Top Ten Films of 2024
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s epic sequel surpasses the impossible, delivering a stunning, operatic spectacle that cements Dune as a sci-fi masterpiece for the ages. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul grows into his destiny amidst breathtaking battles and emotional stakes, while Zendaya’s Chani finally takes the spotlight. With Hans Zimmer’s thunderous score and visuals that redefine cinematic scale, this is a triumphant, transcendent conclusion to the first part of this saga. Legendary all round.
Nicolas Cage is chillingly mesmerising as a spider-like serial killer in this psychological horror that crawls under your skin and stays there. Longlegs combines neo-noir grit with gothic unease, creating an atmosphere thick with dread. The film’s unnerving visual style and haunting score make it a standout genre entry, and Cage is a terrifying force of nature. Osgood Perkins adds to his ‘hail Satan’ cinematic universe with a creepy, stylish, and unforgettable FBI-em-up.
The Fall Guy
Ryan Gosling’s charm and Emily Blunt’s wit carry this high-octane, meta-action-comedy to exhilarating heights. A love letter to Hollywood stunt performers, The Fall Guy delivers jaw-dropping set pieces and hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos. Directed with flair by David Leitch, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled romp with heart and humour to spare. I used to love the TV show starring Lee Majors (who gets a great cameo) – this tickled my pure popcorn pleasure centre!
Kneecap
Equal parts riotous comedy and stirring political commentary, Kneecap is a wild ride through Belfast’s punk scene. This explosive debut from director Rich Peppiatt showcases the irreverent humour and sharp wit of its titular band, blending anarchic energy with heartfelt moments of community and resilience. Featuring a killer soundtrack and a deeply human story, Michael Fassbender brings some effortless class too.
Oddity
I loved Damian Mc Carthy’s Oddity. It’s a masterclass in claustrophobic terror, telling the story of a blind sister’s desperate quest for vengeance against unimaginable odds. Taut with suspense and driven by a fun narrative of cursed-object-em-up horror, the film dives deep into themes of trauma and resilience. Mc Carthy’s expert use of sound and shadow amplifies the terror, making every scene pulse with dread. A chilling and innovative piece of horror cinema that’s impossible to shake.
Strange Darling
Another freaky and nasty tale, part love story, part cat-and-mouse thriller, Strange Darling flips genre conventions on their head and never lets you breathe easy. Featuring electrifying leads in Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, the film simmers with tension, unpredictability, and raw emotional intensity. Director JT Mollner crafts a rollercoaster of romance and revenge that leaves you exhilarated and unnerved. A twisted, triumphant gem.
La Chimera
Alice Rohrwacher’s magical ode to antiquity and existential longing, La Chimera is a dreamlike odyssey of love and loss. Starring Josh O’Connor as a looter of ancient artefacts, the film is a visual poem, weaving together mythology, longing, and the ghosts of the past. Ethereal, poignant, and achingly human, it’s a rare cinematic treasure that feels both timeless and urgent.
The Substance
Body horror meets biting societal critique in this grotesque and gripping tale of humanity’s craving for eternal youth. Demi Moore is magnetic in her career comeback, oozing charisma even as the horrors unfold. Director Coralie Fargeat blends nightmarish visuals with sharp commentary on ageing and vanity. The film burrows under your skin and lingers long after the credits roll. Deliciously disturbing!
Love Lies Bleeding
A darkly alluring descent into obsession and sacrifice, Love Lies Bleeding is a hypnotic psychosexual thriller that will haunt your thoughts. Starring Kristen Stewart in a career-defining performance, the film explores themes of ambition, self-destruction, and twisted love with visceral intensity. The cinematography pulsates with unease, and the final act delivers an unforgettable, blood-soaked gut punch and there's Ed Harris sporting a killer mullet too. Beautifully brutal – be gay, do crime!!
Wicked
The green-tinged, gravity-defying blockbuster delivers everything fans of the stage show hoped for and more. And I AM a fan of the stage show having seen it in New York when it first opened and then waited patiently for it to come to the UK. With jaw-dropping visuals and powerhouse performances, this reimagined tale of Elphaba and Glinda blends humour, heart, and stunning spectacle. The soaring renditions of “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” are guaranteed to leave goosebumps. Director Jon M. Chu casts a spellbinding cinematic charm, making Wicked not just a prequel but a standalone triumph. Spellbinding stuff…
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Full disclosure I haven't seen ANORA which I have a strong feeling might have made it into my top ten!?
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