The lineup was buzzing with excitement then frustration at this first TIFF screening of Danny Boyle’s latest feature, “127 Hours”.  Technical difficulties and a venue relocation delayed the screening but once the crowd settled into their seats, a surprise awaited. A familiar face entered the front of the theatre; it was Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). His personal apology for the delay and a few kind words quickly charmed the crowd before the house lights dimmed. That shows the class act that he is and everyone knew from that moment we were in for something spectacular.

“127 Hours” tells the remarkable, true story of Aron Ralston (James Franco), a climber who gets caught between a rock and hard place in the middle of the Moab Desert in Utah. While on one of his intense solo hike’s, Ralston accidentally slips on a boulder that comes crashing down onto his arm, crushing it and trapping him in a deep crevice.

Franco’s performance is upbeat and energetic allowing us to fall in love with Aron, a down to earth guy, an experienced adventurer who loves his solitude. Aron has been coming to these canyons since he was a child. He is a perfectionist when it comes to timing his routes. He has a formidable knowledge of the desert. Boyle captures Aron’s unique relationship with the beauty and power of landscape through a series of stunning wide shots and intimate close ups. You get the sense this is his second home. The desert has its own character as hero and villain, the power of the desert ultimately trapping Aron and forcing him to struggle for his life.

James Franco’s performance is masterful as Aron’s predicament engulfs his ability to reason. Even under the worst circumstances  Aron’s humor  and spirit shines through in moments unbearable agony. We understand  what it means to see our lives flash before our eyes and think about what could have been. This depiction of  the resolve and supremacy of the human spirit, the survival instinct at all costs in the most dire of circumstances is inspiring. Aron (Franco) is pushed to limits many of us cannot imagine.

Prepare yourself! Boyle has a winner here.