Reviews include Wild Horse Nine, Godzilla Minus Zero, and Queen at Sea.
TFCA Critics’ Picks Screens The King Tide on Dec. 7
November 9, 2026
Every month, a TFCA member picks a film that deserves renewed appreciation. For December, Joe Lipsett picks The King Tide, directed by Christian Sparkes. Please join us Monday, Dec. 7 at Imagine Cinemas Carlton at 7:00 PM. Get tickets here.
After the mayor of an idyllic island village discovers a child with mysterious powers awash on their shores, the once peaceful community is divided by conflict, torn over the belief that the child is the next saviour.
The King Tide stars Alix West Lefler, Clayne Crawford, Frances Fisher, Aden Young, Lara Jean Chorostecki, and Michael Greyeyes.
TFCA Critics’ Picks is presented in partnership with Imagine Cinemas. The King Tide is generously provided courtesy of VVS Films.
Here’s what our members are saying about The King Tide:
“Like the best thrillers, the politics and personalities within the community come into play as morals are compromised and the good of individuals vs the collective is played out in increasingly desperate situations. The King Tide excels because it is interested in exploring the competing motivations of the townspeople, while also resolutely refusing to paint anyone as inherently good or bad. These are desperate people, determined to remain independent and free from outside interference, while protecting their trapped-in-amber way of life.” – Joe Lipsett, Blood Disgusting
“Gloriously, every actor and department head is making exactly the same movie, one that looks, feels and sounds simultaneously spare and lush, realistic and fablelike. It’s also achingly urgent, besieged as we are by cultlike groups who think shutting out the truth and doubling down on their own self-interest will protect them. It won’t. Just ask the bees.” – Johanna Schneller, The Globe and Mail
“The cadence with which Sparkes directs the film lends itself to the eerily timeless atmosphere. He evokes a measured, classically-paced mode of filmmaking and way of life from decades’ prior. The film builds upon a similar sensibility for folklore and Atlantic Gothicism that made his 2014 film Cast No Shadow a striking feature debut in a new wave of filmmaking from the East Coast…The King Tide accentuates the gothic nature of the atmosphere as Isla’s innocence contrasts with the underlying menace of the community. Faye proves especially sinister with Frances Fisher’s Canadian Screen Award nominated performance offering a highlight of the film.” – Pat Mullen, That Shelf
And watch Rachel West’s interview with Frances Fisher below!
