TIFF 2026 Review: Vintage Violence

Vintage Violence (2026) Review: A Fast-Paced, Wild Ride Through Tokyo

If there’s one thing I can say about Vintage Violence, it’s that this film definitely knows how to keep you entertained.

Directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko and starring Cole Sprouse and Kiko Mizuhara, Vintage Violence follows Carter (Sprouse), a livestreamer who discovers a collection of rare vintage jeans worth a fortune. What starts as an unexpected discovery takes him to Tokyo, where he gets caught up in a dangerous world surrounding the valuable denim.

And honestly, I thought the whole concept was so interesting. Who would’ve thought a storyline about vintage jeans could turn into something this wild?

One of my favourite things about Vintage Violence was the way it was filmed. The movie uses split screens, quick cuts, and creative camera angles that make the entire experience feel incredibly fast-paced. It’s almost dopamine-friendly in the sense that there’s constantly something happening on screen. I found myself engaged throughout, and I really liked how the editing added to the humour and energy of the film.

There’s also something refreshing about seeing Cole Sprouse in a film that takes place primarily in Tokyo. I loved the mix of an American lead with a Japanese setting and cast. The streets, atmosphere, and overall visuals brought back that nostalgic feeling of being in Tokyo, which made the experience even more enjoyable for me.

Beyond the visuals, I thought the acting was great, and I genuinely enjoyed the storyline. The film has a fun sense of humour, and even when things get chaotic, it manages to keep you interested in what’s going to happen next. I will say, there were definitely a few moments that were gorier than I expected! But considering the kind of crime comedy this is, it fits with the film’s over-the-top energy.

Overall, I had a really good time watching Vintage Violence at TIFF 2026. Between the unusual concept, energetic editing, strong performances, and Tokyo backdrop, there’s a lot that makes this film stand out. If you’re looking for something entertaining, fast-paced, and a little different from your typical crime comedy, Vintage Violence is definitely worth checking out.

No official release date for this film; it premiered at TIFF on Sept 12th, 2026