Rachel West
@rachelwest.bsky.social
Former grave-digger, future Arby's owner.
Journalist, Senior Film Critic at @thatshelf.com, running social @weathernetwork.bsky.social. Former ET Canada & Cineplex producer.
@torontofilmcritics.bsky.social & AWFJ member, Rotten Tomatoes-approved.
Journalist, Senior Film Critic at @thatshelf.com, running social @weathernetwork.bsky.social. Former ET Canada & Cineplex producer.
@torontofilmcritics.bsky.social & AWFJ member, Rotten Tomatoes-approved.
Pinned
Rachel West
@rachelwest.bsky.social
· Nov 18
a man in a white tank top and hat is standing on a boat in the ocean .
ALT: a man in a white tank top and hat is standing on a boat in the ocean .
media.tenor.com
Coming over to Bluesky is like going back to school after summer and seeing all your friends again
Reposted by Rachel West
How will La Niña and a disrupted polar vortex influence Canada’s winter? Find out with our 2026 #WinterForecast ❄️⬇️
https://ow.ly/w8oa50Xy55G
https://ow.ly/w8oa50Xy55G
Canada's Winter Forecast: La Niña and the polar vortex set to deliver a truly Canadian winter - The Weather Network
As winter approaches, the intriguing dance of La Niña and a disrupted polar vortex raises the tantalizing question: will these forces conspire to shape an unforgettable season across Canada? Read on to discover what the forecast holds for the months ahead!
ow.ly
November 26, 2025 at 1:11 PM
How will La Niña and a disrupted polar vortex influence Canada’s winter? Find out with our 2026 #WinterForecast ❄️⬇️
https://ow.ly/w8oa50Xy55G
https://ow.ly/w8oa50Xy55G
Reposted by Rachel West
On BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER 🃏
"Colin Farrell is superb" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Berger is a great stager of scenes" - Gilbert Seah
On GOOD FORTUNE 😇
"some kind of revelatory sad sack operetta" - Kim Hughes
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
"Colin Farrell is superb" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Berger is a great stager of scenes" - Gilbert Seah
On GOOD FORTUNE 😇
"some kind of revelatory sad sack operetta" - Kim Hughes
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
TFCA Friday: Movie Reviews for Oct. 17 - Toronto Film Critics Association
Movie reviews for Frankenstein, Kiss of the Spider Woman, After the Hunt, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Good Fortune, The Twits, and more.
torontofilmcritics.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:50 PM
On BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER 🃏
"Colin Farrell is superb" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Berger is a great stager of scenes" - Gilbert Seah
On GOOD FORTUNE 😇
"some kind of revelatory sad sack operetta" - Kim Hughes
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
"Colin Farrell is superb" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Berger is a great stager of scenes" - Gilbert Seah
On GOOD FORTUNE 😇
"some kind of revelatory sad sack operetta" - Kim Hughes
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
Totally messing with my Spotify Wrapped by listening to “OK Blue Jays” and Harry Nilsson’s “Zombie Jamboree” more than once today
October 31, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Totally messing with my Spotify Wrapped by listening to “OK Blue Jays” and Harry Nilsson’s “Zombie Jamboree” more than once today
Reposted by Rachel West
Wildly colourful, spooky, and deliciously funny, #DustBunny is a throwback to the glory days of Midnight Madness. #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/dust-bunny-r...
thatshelf.com/dust-bunny-r...
thatshelf.com
September 11, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Wildly colourful, spooky, and deliciously funny, #DustBunny is a throwback to the glory days of Midnight Madness. #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/dust-bunny-r...
thatshelf.com/dust-bunny-r...
Reposted by Rachel West
Director Ally Pankiw gives Sarah McLachlan and co. the recognition they deserve in Lilith Fair: Building A Mystery. Read @rachelwest.bsky.social's interview with her now #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/ally-pankiw-...
thatshelf.com/ally-pankiw-...
thatshelf.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Director Ally Pankiw gives Sarah McLachlan and co. the recognition they deserve in Lilith Fair: Building A Mystery. Read @rachelwest.bsky.social's interview with her now #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/ally-pankiw-...
thatshelf.com/ally-pankiw-...
Had a wonderful conversation with Eva Thomas on her #TIFF50 film Nika & Madison awfj.org/blog/2025/09...
Eva Thomas talks NIKA & MADISON (TIFF 2025) – Rachel West interviews – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS
awfj.org
September 10, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Had a wonderful conversation with Eva Thomas on her #TIFF50 film Nika & Madison awfj.org/blog/2025/09...
Reposted by Rachel West
Uplifting, emotional, and deeply human, Kirk Jones’ #ISwear is a crowd-pleasing festival standout you won’t want to miss. #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/i-swear-revi...
thatshelf.com/i-swear-revi...
