6 Essential Films of 2024!

From endearing animated movies to independent Cinderella stories and crime thrillers, it's time to take a look at the 6 most essential films to see before the end of the year. Some are continuations of sagas, others are novel adaptations, and others are completely original!

1. The Substance

The first on the list leaves no room for doubt: The Substance from writer-director Coralie Fargeat is the one of the best movies of 2024, with a stellar performance by Demi Moore as Elizabeth Sparkle. The themes tackled by The Substance include society's impossible beauty standards and toxic self-images. Indie Wire describes the film as "an immensely, unstoppably, ecstatically demented fairy tale about female self-hatred." This body-horror film explores a direction we often don't see on the screen. And although there are topics like addiction at hand, what matters are women's bodies and their treatment by society. Would you take a black-market drug to obtain physical perfection? How old is your body by society's standards? Is Hollywood too tyrannical about the age of women? The film is totally recommendable both for the acidic script and for Demi Moore's acting, probably the best performance of her career. (In theatres and available on VOD/Digital)

2. Anora

The thrilling Anora is directed, edited, and written by Sean Baker, Hollywood's most humanistic film director. Baker has once again created a sensitive film. As usual, he focuses the lens on the people living in the margins of society but does it using humor. In Anora, Ani, the protagonist, is a high-priced stripper and sex worker who meets the son of a Russian billionaire. The plot revolves around their relationship and can appear as a modern Cinderella or a Pretty Woman of the 21st century. Still, Baker breaks with the sexist fairy tale with a shocking ending. Again, Baker adds his touch of uniqueness, innovation, and sensitivity. (In theatres now)

3. Conclave

Conclave is an adaptation of Robert Harris's 2016 novel of the same name. The story begins when the Pope dies, and the College of Cardinals must go through a conclave to be able to choose a new Pope. Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes in an electrifying performance as Cardinal Lawrence, who leads the task of selecting a new Pope but uncovers secrets that could agitate the Catholic Church. It has received a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Robert Ebert has said of the film that "every frame is gorgeously composed, with stunning visuals that underscore the story's surprising twists that thrill on two different levels." Expect this one to do some numbers during Awards Season! (In theatres now and available on VOD/Digital)

4. The Wild Robot

In this list of essential films of 2024, it is worth adding a film of the children's genre: The Wild Robot, an adaptation of the book by Peter Brown. The film is an endearing animated movie about Roz, a robot dropped onto an island by a cargo ship who takes care of a goose called Brightbill. This familiar and sensitive film can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It has beautiful nature animation, and if it competes with Inside Out 2 (the other hit animated film of the year), it easily beats it. It's a sensitive story that takes you to a magical place full of life, nature, and animals. If you don't believe us, it has a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes! (In theatres now and available on VOD/Digital)

5. Rebel Ridge

Rebel Ridge is an intense crime thriller directed, written, edited, and produced by Jeremy Saulnier. Aaron Pierre stars as Terry Richmond, a former Marine who cycles into Louisiana to pay the bail of his cousin. When he is stopped by officers, they find he has $30.000, and he explains to them that he had the money because he sold his truck. Things get worse as the police seize his cash, and Terry finds out about systemic police corruption. The film is a strong critique of corruption, brutality, and toxic masculinity. It cannot be missed as the list's crime action thriller. Although it may be a familiar topic, the story unravels uniquely. (Stream on Netflix)

6. Dune: Part Two

Lastly, the sci-fi Dune: Part Two, directed and co-produced by Denis Villeneuve, stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as a Fremen warrior Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, and many more. The story continues the journey of Paul Atreides as he conspires against the ones who destroyed his family and unites forces with Chani and the Fremen. FirstShowing.net raved about Dune: Part Two as “the biggest movie of 2024 so far is also an extremely dense, philosophically compelling, morally complex work of cinematic art.” The relationship between Paul Atreides and Chani is at the center of the film, as their ideologies differ. Dune: Part Two is undoubtedly a great cinematic spectacle that cannot be missed by those of us who love epic stories. It is the final jewel of a very profitable year for great cinema. Enjoy! (Stream on Max)