What does the cinematic landscape look like in the aftermath of the Barbenheimer phenomenon? While we haven’t yet witnessed a cultural juggernaut of similar proportions (though we’re holding out hope for Glicked (Gladiator II and Wicked) this autumn, the past several months have delivered some outstanding films. From international masterpieces and poignant indie creations to blockbuster hits, 2024 has already offered plenty of memorable moments. Sequels like Dune: Part Two and Inside Out 2 have proven to be satisfying follow-ups, while original films like Sing Sing and Challengers have shown that fresh ideas still thrive in Hollywood.
As we await the heavyweights of awards season, here’s a rundown of the standout films of 2024 so far. Keep an eye out for future additions as the year progresses.
Challengers
"Challengers," the love-triangle-tennis drama, has dominated the cultural conversation this year. It not only sparked the tenniscore fashion trend, inspired by Zendaya’s press-tour outfits, but also filled our playlists with its techno-infused soundtrack. And let’s not forget the endless memes revolving around Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, and that infamous churro scene.
Sing Sing
Colman Domingo delivers a powerful performance in "Sing Sing," a film about the Rehabilitation Through Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. Domingo plays John Whitfield, a man wrongfully convicted, who, along with other inmates, puts on a comedy play. The film is elevated by the participation of real-life actors who have been through the RTA program, with Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin standing out in his portrayal of himself.
Dune: Part Two
The saga continues in "Dune: Part Two," where Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides teams up with Zendaya’s Chani to avenge his father’s death. This sci-fi epic has it all: romance, villains, prophecies, and, of course, those legendary sandworms.
Origin
Ava DuVernay takes on an ambitious adaptation with "Origin," bringing Isabel Wilkerson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents" to the big screen. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as the author, navigating personal tragedy and global travels as she crafts her groundbreaking work.
La Chimera
If you’re craving more Josh O’Connor after "Challengers," "La Chimera" should be next on your list. O’Connor plays an Englishman in Italy with a supernatural gift that aids his grave-robbing friends. Alice Rohrwacher’s film is a quietly magical exploration of love, loss, and the search for what’s unattainable.
Longlegs
"Longlegs" might just be the creepiest film of the year, featuring Nicolas Cage in a chilling performance that will keep you on edge until the final scene. Maika Monroe shines as Agent Lee Harker in this psychological thriller that’s as unsettling as it is engrossing.
Thelma
Move over, Tom Cruise—94-year-old June Squibb is the new action hero in "Thelma," a charming indie comedy about a grandmother seeking revenge on scammers who swindled her out of $10k. With a scooter chase and some tense computer moments, this film is as heartwarming as it is entertaining, with Richard Roundtree delivering one of his final performances.
Love Lies Bleeding
Kristen Stewart stars in "Love Lies Bleeding," an A24 thriller that pairs her with Katy O’Brian as they navigate a deadly romance set against the backdrop of bodybuilding. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Dave Franco, Ed Harris, and Jena Malone, adding layers to this bloody tale of love gone wrong.
Dìdi (弟弟)
Sean Wang’s feature debut "Dìdi" is a nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the summer of 2008. The film captures the essence of adolescence through the lens of Chris Wang, a Taiwanese American teen navigating the early days of YouTube and Facebook while forming an emotional bond with his mother, played by Joan Chen.
Inside Out 2
As a devoted fan of the original, I had high hopes for "Inside Out 2," and it didn’t disappoint. Pixar introduces new emotions—Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui—creating an imaginative exploration of puberty’s challenges. The sequel not only matches but surpasses the magic of the first film, leaving us eager for more of Riley’s journey.
I Saw the TV Glow
Jane Schoenbrun’s "I Saw the TV Glow" is a surreal exploration of identity and obsession, following two teens whose lives become intertwined with a cult sci-fi TV series. With neon-soaked visuals and a deeply resonant story, this film has struck a chord, particularly with queer and trans audiences, as it delves into the emotional impact of media on formative experiences.
Janet Planet
"Janet Planet" is the embodiment of a summer day, seen through the eyes of Lacy, an 11-year-old living with her single mother in 1991 Massachusetts. Annie Baker’s debut film is a tender, tactile experience that blends humor with the bittersweetness of growing up.
Hit Man
Glen Powell proves his star power in "Hit Man," where he plays a professor moonlighting as a fake hitman for the police. This action-comedy is full of disguises, chemistry, and psychological insights, with Powell co-writing the script alongside Richard Linklater, making it one of the most fun films of the year.
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