The year of 2024 for cinematic excellence was strange. 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.
Film Review: ‘Anora’ refuses to like you, but you’ll like her
The first half of ‘Anora’ is some of the most fun you’ll ever have. Our charming yet childish co-lead Russian is Ivan—who also goes by Vanya—oozes Gen-z status by taking hits of his THC vape pen and playing Xbox all day. It’s not until an average night in the life of Ivan in which he meets Ani—who’s birth name is Anora but refuses to acknowledge this as her’s—at Headquarters because she’s the only Russian speaking dancer in the club. This interaction turns a simple VIP lap dance into a relationship that would make ‘Pretty Woman’ seem childish.
