He’s had his nose to the cinematic grindstone for longer than you’ve been eating hot dinners, and with another year of writing about movies for Buzz done, Keiron Self presents a rundown of the best films he saw in 2024. (All are available to rent or buy via multiple streaming platforms unless otherwise noted.)
THE SUBSTANCE
Dir: Coralie Fargeat (18, 141 mins)
Hugely entertaining body horror that takes some massive swings amidst its on the nose messaging, but Demi Moore is excellent, the effects are gut churning and it’s unlike any other film you will have seen this year.
CIVIL WAR
Dir: Alex Garland (12, 120 mins)
Pitch dark take on an America at war with itself that seems even grimmer in the wake of the recent election result. Tense and apolitical with a despair at the human condition and the journalists determined to show us the shameful reality. Kirsten Dunst excels.
FURIOSA
Dir: George Miller (15, 97 mins)
Superb prequel that has more character as well as carnage amidst George Miller’s Mad Max apocalyptic world, with Anya Taylor-Joy and Tom Burke heroes worth rooting for against the camp Chris Hemsworth.
INSIDE OUT 2
Dir: Kelsey Mann (PG, 96 mins)
A sequel that did not disappoint adding complexity, nuance and fun as Riley’s emotions experience anxiety. Warm and funny with hugely successful storytelling through the mental minefield.
Available on Disney +
LOVE LIES BLEEDING
Dir: Rose Glass (15, 104 mins)
Superb Coen-esque crime thriller with a dash of magic realism from Saint Maud director Rose Glass, Kristen Stewart falls for bodybuilder Katy O’Brien without reckoning on her twisted dad Ed Harris’ reaction. Excellent.
REBEL RIDGE
Dir: Jeremy Saulnier (15, 130 mins)
Slow-burn thriller that makes an action star out of leading man Aaron Pierre.
Streaming on Netflix
THE WILD ROBOT
Dir: Christopher Sanders (PG, 100 mins)
A superb tearjerking animation as a robot becomes domesticated amidst the animals of the forest. Heartwarming and tender.
MY OLD ASS
Dir: Megan Park (15, 89 mins)
Tearjerking coming of age comedy with a brilliant lead performance from Maisy Stella.
Streaming on Amazon Prime
DUNE PART TWO
Dir: Denis Villeneuve (12A, 156 mins)
The sequel delivered in epicness despite remaining po-faced it’s a brilliant achievement in bringing Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi to the screen. The monochrome planet bit is ace.
Streaming on Amazon Prime
A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE
Dir: Michael Sarnoski (15, 99 mins)
So much better than expected, this prequel set in the world of the supersensitive hearing murderous aliens delivers as Lupita Nyong’o lives through day one of the invasion. Terrifying and tender.
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL
Dirs: Cameron & Colin Cairnes (15, 93 mins)
A 70s TV show brings the demon in this unexpectedly excellent horror with David Dastmalchian ace as the charmingly slimy host to a girl who may be possessed.
Streaming on Amazon Prime
words KEIRON SELF