Future Tense Brings Climate Anxiety to TIFF 2026

Future Tense recently made its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Jenna Cato Bass, the film follows a couple, Lwando and Tara, as they participate in a luxury time travel excursion. While the wealthy use these trips to escape a planet ravaged by climate change, the story quickly focuses on the deep tension between the two leads. Lawrence Maleka and Kristen Raath deliver strong performances that ground the sci fi premise in the harsh reality of a failing relationship.

The film transports the characters back to 1647, a pivotal year marked by the arrival of European settlers. By keeping the time travel mechanics simple, the director highlights how individual actions and historical events create massive ripple effects. While the plot touches on corporate greed and colonization, the true core of the movie remains the uncomfortable friction between Lwando and Tara as they grapple with their different life philosophies.

Some viewers might find the commentary on climate change to be very direct, but the film feels incredibly relevant following a series of global environmental disasters. By focusing on how these macro issues affect intimate personal choices, like the decision to have a child, the movie creates a relatable experience. It is a thought provoking look at how our past dictates our future, both on a global scale and within our own hearts.