My Year in Film (2024)

Welcome to my tenth annual movies-of-the-year list. We did it! A decade of film recommendations and a significant portion of my overall movie watching can be found right here on this blog. I apologize for the delayed release this year. I've had a lot of stuff going on recently, but I'm pleased I was able to get this completed. Like previous installments, I will list every film I watched that came out in the calendar year 2024. I watched 85 and will rank them from worst to best. At the end I will include a watch-list of films I have yet to see but would like to get to at some point.

Putrid:

85) Emilia Perez (2.5/10) - Critic Simon Miraudo sums up my feelings perfectly: "There are a lot of bad faith takes out there for Emilia Perez, many I don't agree with, so please know I have zero malice in my heart and do not gain any benefit by saying this truly stinks."

84) Deadpool & Wolverine (2.5/10) - Another soulless Marvel entity that's humor only appeals to frat bros.

83) New Life (2.5/10) - A somewhat intriguing premise ruined by a poor screenplay. The main character lacks the most basic forms of inductive reasoning.

82) Trap (3/10) - Some viewers may find the newest M. Night Shayamalan film to be a fun escape. Unfortunately you can't count me among them.

81) The Book of Clarence (3/10) - A fairly boring endeavor. Director Jeymes Samuel's previous effort, The Harder They Fall, takes what is an all black cast and makes a compelling western. Unfortunately, the Book of Clarence doesn't do anything notable with it's black biblical potential.

Below Average:

80) The Beekeeper (3.5/10) - Such a forgettable action feature that, less than a year after seeing it, I couldn't tell you a thing about it other than that Jason Statham is in it.

79) Carry-On (3.5/10) - While it's fun to see Jason Reitman in a villainous role, the plot is so preposterous it's hard to get invested in the action mayhem.

78) Drive Away Dolls (3.5/10) - Despite some of my favorite all time movies being road trip comedies (Dumb and Dumber, Sideways, About Schmidt), the genre has failed to produce memorable additions in recent years.

77) Moana 2 (4/10) - One of the most disappointing movies of the year. I love the first Moana. The music, the animation, and the story are all in sync. The production of this sequel, with it initially planned as a series, really hurts the final project. Most of the side characters don't have enough time to breathe. The songs, without Lin Manuel-Miranda's touch, are significantly worse.

76) Speak No Evil (4/10) - This is an American version of a film that came out just TWO YEARS prior. This checks every box for what not to do with a remake. It doesn't understand what makes the original so terrifying, changing or removing things that dulls the impact. It also opts for a much safer ending. Just watch the original Danish film, there aren't even that many subtitles to get through!

75) Juror #2 (4.5/10) - I haven't enjoyed Clint Eastwood's recent directing efforts, in large part due to his political stances and how that forms his characters and their behavior. Despite a terrific premise and cast, Eastwood's pessimism and prejudice cloud every scene. The two vocal black jurors do nothing but generalize and show a total lack of empathy. The plot moves forward because one juror just so happens to be a former cop that has no qualms being in contempt of court. The protagonist is evil, the prosecutor is completely inept, and the final events of the film should've just occurred before the very first shot. I have no idea why this was critically praised.

74) Babygirl (4.5/10) - An erotic thriller with only a few captivating moments. A relationship between a CEO and a intern, especially one in which the woman has power, is ripe for social, interpersonal, and political commentary. But this film seems only interested in the interpersonal part of the equation, when it could've been so much more.

73) Mean Girls (4.5/10) - Another remake that feels wholly unnecessary. Making it a musical and bringing it into the current high school landscape doesn't change the fact that the constant recycling of pre-sold franchises is exhausting.

72) Don't Move (5/10) - A woman is injected with a drug that will soon lead to paralysis. A very basic survival movie with committed performances.

71) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (5/10) - I may be in the minority, but I think the first film in this video game based trilogy is pretty easily the best, in large part because it had a heart. While the third installment is an improvement over the second, it still prioritizes action set-pieces to an emotional payoff.

