Best of 2024: Tyler Treese’s Top 10 Movies

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2024 offered a blend of exceptional and ordinary cinema experiences. While numerous films were commendable, only a few stood out as absolute cinematic masterpieces. Nevertheless, it was an exciting and entertaining year, with every month delivering noteworthy releases that kept me hooked to the big screen week after week, and the top films of the year were truly extraordinary.

Prior to delving into my list, let’s address a few points. Some critically acclaimed films have not had widespread releases, so I missed out on seeing contenders like Sing Sing, The Brutalist, and Nickel Boys. I hope to catch up soon. Additionally, there were numerous other outstanding films this year that didn’t make it onto my top 10 list, such as the thrilling Challengers, the tense Civil War, Clint Eastwood’s reflective Juror No. 2, the entertaining Conclave, the action-packed Mad Max: Fury Road, and the moving documentary The Extraordinary Life of Ibelin, which moved me to tears.

10. Love Lies Bleeding

2021’s standout erotic thriller by A24 is none other than Love Lies Bleeding, which has left quite an impression. Rose Glass’ subsequent work to Saint Maud showcases a captivating performance by Katy O’Brian and skillfully combines body horror and pulp elements. The acting across the board was top-notch; Kristen Stewart shone in her leading role, Dave Franco brought a delightful level of trashiness, and Ed Harris delivered an exceptional supporting performance, even with his unconventional hairstyle. All in all, it was a thrilling cinema experience that kept me hooked from start to finish, and I particularly enjoyed the imaginative finale.

9. A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg demonstrates his versatility by excelling not only as an actor but also as a writer and director, with his latest work, “A Real Pain,” being particularly impressive. His film tackles heavy themes related to the Holocaust, but manages to balance humor and introspection effectively. While Kieran Culkin’s performance has rightfully received accolades, it’s important to acknowledge Eisenberg’s role as a key player in this production, offering a more grounded yet equally essential portrayal. Both men deliver outstanding performances in what is undoubtedly one of the most authentic and top-tier films of the year.

8. Ghostlight

Upon attending Ghostlight, I assumed it would be a chilling horror film based on its title. However, I ended up exiting the theater in tears after witnessing an exceptional father-daughter drama that showcases the beauty of art, the awkwardness we harbor, the devastating impact of loss, and the intricacies of our bonds with loved ones. The movie is powered by outstanding performances from Keith and Katherine Kupferer, a real-life father-daughter pair, as well as Dolly de Leon’s exceptional supporting act. It’s one of the most delightful cinematic surprises of this year.

7. Touch

One delightful discovery from this year was Baltasar Kormákur’s Touch, a heartwarming love story unfolding over five decades in London and Japan. The narrative weaves seamlessly between past and present, with Palmi Kormákur and Egill Ólafsson delivering captivating performances as the protagonist Kristófer. Similarly, Kōki and Yoko Narahashi impressively portray Miko, our lovestruck heroine. This tale of rekindled love is a must-see for all film enthusiasts.

6. Anora

In the end, I was the sole audience member who stayed till the finish of “Anora” in my theater. Two elderly ladies exited at different explicit scenes (perhaps they hadn’t anticipated such content from a film about a prostitute), but one truth remains: Mikey Madison shines brightly as a star. Her electrifying performance, filled with an irresistible attitude during intense moments, and her ability to pour a storm of emotions into the movie’s climax are truly captivating. Sean Baker’s new film is also among this year’s funniest, as the squabbling henchmen (with Yura Borisov delivering a memorable performance) had me chuckling throughout the second half.

5. The Wild Robot

Occasionally, DreamWorks Animation delivers a home run, and The Wild Robot was no exception. It combined exceptional visual aesthetics with outstanding animation that left me emotional from start to finish. Who would have thought a bond between a robot and a baby goose could tug at the heartstrings? Director Chris Sanders demonstrated his knack for greatness once more by creating another masterpiece, this time showcasing remarkable voice acting talents like Lupito Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this delightful and heartwarming adventure.

4. Dune: Part Two

Among this year’s releases, Dune: Part Two stands out as the most spectacular showcase. Consistently awe-inspiring, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune never fails to impress with its remarkable sequences and thrilling action. A particular scene solidified Timothée Chalamet’s reputation as a versatile leading actor, demonstrating an intensity in his performance that I hadn’t previously recognized. Furthermore, Austin Butler brings an unsettling charm to the film. All in all, it’s a must-see sci-fi masterpiece and the superior blockbuster of 2023.

3. Kneecap

2024 certainly didn’t see an Irish rap group biopic on my list of favorites, but Kneecap was a thrilling surprise and a delightful ride. The music blew me away, the examination of language was profound, and Michael Fassbender added to the intrigue. I never expected that the real musicians would be in the movie, but they were phenomenal, owning every scene with their powerful presence. It’s a remarkable film – full of energy, fun, and charm – that you can’t help but fall for.

2. Dìdi

Didi, directed by Sean Wang, is a deeply personal yet universally relatable film. Although viewers from Sean’s generation might find it especially resonant due to references like AOL Instant Messenger and shock sites, this coming-of-age story strikes a chord with everyone. Joan Chen and Izaac Wang deliver a moving portrayal of a strong mother-son bond, even if the protagonist’s youthful blunders can be exasperating. However, witnessing his eventual growth makes it all worthwhile, offering a compelling depiction of both the positive and challenging aspects of childhood.

1. The Substance

In a fresh take, here’s how we could rephrase the given text:

“Coralie Fargeat’s ‘The Substance’ exudes an impressive style. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley deliver standout performances, while the climax offers an intense display of body horror that echoes the final scene in the game ‘Inside.’ Accompanied by fantastic music, Dennis Quaid’s peculiar shrimp-eating scene, and countless moments etched into memory, this film kept me enthralled from start to finish, leaving me amazed at its audacious direction. Simply put, ‘The Substance’ reigns supreme as the top movie of 2024.

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2025-01-10 01:40