top of page

My Top Ten Films of 2024

Jan 1, 2025
7 min read

Updated: Apr 26, 2025

As we celebrate the end of 2024 and reflect on this year gone past, it has been hard to find a common denominator in this year’s cinema, maybe except that I have seen a lot of films that have a disembodied lucidity, from end of life mediations, to lonely souls dreaming for escape, and nightmarish depictions of shedding away one’s own identity in flesh and memory. But it has  been a year of many unexpected treats that I would love to share and encourage you to seek out.




  1. The Taste of Things


The Taste of Things is an implicit love story expressed in succulent 19th Century French Gourmet. Much of the film just gorges over the long preparation of extravagant dishes, captured in salivating glory by the camera, this is food porn like no other. With beautifully nuanced performances from Juliet Binoche and Benoît Magimel who share a life and love for creating unforgettable food. The Taste of Things is an ode to power that good food can be one of the most tender and romantic things to share with others, and I just wanted to dine with them forever as the film invites you to.
The Taste of Things is an implicit love story expressed in succulent 19th Century French Gourmet. Much of the film just gorges over the long preparation of extravagant dishes, captured in salivating glory by the camera, this is food porn like no other. With beautifully nuanced performances from Juliet Binoche and Benoît Magimel who share a life and love for creating unforgettable food. The Taste of Things is an ode to power that good food can be one of the most tender and romantic things to share with others, and I just wanted to dine with them forever as the film invites you to.

Available to Stream on Mubi, Rent on VOD, DVD/Blu Ray

Perfect Days is an inspiring tale of a humble man who lives a simple of life cleaning the modern public toilets in Tokyo, while he basks in the joy of daily routines, and unexpected connections with other people. Koji Yakusho is perfectly subdued and withholding in this role that leaves open the question of whether he has truly found happiness, but offers a perception into what a life free from pride looks like.
Perfect Days is an inspiring tale of a humble man who lives a simple of life cleaning the modern public toilets in Tokyo, while he basks in the joy of daily routines, and unexpected connections with other people. Koji Yakusho is perfectly subdued and withholding in this role that leaves open the question of whether he has truly found happiness, but offers a perception into what a life free from pride looks like.

Available to Stream on Mubi, Rent on VOD, DVD/Blu Ray

This sombre drama from India by Payal Kapadia, follows the lives and desires of two women living in Mumbai restricted by marital contracts and expectations, which are quietly mediated as they live lonely in crowed city. Until they travel to urban coast free from city move a friend of theirs to a new home, their dreams become reality in fantastical ways. With wonderfully complex performances from Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, All We Imagine As Light sneaks upon you like a waking dream to free oneself from their emotional chains.
This sombre drama from India by Payal Kapadia, follows the lives and desires of two women living in Mumbai restricted by marital contracts and expectations, which are quietly mediated as they live lonely in crowed city. Until they travel to urban coast free from city move a friend of theirs to a new home, their dreams become reality in fantastical ways. With wonderfully complex performances from Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha, All We Imagine As Light sneaks upon you like a waking dream to free oneself from their emotional chains.
A wondrous beautiful voyage of adventure and hope is cast in this dialogue free animation. Flow looks to the diversity of the animal kingdom as the saviours of the world, banning together in Noah’s ark style as waters rise to bring about the end. The environmental politics are very heavily embedded in the narrative, but the way that Flow voices its story without a single word but by the extraordinary rendered expression of a cat, a golden retriever, a capybara, a lemur, and secretary bird surviving on a boat is pure awe-inspiring cinema.
A wondrous beautiful voyage of adventure and hope is cast in this dialogue free animation. Flow looks to the diversity of the animal kingdom as the saviours of the world, banning together in Noah’s ark style as waters rise to bring about the end. The environmental politics are very heavily embedded in the narrative, but the way that Flow voices its story without a single word but by the extraordinary rendered expression of a cat, a golden retriever, a capybara, a lemur, and secretary bird surviving on a boat is pure awe-inspiring cinema.
One of the most unexpected indie treats of the year, Hundreds of Beavers combines the slapstick of a Looney toons cartoon with the structure of Super Mario , and the silent comedy of  a Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton film to create a singularly hilarious gagfest. You would think the joke of people dressed up in fury animal costumes having comical fights would get old quickly for a near two-hour film,  Hundreds of Beavers finds new ways to keep you entertained and laughing, and the independent craft of the picture is truly incredible. No doubt it was a festival hit and sure to be classic for years to come.
One of the most unexpected indie treats of the year, Hundreds of Beavers combines the slapstick of a Looney toons cartoon with the structure of Super Mario , and the silent comedy of  a Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton film to create a singularly hilarious gagfest. You would think the joke of people dressed up in fury animal costumes having comical fights would get old quickly for a near two-hour film,  Hundreds of Beavers finds new ways to keep you entertained and laughing, and the independent craft of the picture is truly incredible. No doubt it was a festival hit and sure to be classic for years to come.

