#TIFF18 Review: Vox Lux
By John Corrado
★★★ (out of 4)
The second feature by Brady Corbet, Vox Lux focuses on the anatomy of a modern pop star whose life has been impacted by violence. The first half shows us our protagonist Celeste as a teenager (Raffey Cassidy) who survives a school shooting, and finds fame as a pop star with the help of her manager (Jude Law). The second half follows her as an adult (Natalie Portman), picking up the shambles of her fame-riddled life as she prepares for a comeback concert beset by tragic circumstances.
This is an incendiary and extreme work that is sure to be polarizing, and it can be overwhelming to watch on a sensory level, but there is a lot to admire in the risks that Corbet takes. Natalie Portman absolutely rocks the role of a demanding diva, and the finale – which unfolds as an extended concert sequence – is dazzling.
Celeste (Natalie Portman) in Vox Lux
Friday, September 7th – 12:30 PM at Elgin Theatre
Monday, September 10th – 10:00 PM at Roy Thomson Hall
The 2018 Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6th to 16th.
