Over the years, Disney has managed to expand their filmography. Expanding from the classic unknown settings in fairy tales to more specific, culturally significant locations, Disney has managed to build a great deal of versatility in culture and setting, increasing the level of representation across the board. From Riley’s move to San Francisco inInside Outto the Pacific Islands inMoana, there is no shortage of settings for Disney to recreate with their astounding animation. With every new setting comes a new culture to explore. That said, one location that often gets excluded from the animated world is Canada.Part of what makes Canada so appealing for filmmakers is the marvelous landscapes, as seen in films likeTwilightandBrokeback Mountain, both of which were principally filmed in British Columbia and Alberta, respectively. That said, Canada has more to offer than vast mountains and endless fields of forestry. Canada also has a number of metropolitan spaces that have carved a name for themselves like Montreal, Vancouver, and the globally recognized Toronto. While a number of Hollywood movies arefilmed in Toronto, few are actually set in Toronto. Here’sTurning Redand five other movies set in the Canadian city of Toronto.Related:8 Movies Like Turning Red to Watch Next
6Turning Red
Turning Redis the newly released Disney Pixar film set in Toronto now streaming on Disney+. Following the story of 13-year-old Mei Lee, she struggles with being a good obedient daughter and her own pre-teen antics. On top of this, whenever Mei gets excited, she turns into a giant red panda. The first Canadian Disney Pixar film,Turning Redhas been praised for just about every aspect of the film. From the Chinese-Canadian representation on-screen to the incredible animation,Turning Redhas received universal acclaim. Featuring an all-Canadian cast, including theaward-winning Sandra Oh,Turning Redbrings out the multiculturalism so potent in Toronto through Mei Lee’s experiences and her group of friends. In an interview withComicbook.com,Turning Red’s director Domee Shi expressed interest in a potential sequel despite not having any plans for it.
5Scott Pilgrim Vs The World
Slacker musician Scott Pilgrim is forced to face off with the seven evil exes of his girlfriend Ramona, all while trying to get a record deal. Starring Michael Cera as Scott and based on the graphic novel of the same name,Scott Pilgrim Vs The Worldfeatures a number of Toronto’s landmarks scattered throughout the film, part of what the film has become known for. Along with the highly stylized graphics,Scott Pilgrim Vs. The Worldwas a box-office bomb, but gained a cult following, receiving over 70 awards and nominations, including being shortlisted for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards.
Another film set in Toronto isChloe. Following the well-off Catherine and David, who live in a posh area of Toronto, not everything is as it seems. When Catherine suspects David of cheating on her, she hires sex worker Chloe to meet with David and see if he will give in to the temptation. The film stars Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, andAmanda Seyfried as Chloe. Based on the French filmNathalie…, Chloewas a commercial success, and while it received mixed reviews, it received a number of awards and nominations, including a nomination from the Directors Guild of Canada for Best Feature Film, taking home the awards for Best Picture Editing and Best Sound Editing.
Enemyis a psychological thriller set in Toronto and directed by thefamous Denis Villeneuve, director of the recent remake ofDune. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and loosely based on the novelThe Double,Enemyfollows two men who are physically identical but have different personalities and lead completely different lives.Enemywas widely praised and critically acclaimed for its complexities and plot twists. It even earned ten nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards, winning a grand total of five, including Best Director for Villeneuve. The film has been subject to a great deal of analysis thanks to its complexity and the existence of two physically identical beings existing within the same universe without having any relation whatsoever.
Related:These Are Jake Gyllenhaal’s Best Performances, Ranked
2The F Word / What If
When med-school dropout Wallace decides to give up on love, he finds himself faced with Chantry, whom he believes to be “the one”. The problem: she’s already in a relationship. Featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, and even Adam Driver,The F Wordis based on the playToothpaste and Cigarsand displays the deep complexities within relationships and how friends can quickly catch feelings for one another. The film was well-received, even earning a nomination for Best Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards, winning for Best Adapted Screenplay. When the film was distributed in the US, CBS decided to change the name of the film toWhat Ifto try to maintain a PG-13 rating.
Retired Canadian mailman Pete goes on his final road trip to scatter his friend Joey’s ashes in Nova Scotia, making a number of stops along the way, including a return to Toronto. Joey’s Daughter Betty-Jo joins him on his journey.Down the Road Againis a sequel to the 1970 filmGoin’ Down the Road, the films use the same car. Down the Road Againis a perfect example of asequel done wellas it is a continuation of the previous film, but it also works as a standalone film.Down the Road Againwas praised for effectively joining the older generation with the younger. That said, the film was critiqued for walking the fine line of becoming a cookie-cutter movie with little to no substance.
