The year of 2024 was a strange one for cinematic excellence. I was fortunate enough to view over 90 new release films throughout the year, with a few exceptions arriving in January. But for now, these are some of the very best achievements in cinema for the year. In this current moment with our society consumed by utter tribalism, it feels important to share what made me laugh, cry, and excite me in this ever changing medium.
The following is in no particular order.
RED ROOMS
This hidden gem of 2024 is nothing short of evil. RED ROOMS is a tale of obsession and the effects of sensationalism when it comes to the world’s worst people. With a very limited run in theaters before being plopped onto the void of streaming content, this one deserves more love. I haven’t quite been able to shake some of the imagery of this sadistic film, and I advise you to not read too much into this film before seeing it. If you have the slightest bit of interest in the true crime genre, this one shouldn’t be overlooked.
ANORA
If the Martians had a death beam pointed at the Earth and the only solution was to name my de facto favorite film of the year, it’s probably Sean Baker’s ANORA. My expanded thoughts on this film can be seen here, but I think it’s safe to say after a third viewing this will be looked upon as one of the great success stories in American cinematic history. Baker is in a league of his own when it comes to independent filmmaking. His ability to maintain a household name in the midst of film communities along with his commercial success is fascinating.
THE BRUTALIST
THE BRUTALIST is the third film from actor turned filmmaker Brady Corbet that I got to see at the past Toronto International Film Festival. When members of the press had already formed a line BEFORE the actual line I knew this one was going to be the buzziest title of the festival. The film follows an architect escaping the Nazi regime that finds himself developing a relationship with a wealthy family in the United States. This behemoth of a film clocking in at 3 hours and 35 minutes with a 15 minute intermission is nothing short of monumental. The film will begin expanding its run in theaters over the coming weeks.
CHALLENGERS
I loved this film so much that I had to see it five times in the theater. CHALLENGERS is a hit of psychosexual ecstasy. The most impressive aspect of “Challengers” is not the script nor the pumping score. It’s the achievement of director Luca Guadagnino of creating the most erotic moments in the film from something far from conventionally sexual. Whether it’s our final match at New Rochelle or Faist and O’Connor sharing the ends of a churro in intimate homoerotic close-ups, for a film with no grand orgasmic release, these moments feel X-rated. The glistening bodies of the directors’ young talent, close-ups, POVs and more add up to a burst of built-up gasps by the final shot. My full review can be found here.
Honorable Mentions —
Dune: Part Two
Queer
I Saw the TV Glow
A Complete Unknown
Emilia Perez
Hit Man
Good One
Lisa Frankenstein
Wishing everybody a healthy, happy holidays! I’m gonna go start my reread of The Odyssey.
