TORONTO— “Demolition“ is the second of two films at the Toronto International Film Festival with a strong Canadian connection, A-list talent, and a story that begins with a car crash and burns with loss.
But whereas “Every Thing Will Be Fine“ (starring James Franco and set in Canada) is starved of action and churns quietly, ”Demolition” (directed by Canadian Jean-Marc Vallée) smashes with emotion and leaves bruises.
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Davis Mitchell, a man who has it all—and didn’t have to work too hard to get it. He’s coasting through life when a car accident claims his wife. He’s back to work the next day, seeming unfazed, only to slowly crumble from the loss, bringing a variety of appliances and buildings down with him.
In some ways, 'Demolition' is a film about those who break the confines of expected behaviour.
