TIFF 2026 Review: The Daughters of Abraham

Two estranged friends find their summer reunion upended by a tragedy.

A wild party has one of two female friends unknowingly filmed having sex; the impulsive act has unexpected consequences, especially when an estranged acquaintance shows up and the relationship is renewed.

The real strength comes from the entire cast, as it does feel as if the viewer is watching their lives unfold.  Relationships between friends and family are painted with strokes of love, violence, sadness, anger, betrayal, and pride, thereby producing a realistic portrait.  The opening sequence features some clever tracking shots which has the camera following the action and bringing the audience into the world.  A curious decision was to leave almost entirely behind the opening friendship for what turns out to be the true focus of the narrative.

This is not a tale about sex exploits of young women but instead a damning statement about the hypocrisy of intolerance.  Family is not a safe haven, especially when maintaining social status and acceptance is paramount.  There is also the carelessness and mindlessness of social media, where incriminating information gets posted because the demand for content overrides accountability.  Freedom sometimes can only be achieved by forging a path driven by self-interest and a belief of oneself rather than succumbing to the expectations of others.

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs September 10-20, 2026, and for more information visit tiff.net.   

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.