July 12th: Day One for me was actually Day Three of the festival. That’s what I get for having a day job. I got off to a very strong start with the world premiere of indie horror gem Still Ohio, followed by new-to-me Oscar nominee Past Lives. In a way, both movies are about not getting stuck in the past. A lesson for us all.

Still Ohio (2026):

Director: Kaylin Allshouse
Screenwriter: Kaylin Allshouse
Producers: Elizabeth MacLeod, Devon Tayman, Kaylin Allshouse
Starring: Fernanda Lopez, Michael Zapesotsky, Jake Melamed, Sofia Angelopoulos

The Plot: College freshman Ana (Fernanda Lopez) is a good student but a total pushover when it comes to her long-distance boyfriend Doug. When she decides to transfer universities to be with him, Doug flakes on yet another commitment, arranging for Ana to carpool with three of his friends instead of picking her up himself. Driving from Buffalo to New Orleans with three strangers, Ana quickly realizes that things are not what they seem. Do Henry (Michael Zapesotsky), Julia (Sofia Uribe Angelopoulos), and Johnny (Jake Melamed) even know her boyfriend? Odder still, haven’t they been to this gas station before? And why doesn’t Ana’s reflection in the bathroom mirror quite match her real face?

As Electric Six once sang, “there’s no escaping from Ohio”. Director and screenwriter Kaylin Allshouse makes the most of her setting, using the limited budget to great effect. No shot is wasted. The highway and gas station feel grounded, even as the time loop takes the characters ever further from reality. The tone is more Twilight Zone than Friday the 13^th. That having been said, the movie doesn’t feel derivative. Still Ohio is a breath of fresh air, with a tight, clever script and engaging characters. The core four cast members have excellent chemistry. You can read my full-length review here.

This was the first feature film I saw at the festival and I think it ended up being my favorite. I’m hopeful that it will get picked up by a distributor. As I said in my review: Keep an eye out for this one. It’s the real deal.

Shown With: Final Girls (2026)

Director: Emily Richardson
Screenwriter: Emily Richardson
Producers: Rachel Hornbeck, Emily Richardson, Jeff Richardson
Starring: Jolie Scalfano, Lanee Starr, Megan Murray, Kate Cody

This short film about a group of “final girls” with supernatural powers seeking predatory men to punish has style to spare. What it lacks in polish—the editing could be tighter and the performances are a little stiff—it makes up for with great set design and costuming, as well as an interesting premise. I hope Richardson gets a chance to revisit this world.

Past Lives (2023):

Director: Celine Song
Screenwriter: Celine Song
Producers: Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler
Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

The Plot: Childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) reconnect as adults, reflecting on choices made and paths not taken. What could have been if Nora’s family hadn’t emigrated from South Korea to Canada? What do Nora and Hae Sung mean to each other now?

I missed this film when it opened to rave reviews in 2023. My brother Chris—erstwhile Second Breakfast columnist—has been trying to get me to watch it for years. It played at the festival as part of a lineup honoring producer Christine Vachon, this year’s winner of the prestigious MIFF Achievement Award. I’m happy to say that the film exceeded my already heightened expectations.

Past Lives is a beautiful film, romantic and melancholy*. Lee and Yoo both give wonderfully understated performances. First time director Celine Song is fully attuned to her characters’ inner lives. This is a grown-up movie about real, flawed people trying to find happiness and stay true to themselves. The story is at once hyper-specific and universally relatable. What adult doesn’t have regrets?

*I do love me a bit of wistful sadness.