Top Cinematic Gems of 2024: 'Conclave', 'Harsh Architecture', 'Holy ICON' and Others
Top Cinematic Gems of 2024: 'Conclave', 'Harsh Architecture', 'Holy ICON' and Others
Ignore the naysayers, every year there's a group of people shouting that movies are finished or fading, and in every one of those years, I have a whale of a time compiling a Top 10 list for the year. Even though there weren't any major trends that captured the national spirit like the Barbenheimer phenomenon in 2023, the amazing films of 2024 still packed quite a cinematic punch.
This was the year of the independent filmmaker. It seemed like writing a fantastic script and selling it to Hollywood is an outdated practice. In the modern filmmaking world, if you come up with a brilliant concept and write a compelling script, you spend months, even years, searching for funding and production. Half of the ten films on this list were penned by their respective directors.
It's always intriguing to spot recurring themes among my selections. 2024 saw another wave of narratives about self-discovery and figuring out one's identity within their world. Given the intense political debate about identity (particularly gender identity) this election year, it's not surprising that many of the films on this list tackle questions such as: Who am I? What's my purpose? Do I matter?
That brings us to my final film of 2024 ...
Notable Mentions: The coming-of-age film Didi by writer-director Sean Wang barely made it into my top 10 list. Joan Chen delivered my preferred supporting acting performance of 2024, portraying the disenchanted mother of the protagonist. (Didi is now available to stream on Peacock.) The Belgian crime film Maldoror, directed by an unknown talent, clocks in at 155 minutes and borders on the brilliance of films like Zodiac and Memories of Murder. It's undoubtedly the best "obsessed investigator" film to come out in years.
Bizarre Occurrence is a delightful throwback to the classic "soundstage horror" films from Hammer and Amicus. Its opening sequence is the best I've seen all year. (Bizarre Occurrence is currently streaming on AMC+ and Shudder.) Jeremy Saulnier, a skilled director of smart action films, added another accolade to his portfolio with Rebel Ridge. He excels at generating tension from the smallest narrative elements, and waiting for wifi to connect has never felt more tense. (Rebel Ridge is available to stream on Netflix.)
The most remarkable debut of the year is Thelma, a compelling film directed by Josh Margolin. June Squibb, a 93-year-old actress, delivers a standout performance as a grandmother who will stop at nothing to catch the internet scammers who stole her money. The film also features Richard Roundtree's final performance, best known for his role in Shaft. (Thelma is now streaming on Hulu.)
Veteran actress Dale Dickey stars in the gritty crime film The G, where her unique set of skills helps her combat her enemies in a nursing home scam. This film flew under everyone's radar in 2024. Flipside, a documentary directed by Christopher Wilcha, examines a failing record store and serves as a reflection on Wilcha's unfinished film projects throughout his career. It's an intriguing exploration of midlife and the roads not taken.
- In the Brutalist architecture of the Sacred Fig, a woman seeks solace and meaning, her journey mirroring the film's exploration of identity.
- Among the independent films of 2024, a Nosferatu-inspired tale by director Bertrand Bonello stands out, combining three timelines and chilling suspense.
- The Woman of the Hour in Anora's Odyssey, Mikey Madison delivers a powerful performance in Sean Baker's Palme d'Or-winning film, addressing themes of sex work and self-worth.
- In the critique of Hollywood's outdated practices, a film like Dune: Part 2 emerges, showcasing independent filmmaking at its finest, led by a standout performance from Timothee Chalamet.
- Venturing into the world of independent horror, Red Rooms Infested captivates viewers with its chilling narrative and a star-making performance by Juliette Gariepy, blending mystery and dread.