TIFF 2026 Reviews: The Man I Love

Rami Malek Delivers a Powerful Performance in a Slow-Burning Drama

The Man I Love, directed by I features an incredibly vulnerable performance from Rami Malek that feels entirely different from anything I’ve seen from him before. Playing Jimmy George, a performer living with AIDS, Malek brings a raw emotional depth to the character, capturing both his vulnerability and his determination to continue doing what he loves.

What makes the film particularly unique is its subtle approach to such a heavy subject. Rather than constantly addressing Jimmy’s illness through dialogue or dramatic moments, the film allows it to exist quietly in the background as we follow his everyday life, relationships, and passion for performing. There’s something admirable about this approach, especially in the way the film chooses to focus on the smaller, more personal moments instead of relying on traditional dramatic storytelling. It gives audiences an opportunity to observe the character’s experiences without being told exactly how to feel.

However, while I appreciated the intention behind this style, it ultimately didn’t work for me. The film spends so much time lingering on ordinary interactions and intimate moments that I often found myself waiting for the story to move forward. At times, it felt less like watching a narrative unfold and more like people-watching through a screen.

Despite my struggles with the pacing, Rami Malek’s performance is undeniably the highlight. His ability to communicate so much emotion through the quieter moments makes his portrayal particularly memorable.

Overall, The Man I Love is a thoughtful and intimate film with a powerful central performance. While its unconventional storytelling may resonate with audiences who appreciate slower, character-driven dramas, I personally found myself wanting more narrative development to stay fully engaged.

Here’s a little clip from The Man I Love below

The Man I Love has no set release date for Canada