From Jeremy Kibler

I always find it to be extremely challenging to put together a list of the top films of any given year with this year being no different. Not only was there a plethora of quality films, especially in the latter months, but I made the decision to change my rating scale midway through 2024 which, shall we say, created a challenge. Either way, without further ado, here are my Top 10 Films of 2024.

10. Red, White, & Royal Blue

Led by the incredible palpable chemistry of leads Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine, Red, White, & Royal Blue is a rom-com knockout, an expertly crafted faithful adaptation of the source material that delivers all of the feels. 

The film is like a giant comfort, am iconic rom-com oozing with addictive energy and heart that secures it comfortably as the best of the genre in the last decade (at least). It is for sure one of the best films of 2023 and one of my favorite movies… perhaps ever. I’m obsessed!

9. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

While I’m going to miss this weird band of galaxy-defending misfits, James Gunn’s sequel is the perfect ending swan song for the crew filled with intense action, offbeat humor, and palpable emotion that comes together to deliver a top tier Marvel entry.

Is it chaotic? Absolutely. Is there a lot being balanced in this third and purportedly final outing? You betcha! But it all works beautifully as an expertly-concocted bookend to the weirdest, yet arguably best series of films within the MCU, a testament to all involved. It certainly is my favorite Guardians film and in the company of some of the best films Marvel has put out. Vol. 3 is a theatrical blockbuster that cannot be missed.

8. Bottoms

Over-the-top, ridiculous, raunchy, and absolutely effective in every way, Bottoms is a well-acted comedic blast that leans all of the way in to the absurd and delivers one of the best films of the year.

At a tight 90 minutes, Bottoms delivers a well-crafted film that is bound put a smile on your face. Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott take some big swings with their outlandish script that ultimately work because of the talent involved and the willingness to commit. What results is not only one of the funniest movies of the year, but one of the best comedies in the last decade; it’s sure to become a cult classic. 

7. You Hurt My Feelings

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tobias Menzies put on an acting masterclass in the smart, hilarious, outstanding You Hurt My Feelings from writer/director Nicole Holofcener.

It can not be understated how perfect of a film this is, one of the year’s best by far. Louis-Dreyfus is a force and, paired with Holofcener, is doing some of the best work of her career. There is a charm to the explored disagreement that is almost comforting, as if to say “see, others are dealing with this, too!” Owen Teague is excellent in his role of the couple’s son Elliott, often holding a mirror up to his parents through his reactions to the good and bad of their relationship as he navigates his own struggles. Michaela Watkins as Beth’s sister an excellent compliment to Louis-Dreyfus, quick with the responses and sweet with her support, though forced to look at her own white lies that she dispenses within her marriage to husband mark, portrayed by the delightful Arian Moayed. Some may argue that not much happens in the film, but the truth is that there is a layered exploration of connection, trust, and love woven throughout the flawless script. 

At this point, I would watch Julia Louis-Dreyfus read the classifieds section of a newspaper. A brilliant film.

6. Of An Age

Presented with a searing authenticity and elevated by powerfully heartfelt performances from its two leads, Of An Age is a beautifully crafted work of art, and one of the best modern LGBTQIA+ films to date.

Goran Stolevski is a unique filmmaker in that his ability to purposefully, yet carefully dissect the characters at the core of his films, yet maintain the accessibility of the project, is unrivaled. He has quickly established himself as a major player in the industry, his films so far some of the strongest of their release years, even genres. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

5. Oppenheimer

A flawless feat of explosive storytelling, Oppenheimer is Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, the most well-acted film in recent memory and a launching point for Cillian Murphy’s Oscar campaign.

Oppenheimer is peak cinema, Nolan’s Oscar-worthy (on many fronts) magnum opus that will be remembered in the same vain as Oliver Stone’s JFK for its examination of all aspects of what transpired. The final words will leave you chilled as the credits begin to role and you start to take in the gravity of what you just watched. Genius, ambition, moral reckoning, and consequence meet head-on for an unforgettable cinematic epic that is as stunning of an achievement as it is an important one, and the best film of 2023 (perhaps even the last few years).

4. The Holdovers

There are some movies that just feel like a warm hug, a cinematic comfort that puts a smile on your face and sends you out of the theater with a pep in your step. Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is one of those films, exuding care and humanity from start to finish with three powerhouse performances from the best cast of the year.

The film ultimately showcases the value of our individual stories and how we can help one another at a time in society where our bona fide connections to others seem to be diminishing. Dare I say, it leaves even the most cynical of us with hope. It also is one of the best movies of the year, hands down, with countless other accolades to celebrate: a career-best performance from Paul Giamatti, Payne’s best film to date, top-tier performances from Davine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa, and a phenomenal script and first feature outing for David Hemingson. The Holdovers is this holiday season’s must-see film.

3. All of Us Strangers

When we talk about authentic film-making in 2023, Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers must be near the top of the list with a stirring performance from Andrew Scott that becomes more emotionally powerful with each and ever scene. The film is a meditation on things left unsaid, a reflection on life and self-acceptance. Paul Mescal fills out the other half of this dynamic one-two punch in a film that leans into the fantastical, yet broke me once the credits rolled with its mirror to the reality of not only so many LGBTQIA individuals, but anyone who has experienced challenge and loss (i.e. everyone).

2. Society of the Snow

J.A. Bayona has a knack for telling the most harrowing tales through enthralling films that not only feature emotional performances, but stunning visuals that bring the viewer into the chaos depicted. Society of the Snow is no different, a retelling of the tragic days of the survivors of the 1972 Uruguayan plane crash that stranded a rugby team and led to a fight for survival. There is an intimacy to the film that leaves viewers hanging on every word, glued to every scene, hoping for the best as hope dwindles. It’s a riveting film that left me emotionally depleted and speechless. 

1. Saltburn

Emerald Fennell’s 2020 breakout hit Promising Young Woman, an Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay, showcased the director’s refreshingly direct, intense point of view, which made the anticipation for her sophomore feature, Saltburn, that much greater. Going into the film with little-to-no knowledge of the plot, Saltburn scratched an itch I didn’t even know I had, delivering a fervent takedown of social and class privilege with bold, often shocking choices and spectacular performances. Not only is it the most delightfully twisted and depraved wide release of the year, it is also hands down the most entertaining. It certainly is divisive given that it pushes boundaries in a film that nobody knew anything about, and I love that. If you would have told me that I would be thirsting over Barry Keoghan in 2023, I would have called you crazy. Alas, here we are. It’s a murder on the dance floor, my friends. Enjoy it.

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