After a lackluster edition last year marked by disappointments like *Nightbitch* and *The Return*, the Toronto Film Festival is back, hoping to reclaim its prestige following the Hollywood strikes. With previous heavyweights like Venice and Telluride falling short this year, all eyes are on Toronto for potential standout films.

1. The Lost Bus

Directed by Paul Greengrass, *The Lost Bus* promises an emotional ride. Sharing the harrowing story of the 2018 California Camp Fire, it stars Matthew McConaughey as a bus driver on a desperate mission to save schoolchildren from the flames. With real-world wildfires currently devastating California, this drama is expected to resonate deeply with many.

2. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson’s *Knives Out* revitalized the whodunnit genre, making waves at the 2019 Toronto Film Festival. Now, Daniel Craig returns for another installment, including a star-studded cast featuring Glenn Close and Jeremy Renner. This time, the mystery unfolds in England with a religious twist, leaving fans eager for more.

3. Christy

Sydney Sweeney steps into the spotlight as boxing pioneer Christy Martin in this transformative role. Directed by David Michôd, *Christy* chronicles Martin's rise and her tumultuous marriage, aiming to shift the narrative around Sweeney after her recent career bumps.

4. Good Fortune

Aziz Ansari's *Good Fortune* has been a long-awaited comeback for the comedian, blending comedy with a fantastical premise about a guardian angel swapping two men’s lives. Premiering during prime festival time, it features Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer, raising anticipation among audiences.

5. The Fence

Renowned director Claire Denis returns to Toronto with *The Fence*, a tension-filled drama set on a British-run construction site in Africa. Starring Matt Dillon and breakout talent Mia McKenna-Bruce, the film explores the aftermath of a tragic accident, woven with Denis's signature storytelling style.

6. Roofman

Directed by Derek Cianfrance, *Roofman* might just hit the sweet spot for nostalgic audiences. Featuring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, this dramedy tells the true story of a runaway robber hiding in a Toys R Us, promising laughs and heartfelt moments.

7. The Christophers

Steven Soderbergh takes us to England with *The Christophers*, a twisty black comedy starring Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel. This tale of an artist completing a great unfinished work is a thrilling prospect, especially with Coel making her mark in a leading role.

8. The Choral

Ralph Fiennes leads *The Choral*, a heartwarming story set in 1916 Yorkshire amidst World War I. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and based on an Alan Bennett script, this film promises to tug at the heartstrings of festival-goers.

9. EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

Baz Luhrmann is back with *EPiC*, a documentary showcasing previously unseen footage of Elvis Presley during his Vegas years. This project celebrates the King of Rock 'n' Roll in a way that elevates his artistry, moving away from the constraints of traditional biopics.

10. Couture

Prepare for a dive into the fashion world with *Couture*, a film that encapsulates the beauty and dark intricacies of the fashion industry, promising to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and compelling narrative.