The Toronto Film Festival opened with a bang in 2024, showcasing a live-action holiday family comedy titled Nutcrackers, featuring Ben Stiller in his first leading role in seven years. Directed by David Gordon Green and written by Leland Douglas, the film follows Stiller as a Chicago real estate executive who finds himself in charge of his four lively nephews on a farm in Ohio following the tragic death of their parents.
Green, known for his work on darker films such as Halloween and The Exorcist: Believer, decided to take on Nutcrackers in an effort to bring more comedy to the big screen. According to Green, the industry has seen a shift towards streaming platforms, leaving traditional big-screen comedies behind. By challenging this trend, Green hopes to feed both his artistic intuition and the audience’s appetite for comedic films.
After taking a hiatus from acting to focus on directing and producing television series, Ben Stiller was drawn to Nutcrackers for its nostalgic and theatrical appeal. Green reaching out to Stiller with the screenplay marked a new collaboration for the two industry veterans. Stiller emphasized the importance of creating a movie that could bring audiences back to theaters and provide a unique viewing experience.
Both Green and Stiller expressed their belief in the theatrical experience and the impact it can have on viewers. Green, in particular, highlighted his role as a filmmaker to challenge existing business models and encourage audiences to seek out the big-screen experience. Stiller echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the value of watching movies in a theater setting, even if it means going out of one’s way to do so.
The premiere of Nutcrackers at the Toronto Film Festival brought together Stiller, Green, and the young cast members for a heartwarming on-stage appearance. The four children made their feature film debut in the movie, adding to the excitement of the event. Following the 8 p.m. screening at Roy Thomson Hall, Stiller and Green engaged with the audience, underscoring their commitment to creating films for the big screen.
While the premiere of Nutcrackers was a celebratory occasion, the earlier 6 p.m. screening at Princess of Wales faced an unexpected interruption. A group of protesters advocating for Palestine disrupted the event, calling on TIFF sponsor Royal Bank of Canada to cease its support for Israel. Despite the disturbance, the festival continued to showcase a diverse range of films and experiences for attendees.
The 2024 Toronto Film Festival brought together industry veterans, young talent, and audiences in celebration of the big-screen experience. Nutcrackers, with its blend of comedy and heartwarming storytelling, marked a significant return for Ben Stiller to leading roles. Through their work, both Green and Stiller emphasize the importance of challenging industry norms and promoting the unique magic of cinema-going.