I Swear Review: TIFF 2025
Kirk Jones’ I Swear tells the inspiring true story of John Davidson with warmth, humour, and heart — a crowd-pleasing highlight of TIFF 2025.
thatshelf.com
September 7, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Uplifting, emotional, and deeply human, Kirk Jones’ #ISwear is a crowd-pleasing festival standout you won’t want to miss. #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/i-swear-revi...
thatshelf.com/i-swear-revi...
I enjoyed A Sami Wedding but TIFF’s Primetime programme just doesn’t work awfj.org/blog/2025/09... #TIFF50
A SAMI WEDDING (TIFF 2025) – Review by Rachel West – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS
awfj.org
September 7, 2025 at 1:29 AM
I enjoyed A Sami Wedding but TIFF’s Primetime programme just doesn’t work awfj.org/blog/2025/09... #TIFF50
Reposted by Rachel West
Oliver Laxe’s #Sirat is a breathtaking, gut-wrenching desert odyssey. Part road trip, part family drama, part rave-fueled fever dream, and entirely unmissable. #TIFF50 thatshelf.com/sirat-review...
Sirât Review: TIFF 2025 - That Shelf
Sirat review: Oliver Laxe’s film is a breathtaking, gut-wrenching desert odyssey. Part road trip, part family drama, part rave-fueled fever dream, and entirely unmissable
thatshelf.com
September 6, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Oliver Laxe’s #Sirat is a breathtaking, gut-wrenching desert odyssey. Part road trip, part family drama, part rave-fueled fever dream, and entirely unmissable. #TIFF50 thatshelf.com/sirat-review...
Reposted by Rachel West
With heart and humour, You Had To Be There captures how a 1972 Toronto production of Godspell became the foundation for a generation of comedy legends. #TIFF2025
thatshelf.com/you-had-to-b...
thatshelf.com/you-had-to-b...
You Had To Be There Review: TIFF 2025
TIFF 2025 doc You Had To Be There revisits Toronto’s 1972 Godspell, the cast that shaped modern comedy, and their lasting legacy.
thatshelf.com
September 6, 2025 at 8:01 PM
With heart and humour, You Had To Be There captures how a 1972 Toronto production of Godspell became the foundation for a generation of comedy legends. #TIFF2025
thatshelf.com/you-had-to-b...
thatshelf.com/you-had-to-b...
In a repeat of the first Saturday of TIFF last year, public tickets seem impossible to get so just two films for me:
The Lost Bus and Bad Apples.
Then a nap I guess 🤷♀️ #TIFF50
The Lost Bus and Bad Apples.
Then a nap I guess 🤷♀️ #TIFF50
September 6, 2025 at 12:41 PM
In a repeat of the first Saturday of TIFF last year, public tickets seem impossible to get so just two films for me:
The Lost Bus and Bad Apples.
Then a nap I guess 🤷♀️ #TIFF50
The Lost Bus and Bad Apples.
Then a nap I guess 🤷♀️ #TIFF50
After day 1 of TIFF ended up being a 5 movie day with a bonus screening of Ghost School, I have 4 on tap today:
Blue Heron
Saipan
No Other Choice
Youngblood
#TIFF50
Blue Heron
Saipan
No Other Choice
Youngblood
#TIFF50
September 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
After day 1 of TIFF ended up being a 5 movie day with a bonus screening of Ghost School, I have 4 on tap today:
Blue Heron
Saipan
No Other Choice
Youngblood
#TIFF50
Blue Heron
Saipan
No Other Choice
Youngblood
#TIFF50
Reposted by Rachel West
With echoes of (500) Days of Summer, Charlie Harper brings a nostalgic spark to the #TIFF50 lineup.
thatshelf.com/charlie-harp...
thatshelf.com/charlie-harp...
Charlie Harper Review: TIFF 2025
TIFF 2025 review: Charlie Harper, directed by Mac Eldridge and Tom Dean, revisits the thrills and heartbreak of young love.
thatshelf.com
September 5, 2025 at 2:19 AM
With echoes of (500) Days of Summer, Charlie Harper brings a nostalgic spark to the #TIFF50 lineup.
thatshelf.com/charlie-harp...
thatshelf.com/charlie-harp...
Reposted by Rachel West
Toronto's only two-star Michelin chef, Masaki Saito and director Jamal Burger discuss #TIFF50 documentary Still Single.
thatshelf.com/still-single...
thatshelf.com/still-single...
Still Single Interview: Jamal Burger and Chef Masaki Saito on Their TIFF 2025 Documentary
Toronto's only two-star Michelin chef, Masaki Saito and director Jamal Burger discuss the new TIFF 2025 documentary Still Single.
thatshelf.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Toronto's only two-star Michelin chef, Masaki Saito and director Jamal Burger discuss #TIFF50 documentary Still Single.
thatshelf.com/still-single...
thatshelf.com/still-single...