Average:

70) Alien: Romulus (5.25/10) - Despite a solid cast and a talented director, the screenplay for the newest Alien film is a bit of a mess. The human characters don't have a single survival instinct, and the synthetic human is often portrayed as a villain when their actions are perfectly reasonable.

69) Flow (5.25/10) - An animated film that is a metaphor for disaster scenarios and how we come together to help one another in a time of need. I found some of the budget restraints distracting, especially the dog designs. The lack of dialogue led to it feeling a bit tedious. But at times the animation is gorgeous, and the story behind the creation of the film is inspiring.

68) A Quiet Place: Day One (5.25/10) - The third feature in the Quiet Place series feels like a departure from the horror genre altogether. Director Michael Sarnoski (Pig) has a great eye for shot composition and the film looks great. My biggest complaint: In a world where aliens are wreaking havoc and putting every human in danger, crafting a character that has cancer and is coping with her own mortality seems a bit redundant.

67) Gladiator II (5.5/10) - I am one of those film snobs that doesn't think the original Gladiator is a masterpiece. I think it's fun, quotable, and competently made. I feel pretty much the exact same way about the sequel.

66) In a Violent Nature (5.5/10) - A horror movie that is entirely from the perspective of the killer. It's a gore fest that doesn't have anything to say, but is way more artistic and beautifully crafted than the tag-line would suggest.

65) Abigail (5.75/10) - This is better than it has any right to be. A diverse crew takes on a job that involves looking after a mysterious girl named Abigail. The players are mostly unfamiliar with each other, so the drama hinges on who to trust and who may have ulterior motives.

64) The Fall Guy (5.75/10) - You can't go wrong relying on the charm of Ryan Gosling to make your movie watchable. Gosling and actress Emily Blunt showcase great chemistry, and the filmmakers reverence for the stunt community is on full display.

63) Young Woman and the Sea (6/10) - A by-the-numbers sports biopic. While nothing about the production is of particular note, the true story is a testament to the human spirit and the perseverance of women within a misogynistic society.

62) Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (6/10) - While it doesn't come close to matching the quality of the original trilogy, this follow-up to the Caesar saga exemplifies the evolution of motion capture technology.

61) Daddio (6/10) - The film takes place almost entirely inside a taxi cab. The script, despite an abundance of saccharine melodrama, does feature some captivating exchanges. The performances from Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson are terrific.

60) Fly Me to the Moon (6/10) - A fun alternative reality of the Apollo 11 mission. A team is assembled to create a fake moon landing in case the actual mission fails.

Above Average:

59) The Idea of You (6.25/10) - A romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway. Based on the novel of the same name, this movie touches on celebrity based relationships. Dealing with paparazzi and losing privacy for not only yourself but your other family members as well. It also delves into insecurities over age gaps.

58) It's What's Inside (6.25/10) - A very fun premise that is hard to execute. At a party, one of the guests brings a technology that allows the guests to swap bodies. Director Greg Jardin tries his best to avoid confusion, including using alternative colors to indicate the person within, but after a second and third swap takes place, it's hard to keep track of who is in who's body.

57) Wicked (6.25/10) - I had never seen the play prior to watching the feature film, but I enjoyed the experience and a lot of the music. I found some of the staging to be a bit chaotic and the sound mixing seemed to be off. The director even tweeted out that he noticed the movie was too quiet in most theaters that he attended.

56) Kung Fu Panda 4 (6.5/10) - Easily the worst film of the four. I wish these studios would know when it's time to quit. The first three Kung Fu Pandas are genuinely excellent. Disney/Pixar made the same mistake with the Toy Story series. Having a fun but largely forgettable inclusion hurts the overall legacy of the franchise.

55) Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (6.5/10) - While this is nowhere near as good as Fury Road, the action is impeccable and George Miller remains one of the world's most technically gifted directors.

