Looking back on 2024’s cinematic releases, it’s clear that the year has brought us truly unforgettable films; from groundbreaking horror to genre bending comedy, this year has been one of rapid innovation in the film industry. Here we take a look at what I believe to be the best films of the year in five genres: horror, thriller, romance, drama, and comedy.
Horror: The Substance
Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore film, The Substance, is the enrapturing story of a fading celebrity who, in an effort to regain her past fame, takes a black-market drug that creates a younger version of herself. An instant cult classic among horror fans and critics alike, The Substance has been praised for its feminist themes and modern take on body horror. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s performances as Elisabeth Sparkle and Sue, respectively, have also been highly regarded.
Thriller: Civil War
The dystopian thriller Civil War follows a team of journalists as they travel around America documenting the civil war that ensued after Texas and California’s secession. Alex Garland’s directorial choices, especially his use of hand-held cameras to film footage, help truly immerse the audience into the film. The film has also been praised for its depiction of warfare and its sharply relevant themes that are extremely pertinent in our current political climate.
Romance: Anora
Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winning Anora stars Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, a young Russian entertainer living in Brighton Beach. The story follows Ani’s whirlwind romance with Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch, and their struggles with each other and Vanya’s overbearing parents. While Baker’s writing and direction have been praised, the real star of the show is Mikey Madison’s dazzling performance.
Drama: His Three Daughters
Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen star as three estranged sisters in Azazel Jacobs’ His Three Daughters. As their father reaches the end of his life, his daughters Rachel (Lyonne), Katie (Coon), and Christina (Olsen) come together to celebrate his life and make arrangements for his funeral. The lead actresses’ performances have been universally acclaimed, as well as Jacobs’ portrayal of complex family relationships.
Comedy: My Old Ass
My Old Ass is a science fiction comedy that tells the story of Elliot, a young woman who takes hallucinogenic mushrooms and subsequently meets a 39 year-old version of herself. A hilariously poignant movie about the unpredictability of youth, director Megan Park blends comedy with deeply emotional messaging to create a film that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
