Hitman thrills, a passionate “fastard” and Hollywood excess at TIFF ’26
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Peter Howell
Movie Critic
Bassam Tariq’s “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,” a hitman thriller starring Mahershala Ali, has emerged as the top pick for the 26th edition of “Chasing the Buzz,” the Star’s annual roundup of the hottest films headed to the Toronto International Film Festival, Sept. 10 to 20.
“Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother” received seven votes from our panel of experts, the most for any of the 45 films on this year’s must-see list. World-premiering at TIFF ’26, it’s a boost for writer-director Tariq and Oscar-winning actor Ali, who moved to the project after spending years preparing for a “Blade” vampire franchise reboot ultimately killed by Marvel Studios.
“Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali stars as a killer trying to hold work, family and faith together in this propulsive action film with a heart,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “Director Bassam Tariq has delivered what may be the first in a kind of Muslim John Wick franchise.”
It’s also sweet vindication for the “Blade” duo, who transformed their “shared creative energy” into an original endeavour, said “Untitled Movie Podcast” co-host Matt Rorabeck. “Watching how two top-tier talents channel a missed opportunity into a stand-alone vision makes this one of the festival’s most intriguing premieres.”
Added Toronto filmmaker R.T. Thorne (“40 Acres”), “Watching Mahershala Ali, one of the most compelling actors alive, ground an action film from Bassam Tariq will no doubt be the most soulfully thrilling film of the fest.”
We asked 31 programmers, critics, film buffs and other dedicated cinéastes to name the movies they most want to see at TIFF ’26. They also each chose what we call a wild card film, no explanation given, to expand the selection and your minds.
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