Available to Rent on VOD, DVD/Blu Ray

Colman Domingo leads a sensational ensemble in the true story of the inmates at Sing Sing prison part of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, where the group put on a crazy theatre production that leads to a rewarding and progressive reform. With real life former inmates playing themselves including a stunning performance from Clarence ‘Divine G’ Maclin this is an emotionally triumphant testament to the power of art as therapy that can bring life lasting change and redemption. You should also check out the documentary Daughters on Netflix which explores another programme for fathers in prison that brings hopeful change.
Colman Domingo leads a sensational ensemble in the true story of the inmates at Sing Sing prison part of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, where the group put on a crazy theatre production that leads to a rewarding and progressive reform. With real life former inmates playing themselves including a stunning performance from Clarence ‘Divine G’ Maclin this is an emotionally triumphant testament to the power of art as therapy that can bring life lasting change and redemption. You should also check out the documentary Daughters on Netflix which explores another programme for fathers in prison that brings hopeful change.

Available to Rent on VOD

The kindly lens of American realist Sean Baker returns with the Palme d'Or winning tragi comedy Anora. Following a Pretty Woman style narrative of a sex worker who becomes the muse to the spoiled son of a Russian Oligarch, Anora starts off as a dream come true as Ani (Mikey Madison) thinks she has found love and her happy ending with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), until the party is over, and Ivan’s parents intervene to bring them both back to reality. Baker crafts a laugh out loud farcical comedy that slowly unveils the dark and depressing treatment of Ani. With one of the best ensemble casts of the year, and an magnetic performance from Mike Madison, Baker breaks through the barricade of sex workers to tell an honest and humane story of recognising a  person’s true value.
The kindly lens of American realist Sean Baker returns with the Palme d'Or winning tragi comedy Anora. Following a Pretty Woman style narrative of a sex worker who becomes the muse to the spoiled son of a Russian Oligarch, Anora starts off as a dream come true as Ani (Mikey Madison) thinks she has found love and her happy ending with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), until the party is over, and Ivan’s parents intervene to bring them both back to reality. Baker crafts a laugh out loud farcical comedy that slowly unveils the dark and depressing treatment of Ani. With one of the best ensemble casts of the year, and an magnetic performance from Mike Madison, Baker breaks through the barricade of sex workers to tell an honest and humane story of recognising a  person’s true value.
We were treated to a double whammy from sensual auteur Luca Guadagnino this year but with massively juxtaposing stories. Firstly, even I was surprised that a love triangle based in the competitive world of tennis would end up being  one of the most awesome and fun films to see this year. With an exceptional three-way cast of Zendaya, Josh O’ Conner, and Mike Faist, these three battle it out for each other’s respect and affection in love but most importantly on the tennis court.  The entire cast are all amazing but for my money it is Josh O’ Conner who steals the show with a cockiness and arrogance that can’t be beaten. Their love triangle is a match that culminates in one of the most thrilling displays of sport ever put to film but founded by a masterful screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. Guadagnino takes his lusty lens to new and exhilarating heights even to the point of becoming the tennis ball, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring an electrifying score to the game. Who would have thought tennis could be sexy?
We were treated to a double whammy from sensual auteur Luca Guadagnino this year but with massively juxtaposing stories. Firstly, even I was surprised that a love triangle based in the competitive world of tennis would end up being  one of the most awesome and fun films to see this year. With an exceptional three-way cast of Zendaya, Josh O’ Conner, and Mike Faist, these three battle it out for each other’s respect and affection in love but most importantly on the tennis court.  The entire cast are all amazing but for my money it is Josh O’ Conner who steals the show with a cockiness and arrogance that can’t be beaten. Their love triangle is a match that culminates in one of the most thrilling displays of sport ever put to film but founded by a masterful screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. Guadagnino takes his lusty lens to new and exhilarating heights even to the point of becoming the tennis ball, and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross bring an electrifying score to the game. Who would have thought tennis could be sexy?

