Whilst our film coverage has undoubtedly taken a back seat to our music coverage in recent years at Culture Fix HQ, we still hoped to shine a light on our best releases of 2024. As always, our run down of the best of the year is based on UK release dates.
We’ve been drawn to genre classics from action to horror, Isabella Rossellini’s nun antics, many a handsome man (shout out to Kill’s Lakshya), and a fair bit of the occult (of course Nicolas Cage crooning T. Rex will forever be engrained in our minds).
Check out our cinematic highlights below. Make sure to follow us on our social channels:
10. Monkey Man
Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man, is a visually striking revenge film that intertwines political commentary and social issues with sharp action spectacle. Drawing heavily on Indian mythology, the film delivers a gritty yet poetic narrative, enriched by its violent yet artfully composed visuals. Monkey Man is a bold and impactful piece, blending raw intensity with a strong artistic vision.
9. Priscilla
Stellar performances by Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi make Priscilla one of 2024’s standout films. Sofia Coppola captures the delicate blend of youthful naïveté and the intoxicating allure of fame, presenting the story of Priscilla and Elvis with intimacy and care. While certain scenes are difficult to watch due to the grim realities of their complex relationship, Philippe Le Sourd’s striking cinematography keeps the film visually compelling throughout.
8. Conclave
Delivering twists and turns behind the closed doors of the Vatican, Edward Berger’s Conclave is a suspense thriller brimming with intelligence and wit, showcasing the dramatic selection of a new Pope. With some of the year’s strongest performances, Ralph Fiennes’ captivating turn is paired with excellent support from Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini. Conclave is a joy to watch.
7. Blink Twice
Tapping into the horrors of Epstein Island, Zoë Kravitz’s razor-sharp social commentary meets horror in Blink Twice, a film not easily forgotten. An impressive lead performance by Naomi Ackie gradually unravels a narrative brimming with true unease and dread.
6. Kill
India’s most violent action film, Kill, was a compelling affair. A dazzling lead turn from Lakshya delivered good looks and leading-man charisma, paired with undeniable action-hero credentials. Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat takes us on a no-holds-barred, unrelenting thrill ride where the action stakes remain high throughout the film’s runtime. Tapping into the ultraviolence of classic exploitation flicks, but handled in a slick contemporary fashion, Kill was one of the cinematic highlights of the year.
5. The First Omen
Arkasha Stevenson’s prequel to The Omen may lead to a foregone conclusion, but it offers one of the horror genre’s most captivating journeys to get there. Combining haunting visuals reminiscent of Possession with an unsettling and powerful performance by Nell Tiger Free, the film is enriched by its evocative Italian period setting and its faithfulness to the original story. The First Omen is a treat for genre fans.
4. Late Night with the Devil
Setting horror against the backdrop of late-night 1970s television brings a fresh perspective to this standout found-footage film. Late Night with the Devil delivers unexpected twists, plenty of jump scares, and hints of a chilling cult narrative, solidifying its place as one of 2024’s most original horror offerings.
3. Challengers
The sexiness of the world of tennis is finally respected in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, a titillating yet emotionally gripping cinematic ménage à trois bolstered by compelling performances from Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya. Blending passion, power, and complex relationship dynamics, Challengers is a fast-paced romp.
2. Longlegs
A razor-sharp occult horror that creeps under the skin, Longlegs lingers with a clawing unease thanks to chilling visuals, Nicolas Cage’s devilish performance, and an atmosphere of pure dread crafted by Oz Perkins. Undoubtedly the best combination of police procedural and horror since The Silence of the Lambs.
1. The Substance
Blending camp with a creature feature while tackling societal obsessions with perfection, The Substance is a modern-day classic from the great Demi Moore and visionary Coralie Fargeat.