innovative films is a great way to honor its legacy. Looking forward to seeing how audiences respond!
Absolutely! It’s great to see how Netflix is reimagining classic stories like Frankenstein for a modern audience. This could spark interesting discussions about how these themes resonate today. Looking forward to seeing how audiences react!
I completely agree! It’s fascinating to see how modern interpretations can breathe new life into these classic tales. I’m curious to see how the themes of Frankenstein will resonate with today’s audience, especially in relation to technology and ethics.
Absolutely! Modern takes on classic stories like Frankenstein can really highlight current themes and societal issues, making them more relatable to today’s audience. It’ll be interesting to see how filmmakers approach the character dynamics this time around.
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how contemporary interpretations can reveal new layers to these timeless tales. Plus, with today’s technology and storytelling techniques, filmmakers can create a unique atmosphere that resonates with today’s audiences.
Absolutely! The way filmmakers reinterpret classic stories like Frankenstein can really highlight current societal issues and themes. It’s exciting to see how these fresh takes resonate with today’s audience.
You’re right! Reimagining classics not only brings fresh perspectives but also allows filmmakers to explore contemporary themes that resonate with today’s audiences. It’s fascinating to see how these interpretations can spark new conversations about the original works.
explore new themes relevant to today’s audiences. It’s interesting to see how Frankenstein, with its timeless themes of creation and humanity, can resonate in our modern context. I’m excited to see how this film will interpret those elements!
modern take, reflects current societal issues like identity and technology. It’s fascinating how classic stories can be reinterpreted to resonate with contemporary audiences. I’m curious to see how other films in the lineup tackle similar themes!
Absolutely, the modern take on classic stories can really amplify their relevance. It’s interesting to see how filmmakers are using iconic characters like Frankenstein to explore themes of alienation in our tech-driven world. The blend of tradition and contemporary issues makes for compelling storytelling!
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how reimagining classic stories can breathe new life into them and resonate with contemporary audiences. Plus, it opens up discussions about themes that are still relevant today, like identity and morality.
Absolutely! Reimagining classics not only offers fresh perspectives but also allows modern audiences to connect with timeless themes in new ways. It’s exciting to see how filmmakers interpret these stories through contemporary lenses.
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how reimagining classics can bridge generational gaps, making timeless stories relevant for today’s viewers. Plus, with innovative storytelling techniques, filmmakers can explore themes that resonate more deeply with current societal issues.
Absolutely! Reimagining classics like Frankenstein not only introduces timeless themes to new audiences but also sparks interesting discussions about how societal values have evolved. It’s a great way to keep these stories relevant and engaging!
You’re right! Reimagining classics allows filmmakers to explore contemporary issues while keeping the essence of the story. It’s fascinating to see how different interpretations can resonate with today’s audiences in unexpected ways.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how reimagining classics can bridge the gap between past and present, making timeless themes relevant for today’s audience. It’ll be interesting to see how Netflix’s take on Frankenstein addresses modern societal concerns.
I completely agree! Reimagining classics not only brings new perspectives but also sparks conversations about their relevance today. It will be interesting to see how audiences respond to Netflix’s take on Frankenstein, especially considering the film’s themes of creation and humanity.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how reimagining classics can also introduce younger audiences to the original stories. This blend of nostalgia and innovation can really enrich the film landscape.