Available to stream on Amazon Prime, Rent on VOD, DVD/Blu Ray

It took me two goes for Queer to get under my skin, but it has cast a spell on me that I haven’t been able to shake off. Interpreted from the incomplete William Burrough’s novel, Queer is a soulful story of loneliness and passionate longing, Daniel Craig is terrific in a role of cheerful and social charisma on the outside but that secretly hides a great sadness and alienation from the world on the inside. Guadagnino takes an experimental approach to bring this text alive, almost crossing over to a spiritual plain, its unusual, mysterious, and maybe a bit indulgent but it hits the heart in a way not quite like any other.
It took me two goes for Queer to get under my skin, but it has cast a spell on me that I haven’t been able to shake off. Interpreted from the incomplete William Burrough’s novel, Queer is a soulful story of loneliness and passionate longing, Daniel Craig is terrific in a role of cheerful and social charisma on the outside but that secretly hides a great sadness and alienation from the world on the inside. Guadagnino takes an experimental approach to bring this text alive, almost crossing over to a spiritual plain, its unusual, mysterious, and maybe a bit indulgent but it hits the heart in a way not quite like any other.
Denis Villeneuve landed the second half of Frank Herbert’ sacred science fiction text with an enormous unforgettable spectacle, as we returned to Arrakis to witness Paul Atreides ascend to the prophetic titan he can’t escape from becoming. Villeneuve certainly turned everything up to 11 for another epic blockbuster that is rarely seen these days, more desert, bigger sandworms, and a striking sequence where Elvis star Austin Butler went psychotic gladiator in a memorable appearance as Harkonnen barbarian Feyd-Rautha. Underneath the cinematic scale, and awe, Villeneuve kept his feet on the ground with a melancholic story of dangerous messiah complexes, that would only be as tragic as it is without the love story between Paul and Chani forged in the centre. Hans Zimmer’s epically emotional score continues brings the house down and the tears. Since I was little, I have been attracted to sad endings, The Empire Strikes Back being one of the main memories, and Dune Part 2 manages to excite, enthral, disturb and move in a cautionary tale like no other in the universe.
Denis Villeneuve landed the second half of Frank Herbert’ sacred science fiction text with an enormous unforgettable spectacle, as we returned to Arrakis to witness Paul Atreides ascend to the prophetic titan he can’t escape from becoming. Villeneuve certainly turned everything up to 11 for another epic blockbuster that is rarely seen these days, more desert, bigger sandworms, and a striking sequence where Elvis star Austin Butler went psychotic gladiator in a memorable appearance as Harkonnen barbarian Feyd-Rautha. Underneath the cinematic scale, and awe, Villeneuve kept his feet on the ground with a melancholic story of dangerous messiah complexes, that would only be as tragic as it is without the love story between Paul and Chani forged in the centre. Hans Zimmer’s epically emotional score continues brings the house down and the tears. Since I was little, I have been attracted to sad endings, The Empire Strikes Back being one of the main memories, and Dune Part 2 manages to excite, enthral, disturb and move in a cautionary tale like no other in the universe.

