Toldja! Just because Fox Searchlight kicked “Demolition” out of the awards season and into 2016 didn’t mean it wasn’t going to show up at the Toronto International Film Festival. The appeal of Jean-Marc Vallée (“Dallas Buyers Club,” “Wild”), a Canadian who’s become a kind of superstar director, was too high for the festival and we’re sure that part of the release date move hinged upon securing a slot at the festival. So yes, Vallée’s “Demolition” starring Jake Gyllenhaal will debut at TIFF in September.
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The movie centers on a grief-stricken New York investment banker (Gyllenhaal) who engages in random acts of destruction, after a family tragedy destroys his life. The movie also co-stars Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper and newcomer Judah Lewis. Here’s the official synopsis:
Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal), a successful investment banker, struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash. Despite pressure from his father in law Phil (Chris Cooper) to pull it together, Davis continues to unravel. What starts as a complaint letter to a vending machine company turns into a series of letters revealing startling personal admissions. Davis’ letters catch the attention of customer service rep Karen (Naomi Watts) and, amidst emotional and financial burdens of her own, the two form an unlikely connection. With the help of Karen and her son Chris (Judah Lewis), Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.
“Demolition” opens in select theaters on April 8, 2016, but lucky Toronto Festival goers and critics will be able to see the movie several months early come September. Watch the new trailer leading up to TIFF below.