Ready for a day of #TIFF50 movies. I’ll be the one who is soaking wet from a poorly timed downpour that was no match for my umbrella or raincoat
September 4, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Ready for a day of #TIFF50 movies. I’ll be the one who is soaking wet from a poorly timed downpour that was no match for my umbrella or raincoat
15 reviews and 2 interviews ready for #TIFF50. Stay tuned as embargoes lift for all my coverage at @thatshelf.com & @awfjorg.bsky.social
a man is typing on a computer keyboard while making a face .
ALT: a man is typing on a computer keyboard while making a face .
media.tenor.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:33 AM
15 reviews and 2 interviews ready for #TIFF50. Stay tuned as embargoes lift for all my coverage at @thatshelf.com & @awfjorg.bsky.social
Pre-TIFF is far more stressful than the actual festival
September 3, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Pre-TIFF is far more stressful than the actual festival
Did I pick the Colin Farrell movie? Obviously. #TIFF50
What are the hottest films coming to Toronto? Our writers pick the films they can't wait to see at #TIFF50
thatshelf.com/that-shelfs-...
thatshelf.com/that-shelfs-...
That Shelf’s Top Picks for TIFF 2025!
Top picks for TIFF 2025: From Hamnet to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, our writers choose the films they can't wait to see in Toronto.
thatshelf.com
August 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Did I pick the Colin Farrell movie? Obviously. #TIFF50
Reposted by Rachel West
Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club brings Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley & Pierce Brosnan together for a cozy whodunit, but even an A-list cast can’t solve the mystery of a lifeless script.
thatshelf.com/the-thursday...
thatshelf.com/the-thursday...
The Thursday Murder Club Review: Big Stars, Weak Mystery
Netflix’s Thursday Murder Club brings Helen Mirren and co. together for a whodunit, but the cast can’t solve the mystery of a lifeless script
thatshelf.com
August 27, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club brings Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley & Pierce Brosnan together for a cozy whodunit, but even an A-list cast can’t solve the mystery of a lifeless script.
thatshelf.com/the-thursday...
thatshelf.com/the-thursday...
Reposted by Rachel West
Members @filmfest.bsky.social @smallmind.bsky.social @rachelwest.bsky.social & @patmullen.bsky.social look back at 50 years of TIFF with other local writers. #TIFF50
In honour of #TIFF50, our writers share their favourite films, memories, Dinde d'Or picks, and pro tips from past editions of the Toronto International Film Festival.
thatshelf.com/tiff-at-50-l...
thatshelf.com/tiff-at-50-l...
TIFF at 50: Looking Back at the Toronto International Film Festival
TIFF at 50: Our writers look back at fifty years of the Toronto International Film Festival with favourite films, memorable encounters, and pro-tips.
thatshelf.com
August 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Members @filmfest.bsky.social @smallmind.bsky.social @rachelwest.bsky.social & @patmullen.bsky.social look back at 50 years of TIFF with other local writers. #TIFF50
Reposted by Rachel West
On NOBODY 2 💥
"It is not just violent: It is violently funny" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Nearly every beat is an act of gleeful retribution" - Thom Ernst
"The insane third act plays out like an ultraviolent Home Alone" - @peterhowellfilm.bsky.social
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
"It is not just violent: It is violently funny" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Nearly every beat is an act of gleeful retribution" - Thom Ernst
"The insane third act plays out like an ultraviolent Home Alone" - @peterhowellfilm.bsky.social
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
TFCA Friday: Week of August 15 - Toronto Film Critics Association
Movie reviews for Russians at War, Nobody 2, Sweet Angel Baby, Highest 2 Lowest, Folktales, The Glassworker, Boys Go to Jupiter, and more.
torontofilmcritics.com
August 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
On NOBODY 2 💥
"It is not just violent: It is violently funny" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Nearly every beat is an act of gleeful retribution" - Thom Ernst
"The insane third act plays out like an ultraviolent Home Alone" - @peterhowellfilm.bsky.social
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
"It is not just violent: It is violently funny" - @rachelwest.bsky.social
"Nearly every beat is an act of gleeful retribution" - Thom Ernst
"The insane third act plays out like an ultraviolent Home Alone" - @peterhowellfilm.bsky.social
torontofilmcritics.com/features/tfc...
Reposted by Rachel West
Bob Odenkirk returns in #Nobody2, the action-comedy that just might be the entertaining popcorn movie of the summer. @rachelwest.bsky.social reviews the violent - and violently funny - film.
thatshelf.com/nobody-2-rev...
thatshelf.com/nobody-2-rev...
Nobody 2 Review: Suburban John Wick Is Back
Bob Odenkirk returns in Nobody 2, the action-comedy that just might be the entertaining popcorn movie of the summer.
thatshelf.com
August 15, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Bob Odenkirk returns in #Nobody2, the action-comedy that just might be the entertaining popcorn movie of the summer. @rachelwest.bsky.social reviews the violent - and violently funny - film.
thatshelf.com/nobody-2-rev...
thatshelf.com/nobody-2-rev...