Faith: Doherty and McAvoy Anchor a Grief Drama That Swerves into the Supernatural

Key points

• Faith is a 1 hour 48 minute drama directed and written by Paul Andrew Williams, premiering at TIFF 2026.
• Erin Doherty plays Gina, a single mother and candy factory worker, while James McAvoy plays Michael, a mysterious man who volunteers at a food bank.
• The film is set in a social housing estate in Yorkshire, focusing on the characters' relationship and Gina's subsequent grief after a traumatic event.
• The narrative shifts from a realistic social drama to a supernatural thriller in the final act, featuring Christian symbolism and a reveal about Michael's nature.
• Production companies include Blazing Griffin, Homefront Productions, and Giant Productions, with sales handled by Bankside.

Background

Paul Andrew Williams has previously directed Dragonfly and Bull, both of which feature similar tonal shifts from grounded drama to genre elements. James McAvoy recently debuted as a director with California Schemin' at TIFF 2025. Erin Doherty is known for her roles in Netflix's Adolescence and The Crown.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter critic Leslie Felperin praised the first 80 percent of the film for its sensitivity and the actors' performances but criticized the final act as 'daft' and 'horror-adjacent.' The Guardian review highlighted the 'ferocious commitment' of the cast and compared the film's eerie mystery to the works of Atom Egoyan or M Night Shyamalan. Deadline's Damon Wise called the film a 'soulful supernatural drama' that punches above its weight, though he noted the religious overtones might be 'laid on a bit thick.' All three outlets agreed that the supernatural twist in the final act is the primary point of contention, with some viewing it as a betrayal of the film's earlier naturalism.

Why it matters

Faith represents a significant project for Paul Andrew Williams, continuing his exploration of working-class British life intertwined with supernatural elements. The strong critical reception of the lead performances, particularly Erin Doherty's, suggests the film has potential for awards consideration despite mixed reviews of its conclusion. The film's presence at TIFF 2026 indicates it is a key title for the festival's Special Presentations section.

What to watch

Faith is expected to secure a wider release following its TIFF premiere. The sales agent, Bankside, will likely seek distribution deals for the film in the coming weeks. The film's reception at the festival may influence its chances at major awards, particularly for acting categories.