There are many movies that attempt to weave modern technology — like text messages and livestreams — into their storytelling. Some of the most creative efforts have come from the horror and thriller genres, such as Deadstream, a horror film inspired by the streaming platform Twitch. However, Vintage Violence might be the most chaotic and original of these attempts. It’s a wild, absurdist crime thriller that leans heavily into the hyper-connected, phone-obsessed lifestyle of modern audiences. The film was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026, where it joined other notable films like a 4K restoration of Ken Russell’s The Devils and Gentle Monster. I had the chance to watch Vintage Violence on my fifth day at TIFF 2026. Directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko, the film follows a similar theme to his earlier work, Spree, which depicted a rideshare driver who livestreams his murders. But Vintage Violence takes the concept further by mimicking the experience of being constantly on your phone while the movie plays. This means that, during key moments, the film displays characters texting, livestreaming, or even listening to relaxing sounds like whale calls. The result is a chaotic but engaging experience that challenges the viewer to follow multiple layers of action and interaction at once. Unfortunately, there is no official trailer yet, but one is expected to be released soon. The plot of Vintage Violence revolves around Carter (played by Cole Sprouse), a disgraced influencer similar to MrBeast, who stumbles upon vintage Levi’s jeans while livestreaming. A fan suggests he travel to Tokyo to sell them for profit. Once there, he quickly gets entangled in a web of scams and violence, with the yakuza — a powerful Japanese organized crime group — becoming involved. The film has a tone reminiscent of the work of director Takashi Miike, known for his over-the-top, bloody, and often darkly humorous style. What truly sets Vintage Violence apart is its unique presentation, which constantly displays the characters’ phone activity alongside the main story, making for a layered and immersive experience. In addition to Vintage Violence, I watched two other films on that day: a 4K restoration of The Devils, a 1971 cult classic, and Gentle Monster, a new film from director Marie Kreutzer. The Devils will be released in theaters on October 16th and features a reimagined version of a 17th-century French witch trial. Gentle Monster, which will be available on Netflix in late November, is a more somber and emotionally intense film about a family dealing with the fallout of a child pornography investigation. Both films offer distinct experiences, with Gentle Monster in particular delivering a powerful and unsettling performance from Léa Seydoux.