Whether you’re a well-versed cinephile or a film enthusiast in the making, there is nothing more rewarding than expanding (or starting) your Criterion Collection. This month, movie lovers can grab their favourite titles at Criterion’s pop-up at the Tiff Shop. Here, our editorial and creative director, Sahar Nooraei, curates her top picks.
The Criterion x The Tiff Shop pop up is open until December 31st 2025.
Portrait of a lady on fire
“There is something so captivating about unsynchronised love. Directed by Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire nails the formula of a successful romantic drama: tension, intimacy, conflict, desire, and delusion. It’s achingly heartfelt and heartbreaking.”
After Hours
“I watch After Hours at least once a year. It is my favourite Martin Scorsese film. Coincidentally, it tanked at the box office when it came out, which makes it all the more worthy of your attention. Griffin Dunne’s beige suit is a character in itself, and often a style reference on my mood boards.
House
“I recall either watching a screening of this at Bloor Cinema or Royal in my early 20s. It was seminal to me because I had never watched a horror film that was made outside of North America. It opened up a whole new world I was excited to explore. It’s tastefully graphic, absurd, and truly in a league of its own. Watch it with someone you’re dating to see if they can stomach it—if they can, they’re a keeper.”
This is Spinal Tap
“The late Rob Reiner directed some of cinema’s most beloved films. This is Spinal Tap is regarded as one of the funniest comedies ever made, and heavily influenced the mockumentary category and films like Best in Show, and TV shows like The Office.”
Paris, Texas
“Having grown up in a family that took long road trips, passing sprawling landscapes, I find a special comfort in films set in wide-open environments. While Paris, Texas involves a love story, for me it’s a melancholic tale about the perils introspection and self-isolation.”
The TIFF Criterion Pop-up is open until December 31st.
Feature image courtesy of TIFF.
