Certain moments mark your career in unforgettable ways as a storyteller. Covering the red carpet at the world premiere of Without Blood, directed by Angelina Jolie, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 was one of those moments for me. This intimate yet star-studded event was a perfect blend of cinematic elegance and emotional storytelling, all set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood-inspired glamour.
The premiere, held in the Bell Lightbox’s intimate lower lobby, carried a sense of nostalgia with its Old Hollywood atmosphere. Angelina Jolie arrived wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana gown with opera gloves, embodying timeless elegance. She was accompanied by her son Pax, who worked as an assistant on the film, adding a personal dimension to the evening. Their dynamic captured the fusion of personal and professional dedication that defined the night.
Salma Hayek, the film’s lead, brought her own charisma to the event, dazzling in a maroon Gucci gown. Her interactions with the crowd, many of whom were her Mexican fans waving flags, were a highlight. Demián Bichir and other cast members also brought warmth and excitement to the red carpet.
The fans gathered outside were brimming with anticipation, their cheers providing a vibrant soundtrack to the evening. The intimate venue meant that every moment felt close and personal—an ideal setting for a story as nuanced as Without Blood.
The film: A tale of war and its aftermath
Without Blood delves into the long shadows cast by violence and war. Adapted from Alessandro Baricco’s novel, the film is a haunting tale of trauma. Set in an unnamed, early 20th-century frontier landscape, the story begins with a brutal act of revenge: gunmen descend upon a farmhouse, targeting a doctor and his children. Nina, the daughter who survives this attack, grows up to confront one of the men responsible, Tito, years later.
Salma Hayek portrays Nina with quiet intensity, while Demián Bichir’s Tito balances guilt and humanity in a way that adds depth to their exchanges. Jolie’s direction focuses on these moments of confrontation, turning them into meditative explorations of memory, trauma, and the complexities of forgiveness.
Shot at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the film retains the parable-like quality of Baricco’s novel, with flashbacks weaving seamlessly into present-day conversations. The cinematography, marked by muted tones and dramatic lighting, mirrors the story's emotional weight.
Angelina Jolie at the TIFF 2024 world premiere of Without Blood. Photo credit: Meres J. Weche
Insights from the panel discussion
After the screening, TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey moderated a panel with Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Demián Bichir. Bailey aptly framed the discussion by noting, “You may have noticed that many of Angelina Jolie's films as a director are about the long impact of war. When we think of wars, we often think of the dates they started and ended. When you watch Angelina Jolie's films, you understand that wars last for a very long time.”
Jolie elaborated on this theme, sharing her intention to explore the lingering effects of war and violence on individuals and families. “This isn’t an easy film,” she said. “In life, something happens—trauma, relationships, or events—that change us. We spend much of our lives revisiting those moments, whether consciously or unconsciously. Without Blood is about sitting at that difficult table, having those hard conversations, and learning to listen.”
Salma Hayek reflected on the emotional depth of her role. Initially reluctant to take it on due to its intensity, she described it as the most complex character she has ever played. “I’ve suffered in my life, and I didn’t want to go back there,” she said. “Angelina helped me see the value in exploring this depth,” Hayek shared, “and it became a deeply rewarding experience.”
A tough film to watch
The dynamic between Nina and Tito in Without Blood is not simply one of victim and perpetrator but a nuanced dialogue about humanity and the cost of vengeance.
While Without Blood is not a film for everyone, its message and execution will resonate with audiences willing to engage deeply. Jolie’s commitment to portraying the long-lasting impact of war is evident in every frame, and her collaboration with Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir ensures that the story's emotional core remains authentic and compelling.
The evening underscored the lasting power of thoughtful storytelling and the TIFF audience’s enthusiasm for films that tackle profound themes. Without Blood struck a chord with viewers, igniting conversations about memory, trauma, and reconciliation. The lively energy on the red carpet and the contemplative atmosphere in the theatre spoke to an appreciation for both the film’s artistry and its poignant message—a testament to how cinema can inspire reflection and dialogue well beyond the final frame.
