I promise you, the last thing I wanted to do was find the one true religion — but unfortunately, I did
I've kept you waiting long enough. Let's talk the best films of 2024!
While cinema attendance may not be what it used to be in our pre-pandemic world, there is no denying that fantastic filmmaking is not on the decline. It was so hard to whittle down this list to a mere 30 films. Nevertheless, it was a mission I was happy to accept.
Welcome to the final installment of my year-end look back at 2024! May you find your favorites somewhere down yonder. Don’t recall what my mid-year roundup looked like? Click on the link below.
Anyone can feel strong hiding behind a piece of metal. I prefer to know my own strength
The year in film is off to a pretty good start. There have been a number of terrific films hitting cinemas and streaming with even more to come. Luca Guadagnino, Richard Linklater, Alex Garlan…
Tell me what your favorite movies of 2024 were! Share your least favorites! I’d love to continue this discussion with you.
Anora
Sean Baker’s latest plays like a sex positive Pretty Woman to a degree, but has so much more on its mind. Mikey Madison is tremendous in one of the year's best performances.
Babygirl
Less a film about power dynamics and more about a woman coming to terms with owning her own power, Nicole Kidman is magnetic in Halina Reijn’s electric, sensual drama.
Challengers
It's game, set, match for Luca Guadagnino as his sexy tennis drama featuring the tremendous trio of Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Feist scores on and off the court.
A Different Man
The life one lives is dependent on what one makes of it as an aspiring actor learns after a radical medical procedure. A sensational Sebastian Stan leans into the seeming nightmare that unfolds without relying on an outsized performance.
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World
A simple premise of following a production assistant around town allows writer-director Radu Jude to comment on sociopolitical issues, social media and content creators, and more in this intelligent, highly entertaining work of art.
Drive-Away Dolls
Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan go on a crazysexyhilarious road trip to Tallahassee, Florida, blissfully unaware they are being pursued by a pair of goons in this 1990s-set queer caper from Joel Coen and Tricia Cooke.
Dune: Part Two
A prophet. A creepy unborn telepathic baby. Sandworms as Ubers. Gladiator games. Lots and lots of sand. Denis Villaneuve's second installment in his adaptation of the sci-fi classic novel builds brilliantly upon the first film and leaves you thirsty for more.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Know what else has lots and lots of sand? The wasteland where Furiosa grows up and gets her revenge. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the antagonist in this Fury Road prequel with grit and a ferocity that does the iconic character justice.
Heretic
Hugh Grant is an absolute delight as Mr. Reed, who takes it upon himself to put two young missionaries’ faith to the ultimate test. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' diabolical horror makes you think while scaring the crap out of you.
His Three Daughters
Powerful portrait of three women coming to terms with each other and their dying father. Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen are dynamic as the estranged, grieving sisters.
Hit Man
Professor by day. Hit man by night. A weird yet true tale brought perfectly to the screen by Richard Linklater and Glen Powell, who inhabits the titular role with panache.
How To Have Sex
What started out as an island adventure with friends becomes an eye-opening experience for one teen (an exceptional Mia McKenna-Bruce) in Molly Manning Walker's emotionally arresting coming of age film.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person
A humanist vampire story isn't something you see often, which is part of what makes director Ariane Louis-Seize's film such a treat. This is a warm, tender tale with humor and bite.
Hundreds of Beavers
Writers Mike Cheslik, who also directed, and Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, who also stars, have created an hysterically funny, impeccably crafted live-action cartoon that honors silent film as well as adds to its legacy.
In a Violent Nature
Friday the 13th from Jason Voorhees' POV is the quickest way to describe Chris Nash's fantastic, down and dirty slasher throwback. It also features a sensational kill involving a yoga practitioner, which alone is worth the price of admission.
I Saw the TV Glow
An obsession with a supernatural TV show draws two teens into each other's orbit, but that's just scratching the surface of Jane Schoenbrun's deeply affecting trans allegory.
Janet Planet
Dynamic mother-daughter story that spotlights a co-dependent relationship during a summer of transition which comes courtesy of three visitors, who each shift the focus from daughter to mother. Zoey Ziegler and Julianne Nicholson are both radiant and brimming with potency.
La Chimera
Fresh out of jail and down on his luck, an archeologist grapples with his past while confronting the present in Alice Rohrwacher's beautifully etched portrait. Josh O'Connor stuns in a fierce yet fragile performance.
Love Lies Bleeding
Neo noir wrapped in a queer love story. Rose Glass crafts a dark, fantastical romance filled with family drama, weightlifting, and dreams of a better life elsewhere. Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian's smoldering chemistry threatens to melt the screen.
The People’s Joker
Taking DC Comics characters to tell the story of an aspiring clown dealing with her gender identity is a masterstroke by writer-director-star Vera Drew. That it’s fun, hilarious, and emotionally grounded is the icing on the cake.
Perfect Days
Instilling hope in humanity while gently reminding us there is beauty to behold in the world if we just take the time to see it is a big ask for any film. Yet Wim Wenders is more than up to the task with this cinematic gift.
A Real Pain
Two estranged cousins (a perfectly matched Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) on a pilgrimage to Poland in honor of their late grandmother is the thrust of Eisenberg’s affecting, witty film. However, it's the supporting cast comprising their tour group — specifically Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, and Wil Sharpe — who provide the soul.
Robot Dreams
Earth Wind and Fire’s “September” is the perfect song to soundtrack this lovely, bittersweet silent animated film that chronicles the friendship that blossoms between a dog and his robot companion.
The Room Next Door
In his first English language film, Pedro Almodóvar’s story about a rekindled friendship that is put to the test is striking in its eloquence and its immediacy. Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore are perfection as the friends; their chemistry palpable.
Sing Sing
Colman Domingo gives a shattering performance in this poignant and inspiring true story that shines a spotlight on the titular prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. The former inmates who costar leave an indelible impression.
Sometimes I Think About Dying
Achingly haunting portrait about loneliness wherein a young woman (a raw, poignant Daisy Ridley) connects with a male coworker, but can’t seem to get out of her own way when attempting to pursue a relationship with him.
The Substance
Women aging and society's attitudes towards it come into sharp focus in Coralie Fargeat's intelligent, darkly funny, bloody brilliant horror satire that features a transcendent performance from Demi Moore.
Thelma
God bless Josh Margolin for finally making June Squibb not only a leading lady but also a kick ass action star. This caper about a grandmother going after those who scammed her is an hilarious, thrilling charmer that shouldn’t go under the radar.
Wicked
Jon M. Chu defied expectations with this adaptation of the iconic Stephen Schwartz musical. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande make quite the dynamic duo with a dazzling assist from Jonathan Bailey.
The Wild Robot
Animated robot tales had a very good year. This heartfelt adventure about a robot (a rich vocal performance by Lupita Nyong’o) who becomes a surrogate parent to a baby goose will warm even the iciest heart.
Best of the Rest
Abigail; The Beast; Beetlejuice Beetlejuice; Between the Temples; Civil War; Evil Does Not Exist; The Idea of You; Immaculate; Inside Out 2; Kneecap; Last Summer; Late Night With the Devil; Lisa Frankenstein; Longlegs; Monkey Man; My Old Ass; Oddity; Problemista; A Quiet Place: Day One; Small Things Like These; Trap; and Twisters.
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