54) Blink Twice (6.5/10) - A film that intentionally keeps the audience disoriented in the same vein as the characters. The palpable tone and style displayed from debut director Zoe Kravitz makes her a talent to watch.

53) Immaculate (6.5/10) - This features a terrific opening act but the movie falters a bit as it goes along. Sydney Sweeney is fantastic in the lead role and the film is gorgeous to behold.

52) Federer: Twelve Final Days (6.75/10) - As a massive Fed-Fan, I have missed his presence on the ATP tour following his retirement in 2022. This documentary recaps his last twelve days of his career, including the announcement and subsequent final matches. There's fascinating behind the scenes footage and the filmmakers convinced the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray to discuss the Swiss legend.

51) The Wild Robot (6.75/10) - While there is stunning animation and the messaging is wholesome, the plot feels a bit too formulaic to make an impact.

Good:

50) A Complete Unknown (7/10) - Great performances are prevalent in this Bob Dylan biopic. While it's certainly entertaining, in large part due to the great music in Dylan's discography, the film doesn't have much to say.

49) The Bikeriders (7/10) - Loosely based on the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, Nike Nichols' most recent film feels much like a mafia flick. The cast, including Tom Hardy, Jody Comer, and Austin Butler, give committed performances and illustrate the appeal of a gang mentality as well as its toxicity.

48) Longlegs (7.1/10) - Dripping with atmosphere, this thriller features an eccentric Nicholas Cage performance. Director Osgood Perkins has already made and released a subsequent film, The Monkey. Keeper, his third feature, comes out in October and will be his third film in a 16 month span.

47) We Live in Time (7.2/10) - An acting masterclass by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. It's quite melodramatic, but the filmmakers love and passion for cooking is on full display.

46) Babes (7.2/10) - The Circle host Michelle Buteau plays a supporting role in this fairly layered humanist drama. Ilana Glazer wrote the script and acts in the lead role. It tackles many subjects such as adult friendship, pregnancy, and parenting. Pamela Adlon (Louie, Better Things) makes her directorial debut. She showcases her knack for utilizing the tricks of the trade to create visual gags and when to just let the scene play out and rely on the actors to carry the moment.

45) Nosferatu (7.3/10) - An incredible piece of art from one of the most talented directors alive in Robert Eggers. The cinematography from longtime collaborator Jarin Blaschke is exceptional. Eggers' projects tend to create sets that are both stunning to behold but are also authentic to the time period. I found the story itself to be slightly underwhelming.

44) Maxxxine (7.3/10) - The final film in a trilogy by director Ti West (X, Pearl). Each film takes place in a different decade and this one happens to be the 1980's. The film explores the public perception of erotica and violence in Hollywood. This would actually be a pretty great double feature with Censor (2021).

43) Small Things Like These (7.4/10) - A Character drama that highlights the moral dilemmas we face in our everyday lives. It grapples with what ethical issues we as citizens should take on in spite of our busy schedules and possible ramifications we might face for standing up for what is right. Cillian Murphy provides a much more subtle and understated performance than his Oscar winning role in Oppenheimer.

42) Inside Out 2 (7.4/10) - The first Inside Out, while it did specify that the main character, Riley, was 11, the age wasn't as important as the circumstances. Her moving and having to acclimate to a new town and school was the driving force for the exploration of her emotions. The sequel focuses on puberty and the appeal of new friendships in high school. There's a whole slew of new emotions, which take screen time away from the core emotions.

41) Smile 2 (7.5/10) - A follow-up that lives up to the terrifyingly delightful original. Smile had a small scale with the main character being a local psychologist. Smile 2 ups the ante by having its protagonist be a global pop star. Naomi Scott is brilliant as Skye Riley, who is embarking on a new world tour and has a checkered past that is clouded by drug use and a horrific car accident.

