# Underdog Gems from TIFF 2023 | California News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/california-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7610473/underdog-gems-from-tiff-2023-california-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/california-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7610473/underdog-gems-from-tiff-2023-california-news.md
Podcast: [California News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/california-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7610473)
Published: 2026-09-18T23:42:17+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/d4ced1d5e90d4899
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/35fd3c4f-c95b-4e93-8f7c-0d4f1ff076d0.mp3
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Duration seconds: 112

## Resource

This year’s Toronto International Film Festival embraced the underdog spirit, spotlighting films where ordinary people defy odds with surprising grace. “Bucking Fastard” sees Kate and Rooney Mara as identical twins tunneling through a mountain in search of magic, blending deadpan humor with heartfelt wonder. Julianne Moore shines in “The Debut,” a razor-sharp comedy about a desperate theater actor chasing her big break, directed by Jesse Eisenberg with standout chemistry against Paul Giamatti. Tim Blake Nelson’s “The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd” delivers a slow-burn prison drama that culminates in a haunting execution scene, exploring redemption through flawed characters. And closing Midnight Madness? “River,” a chilling Blumhouse slasher where siblings on a boat become prey — inventive, brutal, and primed for sequels. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-09-18/best-movies-toronto-international-film-festival-river-misty-green-debut-spiral-tiff-2026 More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d4ced1d5e90d4899 Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

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