Best of 2024: Anthony Nash’s Top 10 Movies

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2024 has drawn to a close, marking the start of a new tradition for all – compiling lists of our favorite experiences from the previous year. In the realm of cinematography, there was an abundance of extraordinary films to choose from. So, let’s delve into the highlights of what made 2024’s movies stand out.

Before reaching the Top 10 for 2024, there are some noteworthy titles that didn’t make the cut but still deserve recognition as exceptional works of the year. Sean Wang’s Didi offers a compelling portrayal of growing up insecure during the 2000s, George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga beautifully rekindles the essence of Fury Road a decade later, Richard Linklater’s Hit Man is an overlooked action comedy gem, Chris Sanders’ The Wild Robot could well be one of the finest animated films of this generation, and Rich Peppiatt’s Kneecap is likely the standout musical biopic of 2024.

It’s important to mention that, even though this is a “Best of 2024” list, I haven’t been able to watch some highly anticipated films like Brady Corbet’s drama, The Brutalist, and RaMell Ross’ critically praised Nickel Boys, as they have not been widely released yet.

With all that out of the way, here’s my top 10 movie list for 2024.

10. The Beast

Initially, I wasn’t entirely certain about my feelings towards “The Beast”. Bertrand Bonello’s science fiction romance seems a bit fragmented at times, and many viewers have noted that it bears a resemblance to David Lynch’s style, both favorable and unfavorable. However, as the year progressed, I found myself drawn to it more and more. The film’s central theme of loneliness and the quest for love in a world that appears increasingly cold resonates with everyone. Both Léa Seydoux and George MacKay deliver remarkable performances, but it is George MacKay who truly shines in his versatile roles.

9. Challengers

Luca Guadagnino is undeniably one of the top-tier directors currently active, and his latest film, “Challengers,” showcases this talent perfectly. Following his 2023 release, “Bones and All,” a gripping, romantic horror about cannibalism, Guadagnino shifted gears to the realm of tennis for a captivating, dramatic romance. The movie is an absolute joy to watch, boasting outstanding performances from Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist, visually stunning and intriguing sports sequences, and an unforgettable soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

8. I Saw the TV Glow

I found Jane Schoenbrun’s first full-length film, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, quite captivating, although I wasn’t prepared for I Saw the TV Glow to have such a lasting impact on me. The movie, while essentially an allegory for the transgender experience and the terror of self-disclosure, brilliantly encapsulates what it feels like to live a life you never imagined, with all the heartrending consequences that come with it. The final scene of the movie stands out as one of the best endings I’ve seen this year, and Justice Smith deserves far more recognition for his performance than he received.

7. The Substance

Before I watched “The Substance”, I had heard a lot of buzz and acclaim about it, which made me think that it wouldn’t be able to meet such high expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Although Coralie Fargeat’s body horror could sometimes be overly obvious with its satire, and the film does have a few plot inconsistencies, it still ranks as one of the best movies of the year in my opinion. Demi Moore delivers an exceptional performance in this film, which thoughtfully examines the issues of ageism and the commercialization of female bodies, using some of the most intense body horror scenes from recent decades to do so.

6. Longlegs

2024’s Longlegs may have been a contentious film for many, yet I found it to be one of the year’s best. Prior to its premiere, the movie boasted exceptional marketing, setting high expectations as Neon hyped Osgood Perkins’ latest work as an unprecedented horror masterpiece featuring Nicolas Cage portraying a psychopathic serial killer. However, contrary to these expectations, the film leans more towards police procedural, drawing more inspiration from movies like Se7en than The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Nevertheless, I found this approach captivating and still managed to deliver genuinely terrifying moments through Cage’s portrayal of Longlegs. With its chilling atmosphere, mysterious undertones, stunning cinematography, thoughtful storytelling, and a vision that felt remarkably uncompromised, Longlegs stands out as a rare gem in today’s film industry. Some viewers may find the third act off-putting, but for me, it all came together brilliantly.

5. Sing Sing

Entering the prison known as Sing Sing, I was unfamiliar with its background beyond knowing that Colman Domingo was among its cast members. However, when the film concluded and it was disclosed that a large portion of the movie featured real-life ex-inmates who were graduates of the theater program at the prison, I was utterly astounded. Every actor delivers top-notch performances, and while Domingo’s portrayal is truly remarkable, it’s Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin’s performance that takes the movie to another level for me. Occasionally, Sing Sing can appear rather ordinary, but its exploration of the formation (and dismantling) of relationships among individuals and allowing one’s true identity to emerge makes it one of the most impactful films of the year.

4. Anora

Sean Baker is swiftly gaining recognition as one of Hollywood’s top directors, and his latest film, “Anora“, might just be his finest work to date. This movie isn’t only heartwarming and sincere, but it also manages to be genuinely humorous at times. The film’s exploration of the complexities of the sex work industry and the hazy boundary between sex and emotion is seldom seen in such a large-scale production. Mikey Madison delivers one of the year’s best performances in this movie, and the climactic scene, particularly, is one of the most impactful scenes in any 2024 film, powerfully encapsulating all the movie’s themes at once.

3. The Taste of Things

The Delight of Food was initially screened in France during 2023, yet it wasn’t widely shown in U.S. cinemas until early 2024. Given this timing, it fits well within our scope, and I strongly recommend it for all film enthusiasts. Director Tran Anh Hung masterfully blends historical romance with the theme of food in this production, creating a visually stunning and profoundly romantic piece. The cinematography (and culinary delights) are truly captivating, making it one of the most romantically subtle films I’ve ever encountered. At times, the pace may seem leisurely, but just like the food in the film, this slowness only adds to its charm.

2. Nosferatu

Among today’s directors, I firmly believe that none excel in the realm of horror quite like Robert Eggers. The prospect of him remaking the classic Nosferatu seemed almost too serendipitous to be factual years ago, and now, his adaptation of this timeless horror masterpiece has become a reality. Eggers’ meticulousness and commitment to crafting immersive film worlds are once more evident in the exceptional set design and overall aesthetic of the movie.

Lily-Rose Depp delivers an exceptional act that left me astonished, and I must admit it took me by surprise. Similarly, Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok is one of the most remarkable transformations I’ve witnessed on screen. The film’s approach to reimagining the story through a modern female perspective trapped in a more restrictive society was effective and provided a unique twist that distinguishes it from a straightforward remake of the original, offering something fresh and engaging.

1. Dune: Part Two

Frequently, words like “stunning” and “awe-inspiring” are used casually for many projects, but this one merits these descriptions and more. It’s not just among the top sci-fi films ever created; it’s also one of the finest sequels in cinematic history. Dune: Part Two showcases Denis Villeneuve’s deep affection and respect for the Dune source material, and splitting “Dune” into a two-part film appears to have been an astute decision. The movie allows every aspect to unfold naturally, and the scenes flow seamlessly from one to another as if they were perfectly designed for each other.

In this film by Villeneuve, the vastness of Arrakis is beautifully portrayed, and it boasts some truly breathtaking scenes, particularly the journey to Giedi Prime which stands out among many memorable moments. Each acting performance is exceptional, but Timothee Chalamet’s evolution from the Paul Atreides of the initial movie to the Lisan al Gaib is particularly impressive. With Dune: Messiah in development, this could potentially become one of the most remarkable film trilogies ever created.

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2025-01-09 01:40