40) Sometimes I Think About Dying (7.5/10) - This is an understated office drama that looks at social anxiety in the work place. Daisy Ridley stars as Fran, who keeps to herself and seems unhappy in her isolated bubble. A new co-worker expresses interest and Fran must make some serious changes if she is to successfully allow for this exciting new relationship to blossom.

39) Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (7.6/10) - A French language Canadian film that is certainly unlike anything you've seen. A young girl lives with her vampire family and decides killing innocent humans is not to her liking. This mindset is of consequence to her own health, as she needs blood for nourishment. She ends up making friends with a human boy, who has considered ending his life and finds new purpose in being a guilt free solution for his new mate.

38) Cunk on Life (7.6/10) - A feature film extension of the series Cunk on Earth (my #3 TV show of 2023). It's a hilarious add-on to the series, even if it doesn't break any new ground.

37) The Substance (7.7/10) - This body horror film features superb direction from Coralie Fargeat. She uses extreme close-ups and exaggerated sound-mixing to propagate the challenges woman face in Hollywood and in life. The male gaze and unrealistic beauty standards often lead to shortened careers for women in the industry. While you can't accuse this film of being subtle, it's a message that needed to be shared.

36) Concrete Utopia (7.7/10) - If you've seen the Netflix series Squid Game, you'll recognize a lot of the actors in this Korean drama. After a devastating earthquake knocks down the majority of the buildings in Seoul, one apartment complex remains upright, with its inhabitants becoming the envy of everyone in the area. Political decisions must be made to determine how non-residents are treated, and the man tasked with those choices has a few secrets of his own.

35) Monkey Man (7.8/10) - Dev Patel had a hard time getting his "Indian John Wick" film made. Despite production challenges, Patel persevered and made one of the best action movies of the year. There are many thrilling set-pieces, and the plot features compelling political and social critiques.

34) Saturday Night (7.8/10) - Director Jason Reitman makes a drama that tracks the events leading up to the very first taping of Saturday Night Live. The one hour forty-nine minute runtime flies by, with a real time feeling and a lot of longer takes that produce a chaotic sensation.

33) LaRoy, Texas (7.8/10) - An average guy ends up being mistaken for a hit-man. With a job where he's emasculated by his brother and a wife that is having an affair, he ends up taking the money and starting a task that is completely out of his wheelhouse. The script by Shane Atkinson is really clever and the final act has a bunch of surprising twists.

32) The Apprentice (7.9/10) - Sebastian Stan is remarkable as a young Donald Trump. The film spans over 13 years from the early 70's to the late 80's. Stan is able to grasp the nuance of Trump's mannerisms and how they evolved over the years. The film tracks the early influences on Trump including his mentor Roy Kohn.

31) I Saw the TV Glow (7.9/10) - A brilliant examination on the trans experience that's at times very Lynch-ian. It's offers a fairly universal message, that hiding your identity will inevitably lead to distress. Whether that's coming out of the closet about sexual and gender identity, or masking to people-please, being anything other than your authentic self will lead to nothing but pain.

Really Good:

30) Late Night with the Devil (8/10) - This Shudder original is a fantastic simulation of a 1970's talk show. From the production design, to the film-grain, to the color palette, the film looks fantastic. The plot involves a host with dwindling viewership deciding to takes some gambles on his Halloween episode of his show, including bringing on a psychic and a girl allegedly possessed by a demonic spirit.

29) American Fiction (8.1/10) - Starring Jeffrey Wright, this comedy discusses black culture and how stereotypical, low-brow versions of it often titillate audiences. Wright's character, Thelonius Ellison, is a talented writer that has largely failed to generate mass appeal for his work. When he decides to write one of the types of book he looks down on under a pseudonym, it leads to great financial success. He has to grapple with the idea that the market desires the same things that he deems offensive.

28) Didi (8.2/10) - This is a wonderful coming-of-age story about a young Taiwanese-American boy. Director and writer Sean Wang prioritizes realism and doesn't offer the typical heartwarming moments you often see in this genre. What you do get is a thorough examination of internalized racism and the negative effects of social media on the younger generations.