Available to stream on Now TV/Sky Cinema, Rent on VOD, DVD/Blu Ray

Samsara was one of the most ambitious unexpected experiences of the year. To only expect a gentle mediative mood piece about Buddhist ritual in Laos was mistake, and to be taken on an almost 4-D ride into the  reincarnated soul was an overpowering astonishment in a life altering 15-minute sequence. Lois Patiño’s daring experimental film could almost appear like an art installation, and you are kind of advised to fall asleep to it, but its bold vision and structure carries the audience through a spiritual void of death and rebirth with hypnotic imagery. It’s almost trying to take step further into the mystical, following on from work of Thai metaphysical contemplator Apichatpong Weerasethakul. I am not sure how the film would hold up on multiple viewings, but it was one of most memorable and aspiring things to experience this year.
Samsara was one of the most ambitious unexpected experiences of the year. To only expect a gentle mediative mood piece about Buddhist ritual in Laos was mistake, and to be taken on an almost 4-D ride into the  reincarnated soul was an overpowering astonishment in a life altering 15-minute sequence. Lois Patiño’s daring experimental film could almost appear like an art installation, and you are kind of advised to fall asleep to it, but its bold vision and structure carries the audience through a spiritual void of death and rebirth with hypnotic imagery. It’s almost trying to take step further into the mystical, following on from work of Thai metaphysical contemplator Apichatpong Weerasethakul. I am not sure how the film would hold up on multiple viewings, but it was one of most memorable and aspiring things to experience this year.

Available to Rent on VOD

Legendary film critic Roger Ebert famously said that “movies are like a machine that generates empathy”, nothing could be closer to that this year than in Jane Schoenbrun’s dreamy and harrowing horror story, I Saw The TV Glow. Borrowing a lot of elements from the likes of David Lynch, there is more than an air of Twin Peaks about this picture, but Schoenbrun’s film is an originally constructed vision of a nightmarish identity crises trapped in a 90s science fiction show. Shy and lonely teenagers Owen and Maddy form an awkward bond over their love of TV show called the ‘Pink Opaque’ (a Buffey the Vampire Slayer type show), as we see their obsession with show grow as kids and then as they turn into adults and revisit their childhood passion, fantasy and realty begin to blur as they question whether the show was actually real or not. Justice Smith and  Brigette Lundy-Paine bring  touching and mysterious performances as they traverse the bounds of fiction and their own bodies. Schoenbrun’s film leaves you with a haunting sense of anxiety and fear, as her film offers a trans perspective of personhood and belonging, but it is done in the purest cinematic form that may come to define the century. It is also nostalgic for the TV and movies that we grew up obsessing over, and there was something deeply truthful about the things and characters we imprint from the screen that may come to define our own personality.
Legendary film critic Roger Ebert famously said that “movies are like a machine that generates empathy”, nothing could be closer to that this year than in Jane Schoenbrun’s dreamy and harrowing horror story, I Saw The TV Glow. Borrowing a lot of elements from the likes of David Lynch, there is more than an air of Twin Peaks about this picture, but Schoenbrun’s film is an originally constructed vision of a nightmarish identity crises trapped in a 90s science fiction show. Shy and lonely teenagers Owen and Maddy form an awkward bond over their love of TV show called the ‘Pink Opaque’ (a Buffey the Vampire Slayer type show), as we see their obsession with show grow as kids and then as they turn into adults and revisit their childhood passion, fantasy and realty begin to blur as they question whether the show was actually real or not. Justice Smith and  Brigette Lundy-Paine bring  touching and mysterious performances as they traverse the bounds of fiction and their own bodies. Schoenbrun’s film leaves you with a haunting sense of anxiety and fear, as her film offers a trans perspective of personhood and belonging, but it is done in the purest cinematic form that may come to define the century. It is also nostalgic for the TV and movies that we grew up obsessing over, and there was something deeply truthful about the things and characters we imprint from the screen that may come to define our own personality.

Available to Rent on VOD


Comments

bottom of page