TIFF 2018: We Went to the Monsters and Men Premiere Party

by Meghan McKenna September 7, 2018

So I attended a TIFF Party! To help those who couldn’t make it feel like they were there, I completed this comprehensive post-party questionnaire.

What was the party for?

Neon’s Monsters and Men. The film, which premiered at this past Sundance Festival, follows the aftermath of a police killing of a black man, told through the eyes of the bystander who filmed the act, an African-American police officer and a high-school baseball phenom inspired to take a stand.

What brands were present as partners?

Grey Goose and Soho House.

Which celebrities were supposed to be in attendance?

John David Washington (son of Denzel and star of BlacKkKlansman), Reinaldo Green (director), Chante Adams (star of Netflix’s Roxanne Shante biopic, Roxanne Roxanne), Anthony Ramos (of the Broadway play Hamilton) and Jasmine Cephas Jones (also of Hamilton).

It was rumoured that Drake (6ix God), who’s credited as an executive producer on the film and was scheduled to introduce Monsters and Men at the festival, would make an appearance at the after party.

Which celebs did you actually spot?

So Drake pulled out of his festival commitments at the last minute, disappointing his Toronto fans for the second time this month. Instead, however, a couple of young, beautiful, famous people showed up: Chloë Grace Moretz, Dylan O’Brien and Maika Monroe.

Having seen said celebrities, what did you learn about them? How did they seem? How are they doing, you know?

Chloë Grace Moretz was living her best life with a group of girlfriends in the middle of Soho House, hosting a mini dance party as the DJ blasted Destiny Child’s Jumpin’ Jumpin’. You know, as you do when you’re a gorgeous 21-year-old celebrity. Earlier this summer, there were rumours that Moretz, whose very public relationship with Brooklyn Beckham recently ended, was dating Dylan O’Brien. Both were at this party…at the same time…and I didn’t even see them talk once. And yet, they seemed to be doing really well.

Food? Cocktails?

The meatballs being served were excellent, and the cinema-inspired ‘Le Premier’ was my drink of choice: a a tart and savoury blend of Grey Goose vodka, fresh lime juice, popcorn syrup and mint leaves, with a couple of candied popcorn kernels as garnish.

Describe the general vibe.

I think Drake really would have enjoyed himself.

Please repeat one conversation you overheard.

“I think he’s from Teen Wolf, but I don’t think he’s *the* teen wolf.”

Best dressed? Worst Dressed?

There was a guy wearing a Pharrell-esque Mountie hat. I think he qualifies as both best and worst dressed?

If you had to title the party as if it were a film, what would it be called?

Drizzy, Do You Love Me?

Did the party adequately drown the rapacious loneliness that follows you around—follows all of us around—like ghosts, unwilling to let go of a world that no longer needs them?

Yes — the killer hip-hop playlist drowned out most of my conversations too.