27) Will & Harper (8.3/10) - A lovely little road trip flick that tackles misinformation and a lack of education on transgender people. Will Ferrell and his Saturday Night Live writer and friend Harper Steele talk about their friendship and how Harper's recent transition impacts that relationship.

26) Woman of the Hour (8.4/10) - Anna Kendrick's directorial debut is a thorough examination on toxic masculinity and power dynamics in Hollywood. Based on a true story of a serial killer in the 70's, Kendrick's character, Cheryl, is an aspiring actress that ends up in the cross-hairs of the maniac.

25) Red Rooms (8.4/10) - This Canadian thriller keeps you guessing as to the motivations of the lead character. A trio of young girls were kidnapped and two of them have already been found dead, with horrifying videos surfacing online. A criminal trial is underway with the man appearing in the gruesome videos as the defendant. As the film unfolds, you slowly decipher why the protagonist is so fascinated in the case.

24) The Dead Don't Hurt (8.5/10) - Viggo Mortensen stars, writes, and directs this somber, yet beautiful western based in the 1860's in the western United States. Mortensen and co-star Vicky Krieps have outstanding chemistry and portray a budding romance with aplomb. Mortensen's direction is assured, with an eye for shot composition and an understanding that a well written scene can stand on its own.

23) Civil War (8.5/10) - One of my favorite directors, Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation), claims this will be his last film as a director. It's his best film of recent vintage. You can't take your eyes off Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny, who play a veteran and amateur journalist respectively. As the title implies, a civil war has taken place in an alternate future, and this film examines the ways in which media plays a role in how we interpret the events.

22) Heretic (8.6/10) - Hugh Grant has had such a fascinating career and I love this villain chapter he's in right now. Grant's character, Mr. Reed, invites a couple of Mormon missionaries into his home for what initially seems like an innocent conversation. But what they don't know is, that Mr. Reed is actually an expert on the subject of theology, and he has an elaborate game planned to teach them about the ultimate religion.

Great:

21) Thelma (8.7/10) - Mission Impossible if Tom Cruise was instead played by a 95 year old woman. June Squibb plays Thelma, who is a victim of a phone scam. Instead of relying on the police, Thelma takes matters into her own hands. Director Josh Margolin generates of lot of gags out of heart pounding music to the visual of an elderly woman riding an electric scooter.

20) A Different Man (8.7/10) - Sebastian Stan probably should've been nominated twice for his roles in the aforementioned "The Apprentice" and for this unusual project. Stan plays Edward, a shy man with a face disfigurement. Despite his appearance, he strikes up a friendship with a woman next door and only seemingly fails on the romantic front due to his lack of action. He undergoes an experimental procedure that rapidly clears his deformity, and takes on a new identity. While he believes his newfound look will lead to greater success in his personal and professional life, he soon begins to feel as though his new identity is actually a curse.

19) Hit Man (8.8/10) - Director Richard Linklater's (School of Rock, Before Trilogy) newest film stars Glen Powell, who also co-wrote. Powell plays Gary Johnson, a reserved psychology and philosophy professor who also assists in sting operations for the New Orleans police department. When Jasper, played by the wonderful Austin Amelio, is temporarily suspended from role of fake hit-man, Johnson is asked to take over. While he is hesitant at first, he reluctantly agrees and ultimately loves the role. Playing pretend gives Johnson the confidence he never had as himself. One sting leads to him meeting Madison, and the two instantly hit it off. The film blends romance, drama, and comedy elements seamlessly.

18) The Last Stop in Yuma County (8.8/10) - An alternative take on the heist genre. The protagonist is a knife salesman that hears about a nearby robbery on the radio. The broadcast suggests the thieves were seen driving away in a green Ford Pinto. We see several groups of people, including the protagonist, stranded at the only gas station in a 100 mile radius. The station is out of fuel and everyone must wait for the supply truck at the cafe next door. When a couple of fellas arrive shortly after in a green Ford Pinto, danger is afoot.

