The Best of Film in 2024
A somewhat definite ranking.
*photo courtesy of Pinterest*
2024 has been one of the least exciting year for film, in my humble opinion! But this year was one that had large shoes to fill on the back of 2023’s Oppenheimer and Barbie. From the blockbusters and indie favs of this year, only a few stand out to me. Many films from this past year were hyped to be revolutionary, but ended up being a fizzle. But, many films of this year were heavy handed on metaphors, and for a literature lover, I ate this up!
My criteria for ranking and reviewing films rests on a few factors such as the acting, writing, pacing, cinematography, and score. If these markers are executed triumphantly, they are bound to leave my soul stirring and reflecting (as all good art should). Additionally, if I find myself still thinking about a film or stories in the days following a viewing of a film, that usually means something for me!
I present you the best films of 2024, a somewhat definite ranking.
EMILIA PEREZ
I am just as surprised as you that I place this on my top list. One of the more hyped films of the year as it was a festival darling for many critics, it failed to provide the same awe for many at home viewers. On first viewing, I get how this story and delivery falls flat. Emilia Perez has the makings of a unique and original story, with a strong pacing, and a lot of heart. I found myself thinking of these characters a few days later and pondering on the interesting take of making this story a musical. A rather thrilling, and more gritty version of La La Land, it may reach few, but most likely not settle with the masses.
I SAW THE TV GLOW
I Saw The TV Glow is one of 2024’s most haunting films to arrive on the scene. While I hear the criticism of its ending, I think it works beautifully and provides universal relatability. The pacing can be slow at times, but it allows us as the viewer to feel the discomfort and almost claustrophobia, which are both metaphors of the film. And this story is simply just one large metaphor that was both creative and striking. One of the main themes of this story is the theme of belonging, identity, and community. A theme that is never not on trend.
CIVIL WAR
For many, Civil War was *too on the nose*, but how could it not be? Further, I found it to be more complex, and peeled back the layers to political divides, the psychological effect of media trauma, and where our allegiance lies. While the script may be wonky for some, it is an honest look at the dangers of an “us vs. them” mentality, and leaves us asking, “how can I be a vessel of peace to all?”
CHALLENGERS
Challengers was just fun. The score, the story, the metaphors. Rich!
THE SUBSTANCE
Another fabulous and raw metaphor was The Substance (!!!). Its hard being a woman, but its even more hard being a woman when we are told to hate being said woman. We internalize so much as women, from our appearance, to our weight, to even how we are perceived in the world. The Substance so smartly holds the mirror up to us as women, and as a society, and forces us to gaze back. To observe our hidden self-hatred for ourselves, at the hands of not ourselves, but society. This story only works in the genre of body-horror, making us equally uncomfortable and queasy! But, as Flannery O’Connor famously noted, “the truth does not change according to one’s ability to stomach it.”
DUNCE: PART TWO
Dune: Part Two was a satisfying epic to see in cinemas. Fast paced, beautiful cinematography, strong acting, and a stirring score all worked to keep me on the edge of my seat the full 2.5 hours without a bathroom break. The story itself is one that is of biblical warnings and proportions that will lead us into a wild part three, as the Dune books go. I wrote a lengthy review here discussing more of the themes of Dune and its relevance to religion, control, and power.
CONCLAVE
“His doubt wasn’t in God, but in the church…” the audible gasp I let out when this line was delivered in Conclave even my husband told me to “sh!”, anyways. Conclave was another slow burn of the year revolving around politics in the church, and the external political that influence religious systems. Growing up in the church there were moments in the film that were not surprising, regarding the way church leaders conduct themselves when no one is looking. Timely and riveting, I thoroughly enjoyed this film from the story, pacing, and acting. I am pulling for this one to win all the awards this award season.
SING SING
This is the most Christian film I know of. A (based on a true) story of redemption, forgiveness, love and reconciliation is the heart of the gospel, and the heart of God! I truly wish A24 pushed this film more, as it is such an important story with beautiful acting and shots. Further, it is a beautiful reminder of how important the arts are as whole. Simply lovely. Read my full Sing Sing review here.
Honorable Mentions
Nosferatu, Wicked, We Live in Time, Longlegs, and Trap.
To all who have subscribed, liked, commented, and shared my substack this year, TAHNK YOUUU <3. This outlet has been so good for me and I am honored that you would be so interested in reading my thoughts on film and other pop culture things.