Top 10 films 2024

Another year done, another list to write. 2024 brought with it some fantastic films, so here’s a list of my favourite releases this year:

10. Wallace & Gromit: Vengance Most Foul

Sorry Longlegs, you’ve been pipped at the post by a plasticine penguin. It’s hard not to have fun watching Wallace and Gromit and this entry is no exception. These characters are handled with so much love and care that after all these years, it doesn’t feel forced or a cash grab. The stop motion animation really highlights the craft and attention put into this art form, with so many brilliant visual gags popping up here, the car scene had me howling with laughter. The return of the greatest villain of all time, Feathers McGraw caps off an outstanding film. I love my pals Wallace and Gromit and want to see them keep having adventures!

9. I Saw the TV Glow

This film initially flew under my radar, but after some rave reviews, I decided to check it out. I can see why this didn’t resonate with some, but I thought it was brilliant. This is such a unique film telling a truly powerful story. This is a coming of age film with a twist. It carries the same heavy nostalgia for a time of learning and simplicity, but explores what if you don’t take the leap, truly become yourself. As an allegory for the trans experience I found it so powerful. The film highlights the power cinema has to tell stories and make them relateablenfor all. I understood the motive and feelings of the creator through her brilliant direction. I think this is an amazing film and one everyone should watch.

8. Kneecap

To the surprise of absolutely no one that knows me, Kneecap has made the list. I don’t think I’ve stopped talking about this film since it came out and for good reason! This is a brilliant piece of filmmaking that exceeded all expectations. With brilliant performances from all, including the band as themselves, and energetic visuals, the film perfectly encapsulates everything great about Kneecap and Belfast. What’s more, the Irish language sub story elevates this than just your average biopic. All that’s left is for the boys to bring back the Oscar. Teacht ar na buachaillí!

7. La Chimera

I was not aware of this film until a friend recommended we go see it. I am very grateful they did because it was brilliant! A fantastic use of visual strorytelling, a brilliant Josh O’Connor, crumpled and defeated, chasing his past looking for hole where there is only loss. He is quite literally holding on by a thread. A visually stunning representation of grief made all the more beautiful by its Italian countryside setting. A creation that makes you think “movies rock.”

6. The Zone of Interest

Maybe one of the most uniquely uncomfortable viewing experiences put to film. This film says so much with what it doesn’t show. A topic like the Holocaust is so horrifying that any form of cinematic expression runs the risk of being exploitative. This film never strays in to that territory. The mundane reality of every day life for the family with one of humanity’s worst crimes occurring mere meters away makes for a harrowing story. Those final few scenes really hammer home the depravity of humanity.

5. All of Us Strangers

This film left me an absolute emotional wreck in the cinema. Waves of sadness constantly hit you and the lull of happiness only brings with it a bigger wave and more crushing scene immediately after. I think I cried from the 45 minute mark through to the end. The desire for a life you feel you missed out on, those what if moments, are gut wrenchingly portrayed here. The dialogue hits you with some of the saddest lines penned to the big screen. All round devastating stuff, would recommend!

4. Challengers

Enough sadness, let’s got on to moody eroticism, everyone’s favourite genre! This film made me care about tennis, which is no easy feat! Luca Guadaginos approach to human relations, particularly romantic ones makes for fascinating viewing and he always nails the vibe perfectly. Every relationship in this film is tantilising, Art and Patrick’s homoeroticism, Tashi and Mike’s doomed marriage of convenience and Tashi and Patrick’s passion (and mild hatred) make for compelling viewing. When set to Reznor and Ross’ brilliant score, you get the best sports movie ever made.

3. Dune: Part Two

We’ve reached the real heavy hitters now. In any other year, these next three films would likely walk this list and be crowned the best film of the year. Dune part two is unlucky to miss out because this might have been the best cinema experience of my life. This is up there with Empire Strikes back in terms of sci-fi quality. The word epic is overused these days, but this fun is truly epic in scale. Denis Villeneuve is one of the best directors for creating stunning looking films and this follows suit with his other offerings. The black and white sequence was one of the best sequences I have seen in a cinema ever, I could not believe how engaging each shot was. This is a fantastic build upon the first film with an engaging story, brilliant performances and stunning visuals. An epic in every sense of the word!

2. The Substance

Either one of your favourite or least favourite films of the year depending on your levels of squeamishness. I did not think special effects could go that far but they really pushed the boat out. This is by far the most disgusting film I have ever seen, with multiple scenes making me cringe in my seat and cover my eyes. It is also one of the most fun films to watch for that very measure. This is a satirical film about beauty standards that commits to the bit hard. It constantly pushes things culminating in a final act that I don’t think I could have predicted before seeing given 100 attempts. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley work brilliantly as two sides of the same coin and Dennis Quad gives one of the most disgustingly brilliant performances I’ve seen. The visuals add to the ridiculousness, with abstract angles and lenses warping the viewing experience. The colour pallete of this film is amazing and contrasts the harsh, efficient blandness of the substance, mirroring the lives of the 2 main characters perfectly. This is easily some of the best body horror I have ever seen but it was also surprisingly hilarious. What a way to cap a fantastic year for horror.

1. Poor Things

I don’t care if this technically released in 2023, it released in UK cinemas in 2024 so I’m taking it. I can’t think of a better match than the Poor Things source material and Yorgos Lanthimos’ writing style. The two fit together so seemlessy, it really brings the energy of the book to the screen so effectively. I’ve been a fan of Yorgos’ work for a while now but I think this is his best work yet. Everything works to the absolute fullest, it’s such a magical film. Emma Stone’s deadpan delivery and commitment to the ridiculousness perfectly encapsulates Bella Baxter. Mark Ruffalo is brilliantly silly, seemingly having the time of his life, and Willem Defoe and Ramy Youssef form a fantastic double act. Everyone is in top form and suit their character to a tee. The set design feels like it has been taken straight from the book, this marvellous worlds enhance the learning experience that Bella is on. This film is absolutely hilarious, the deadpan humour works so well here as well as the absolute absurdity the source material offers up. Truly a unique tale where all aspects of the film making process are working at their absolute best. A worthy best film of this year!