17) A Real Pain (8.9/10) - While Keiran Culkin's Oscar winning performance is certainly worthy of praise, the real driving force behind this film is Jesse Eisenberg's screenplay and his stellar direction. A Real Pain dissects the act of consuming, monetizing, and exploiting past tragedy. Culkin's and Eisenberg's characters are cousins that have conflicting stances on how to approach the Holocaust tour they've embarked on together. The dialogue and specificity of character is immaculate.

16) Love Lies Bleeding (9/10) - Director Rose Glass (Saint Maud) is one of the best directors alive. While Saint Maud excelled as a slow building horror picture, her newest feature is a romantic thriller that oozes style. Montages are often used as outlets to provide the audience with plot developments in a short span of time, but Glass utilizes the montage to quickly build characters and their budding relationships.

15) Perfect Days (9/10) - One of my favorite film focused Youtube creators, Thomas Flight, states in commentary of most Hollywood films, "the presumption seems to almost always be that the protagonist will be ambitious. What would it look like if we told the story of a life not defined by the relentless pursuit of ambition?" That's exactly what legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders highlight in Perfect Days. The main character is a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He finds joy and contentment in listening to music on his commute to work, taking in the beauty of nature, reading a book before bed, and eating comfort food at his favorite restaurant.

14) The Promised Land (9.1/10) - A historical drama starring Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig. Ludvig, a retired military Captain, tries to cultivate soil and build a settlement on what is considered inhabitable land. Simon Bennebjerg shines as Frederick Schinkel, a vile local magistrate who feels entitled to profit from Ludvig's efforts. The film tackles subjects such as class and power.

13) My Old Ass (9.1/10) - Director Megan Park's (Fallout) second feature film is my most watched film of 2024. I have already seen it three times and it might be four by the time you get around to reading this. I am a sucker for coming-of-age stories, and this hits on a variety of topics that are vital to our lives. Who of us hasn't let our anxiety and fear prevent us from taking a risk or rebuilding a relationship? Who of us hasn't taken people or places for granted because we assume they will always be there?

I recorded two movie related episodes with my friend Sagar Trika on my podcast, Dunkin Dynasty. Here is the link to our conversation on this film: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hbB2XunX3sK34P2XLomRR?si=YOY5zvd6SCOhBrYpWE7gEQ

12) Anora (9.2/10) - Director Sean Baker (The Florida Project) puts everything he's learned over 20 plus years of feature film-making to make his magnum opus. He has a knack for eliciting great performances from professional and amateur actors alike. The entire cast nails the absurd tone that deftly balances tension and comedy. Baker's commitment to authentically representing and shedding light on the sex worker community has undoubtedly made the topic more mainstream, culminating in a Best Picture win.

11) Dune: Part 2 (9.2/10) - There isn't another director alive that takes advantage of everything that cinema has to offer as much as Denis Villeneuve. The first Dune film was a complete sensory experience and the second installment is no exception. When Timothee Chalamet's character Paul is put to the test by his new clan, it culminates in a point-of-view sand-worm ride that is one of the most absorbing scenes in recent memory.

Masterpieces:

10) Oddity (9.3/10) - Easily the best horror film of 2024. This Shudder original features creepy imagery, a compelling narrative, and plenty of twists and turns. Largely taking place in a single setting, the directing and cinematography ramp up the claustrophobia and dread.

9) Ghostlight (9.3/10) - In her directorial debut, Kelly Sullivan explores a family's grief through a unique outlet - - Shakespeare. Lead actor Kieth Kupferer plays husband and father Dan, who finds himself having outbursts at work and struggling to effectively cope with his emotions. When he stumbles into a role in a community theater's re-telling of Romeo and Juliet, he find similarities between the play and his own real world tragedy. Kupferer is exceptional in the role, displaying a hard exterior that slowly withers away.

