As a film critic who grew up in the 20th century and witnessed the gradual shift of queer representation from the fringes to mainstream culture, I can’t help but be impressed by the boldness and psychological depth of “Femme.” While some might argue that this normalization is a good thing, I appreciate the unflinching way this film leans back into the edgier aspects of queer lust and power dynamics. The story of a brutal attack outside a club leading to a secret hook-up between the aggressor and the drag performer is uncomfortable, but it’s also deeply rich and sexually charged territory that deserves exploration. I was reminded of the confidence and mastery of Brian De Palma in his prime as I watched this first-time feature from Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping.
The film industry has been just as excited about every box office success this year as a gold prospector discovering a valuable nugget. It felt like finding these hits was becoming a challenging task, similar to panning for gold. However, this reaction makes sense given that each new release in theaters needs to demonstrate the continued relevance of movies as a popular form of entertainment. The fate of cinema may sometimes seem to depend on one blockbuster’s opening weekend. But in reality, it hinges on whether people continue to go to the movies, drawn by engaging and artistic productions. So far, 2024 has been an abundant year for films. Our chief film critics at EbMaster have already identified numerous standouts: major studio releases, independent films, international productions, documentaries, and underground sensations. Here are our top 10 picks from the best movies of 2024 thus far.
Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy
I’ve seen my fair share of horror films and political documentaries, but nothing compares to the chilling reality depicted in Stephen Ujlaki and Chris Jones’s groundbreaking exposé. As someone who has closely followed American politics, I find it utterly terrifying how the influence of Christian nationalism has grown far beyond what most people realize. The seemingly innocuous vacation-home flag choices of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. are just the tip of the iceberg.
The Bikeriders
Perhaps it’s the defiant, rebellious expression in their eyes or the readiness for a fight that makes you feel these men from the fictional Vanders Motorcycle Club are bound to meet an untimely end on the road. Jeff Nichols’ vivid portrayal of the mid-1960s transition in American biker culture, as it moved from the cool image of “The Wild One” to the chaotic mayhem of Roger Corman’s “The Wild Angels,” paints a wild stallion bucking against societal norms. Austin Butler’s character Benny seems to yearn for death, making Kathy’s attempts to control him all the more poignant. Yet, who could fault her? This compelling tale of love and loyalty presents an unusual love triangle with Tom Hardy portraying the captivating gang leader. Despite the seemingly inevitable outcome, Nichols delivers a surprising and heartwarming conclusion.
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino’s tennis-themed love story, “Bones and All,” could have been a simple, visually appealing romantic tale about three attractive young tennis players: the aloof Art (Mike Faist), the aggressive Patrick (Josh O’Connor), and the fiery and elegant Tashi (Zendaya), who comes between them. However, Justin Kuritzkes’ screenplay and Guadagino’s skillful direction transform it into a more complex and thought-provoking exploration of love.
Daddio
About a decade ago, Tom Hardy’s film “Locke” impressively created a deep and complex relationship drama centered around a man making phone calls in his car. In her first feature film “Daddio,” writer-director Christy Hall raises the stakes, listening in on conversations between two strangers – Sean Penn as the talkative taxi driver and Dakota Johnson in the back seat. The cab ride from JFK airport to Manhattan becomes a tense game of cat and mouse, with Penn’s character attempting to probe into Johnson’s personal life. With a delicate balance of intrigue and unease, he manages to extract details about her predicament. In an outstanding performance that makes amends for “Madame Web,” Johnson conveys a wealth of emotion through her body language. Hall skillfully crafted a thought-provoking movie, revealing the layers of the passenger’s daddy issues to uncover what truly matters to her character – trust.
Dune: Part Two
In the original “Star Wars,” there’s a scene where Luke Skywalker gazes at the setting of two suns on his planet’s desert horizon, subtly conveying its similarities and differences to our world. Similarly, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” captivates us in the same way with its richly imagined sci-fi universe. After the industry’s labor strikes last year, this epic returned as the first major blockbuster, inviting us to explore an alien world like never before.
Femme
In an unexpected turn of events for those born in the more conventional 20th century, the representation of gay individuals has become so commonplace that it no longer shocks. This isn’t entirely negative as it’s led to important cultural discussions (“Milk” demonstrated how Proposition 8 could be overturned, and Pedro Almodóvar, once a rebellious filmmaker, is now beloved by many). However, “Femme” daringly delves into the grittier aspects of queer desire, examining the twisted allure between a drag artist (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) and the closeted thug (George MacKay) who assaults him outside the club. Later, they encounter each other at a gay bathhouse and begin a clandestine affair. Who holds the power now? This uneasy, psychologically complex, and intensely sexual terrain is compellingly explored by first-time directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping with the assurance of seasoned filmmakers like Brian De Palma.
Inside Out 2
Pixar is back with a new creative triumph, nine years after the success of “Inside Out.” This digitally animated tale offered a unique perspective on human emotions and the struggle they present. It was a poignant exploration of growing up and leaving childhood innocence behind. The upcoming “Inside Out 2” continues this theme, focusing on Riley, now 13, dealing with new emotions as she tries to fit in at hockey camp. The film raises deep questions: What happens when fear takes over joy? And what does it mean to be accepted by peers if it requires hiding our true selves?
Kinds of Kindness
As a long-time film critic with a particular penchant for the avant-garde and the surreal, I must confess that I’ve had my fair share of encounters with the enigmatic director Yorgos Lanthimos. For years, his films left me feeling cold and disconnected – “The Favourite” being the lone exception that delighted me. “Dogtooth,” in my opinion, was a dreary affair, while “Poor Things” seemed overlong and heavy-handed to me.
The People’s Joker
A hidden gem or unconventional cult classic, “Vera Drew’s Joker the Harlequin” is a thought-provoking comic book drama with a dark and psychedelic edge. Directed and co-written by Vera Drew, this provocative film explores the complexities of the title character, portrayed by Drew herself. Joker the Harlequin is an unstable aspiring comedian, who identifies with the infamous DC Comics villain, the Joker. However, she also satirically parodies the Joker and embraces her identity as a trans heroine, using the Joker persona to showcase herself to the world.
Sweet Dreams
Last year’s international feature Oscar went to “The Zone of Interest” due to its numerous nominations, including best picture. However, there were several other remarkable films from various countries that didn’t receive as much attention. These included Bhutan’s “The Monk and the Gun,” Mexico’s “Tótem,” Denmark’s “The Promised Land,” and Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days.” These movies premiered in U.S. theaters only in early 2024. Among them was Ena Sendijarević’s film, a subtle critique of Dutch colonialism. The movie portrays the chaos that ensues when a white-owned sugar plantation in the East Indies is inherited not by the patriarch’s legitimate heirs but by his servant woman who had his love child. Sendijarević, recognized as an emerging talent by EbMaster, offers a unique perspective with her thought-provoking films, combining elements of Ruben Östlund and Wes Anderson, yet adding a distinct edge.
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2024-07-17 00:26