Toni Collette: A Master of Transformation Returns to TIFF with “Wayward“
Toronto, ON – Toni Collette has built a remarkable career on disappearing into her roles, often choosing characters who deliberately eschew conventional glamour.from her breakout performance as the endearingly awkward Muriel Heslop in 1994S Muriel’s Wedding, the Australian actress has consistently demonstrated a willingness to prioritize authenticity over appearance.
This dedication to her craft was evident even alongside Hollywood mainstays Cameron Diaz and Shirley MacLaine in Curtis Hanson’s 2005 comedy-drama, In Her Shoes. Collette played a reserved lawyer navigating a complex relationship with her more flamboyant sister (Diaz) and reconnecting with a long-lost grandmother (MacLaine). Despite portraying a deliberately understated character, Collette shone on the red carpet at the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), captivating audiences with her natural radiance.
“Toni is one of the best there is. Really,” MacLaine remarked during press interviews for In Her Shoes.”So much so that her natural beauty and glamour gets dwarfed when she commits to a character… That’s how brave she is.”
The admiration was mutual. Collette, in turn, spoke of her respect for MacLaine’s grounded presence and unwavering honesty. “I was nervous initially and I thought I would be very intimidated, but having met her, she’s just so grounded and such a strong woman,” Collette shared. “She’s all about truth, there’s no crap with Shirley, which I really admire.”
Collette’s transformative talent is once again taking center stage at TIFF this year with the premiere of the netflix miniseries Wayward. She takes on the role of the unsettling lead counselor at Tall Pines Academy, a rehabilitation camp for troubled teens. series creator Mae Martin praises Collette’s unique ability to blend humor and menace, stating, ”Toni is one of those few actors who really understands the joke and can be so dryly funny, but then also absolutely terrifying.”
Wayward promises to be another compelling showcase for an actress who consistently proves that true star power lies not in outward appearance, but in the depth and courage of her performances.
Keywords: Toni Collette, Wayward, TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival, Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, Netflix, In Her Shoes, Muriel’s Wedding, film, television, acting, Hollywood.