8) The Fire Inside (9.4/10) - This biographic film about Flint, Michigan native Claressa Shields is one of the best sports films ever made. Writer Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) adds a lot of clever, short scenes that add depth to the characters and their experiences. The script highlights the athletic achievements of Shields, but also delves into the financial challenges of being a black woman in the masculine world of competitive boxing.

7) Rebel Ridge (9.4/10) - Director Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room/Blue Ruin) has been making tense, moody thrillers for over a decade. With his recent Netflix original, he once again showcases his mastery of the genre. Aaron Pierre, who plays lead character Terry Richmond, shines in the role and is undoubtedly a future star. Richmond has money that he intends to use to get a cousin out on bail, but has it seized by the police under questionable circumstances. With the cousin in considerable danger, Richmond must try to reacquire the money by any means necessary.

6) All of Us Strangers (9.5/10) - While the lead actors (Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal) are not given ultra specific characteristics for their roles, they are both sublime exhibiting universal themes of the human condition. The film explores grief, loneliness, and sexual identity. Director Andrew Haigh utilizes lens flares, colors, and various transitions to create a hypnotic effect. Editor Jonathan Alberts and cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay deserve a ton of praise for helping Haigh bring his artistic vision to life, with a tone and visual style that elevates already strong material.

5) Touch (9.5/10) - I appreciate media that doesn't shy away from the COVID-19 pandemic. It's used here as a way to add intrigue to the present story-line of a man trying to find a woman that went missing from his life over 50 years ago. The film, directed by Baltasar Kormakur, alternates back and forth between the present timeline mentioned above, and a past timeline where we see the main character and the aforementioned woman meet and fall in love. It's a love letter to Japan, an examination into the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, and a story of an enduring bond.

I recorded two movie related episodes with my friend Sagar Trika on my podcast, Dunkin Dynasty. Here is the link to our conversation on this film: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OxYDl71bXsXqnGBu2XU7Z?si=MYxd_yHlSAu7v8tssIp07A

4) The Zone of Interest (9.7/10) - A horrifying glimpse at human apathy and neglect. Director Jonathan Glazer utilizes audio in groundbreaking ways, providing a constant backdrop of violence that is both subtle and haunting. Glazer invested years of research into the time period details, and the results are astounding.

3) Robot Dreams (9.7/10) - This Spanish-French co-production is the epitome of both animated and dialogue free story-telling. With nothing else but music and character expressions and actions, Director Pablo Berger tells an illuminating, heartwarming, and melancholic tale that will leave an immense impression in its 102 minute runtime.

2) Conclave (9.8/10) - While this drama is dialogue intensive, the screenplay is propulsive, with constant character conflicts and several unexpected surprises. The score, from Volker Bertelmann, acts as a metronome for the plot and establishes the ominous tone. Director Edward Berger elicits terrific performances from the ensemble cast, with Ralph Fiennes perfectly embodying Cardinal Lawrence. Lawrence must play politics, while navigating his own inner turmoil and assessing the validity of the other Cardinals.

1) Challengers (9.8/10) - Musicians Trent Rezner and Atticus Ross (The Social Network) concocted the best score of the year for the latest Luca Guadagnino film. The electronic instrumentals accentuate the erotic entanglements as well as the sporting drama. It's a perfect thriller in every sense of the word. The thesis of the film is expanded upon until the very last shot, with the drama off the court culminating in an exhilarating moment on it.

Watch-list:

About Dry Glasses

Arcadian

Blitz

Cuckoo

Dandelion

Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World

Eileen

Evil Does Not Exist

Exhuma

Fallen Leaves

Fancy Dance

Fresh Kills

His Three Daughters

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Hundred of Beavers

Infested

I.S.S.

Kinds of Kindness

La Chimera

Lee

Memory

Memoir of a Snail

One Life

Origin

Snack Shack

Stopmotion

Strange Darling

The Girl with the Needle

The Outrun

The Settlers

The Taste of Things

Turtles All the Way Down