Films of 2024.
BONUS newsletter! Just a few things I watched last year.
Hello!
I’m spoiling you at the moment, aren’t I? Anyway, thought you might want a break from illustration, so here are few films I watched and enjoyed last year.
As with my list of 2023 films, these aren’t all from the titular year, and they are not necessarily empirically the best I saw, they are unified simply by the fact they sparked some reaction from me. But enough of that, let’s rattle through ‘em…
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat.
Incredible documentary. Could not be more in my wheelhouse if it tried, but this is vital and visceral work for all those who are up for reckoning with colonialism. And jazz.
Anora.
It’s a delight to be allowed to share company with such an ensemble of well realised characters. Even as they chicane through humour, humanity, and horror.
‘71.
A robust B-movie thriller set during The Troubles. Shouldn’t be as rare as it is, but just nice to see a low-key, well made, thriller.
(NB. The kid in the foreground looks like he’s been AI face-swapped with Olivia Coleman.)
Conclave.
I thought I’d struggle to care about the machinations of the Vatican, but when it’s handled like this, I was on the edge of my seat.
Godzilla Minus One.
A big computer lizard is almost as hard a sell as organised religion for me, but again, when it’s done with heart, it turns out anything is possible.
Greyhound.
Tom Hanks diligently dodging U-boats as he escorts a convoy across the Atlantic. Arguably a peak ‘dad film’, but I’m not a dad, so I’m standing by this maritime procedural.
Kneecap.
From dad film to lad film (don’t say I don’t contain multitudes), the story of Irish language rap group Kneecap, played remarkably and charmingly by the actual members. And who doesn’t like a scrappy underdog story?
Los Angeles Plays Itself.
Poetical nonfiction about how Los Angeles has been depicted and reflected on screen. Worth it for the sheer wealth of film clips from across all genres and time periods.
Sing Sing.
Prison drama about theatre rehabilitation. A powerful dose of humanity and empathy. No, you’re crying. And I’m crying. Yes, okay, we’re all crying.
Thief.
As a big Michael Mann fan, it was criminal (sorry) that I hadn’t seen this already, but it certainly didn’t disappoint. James Caan is an absolute delight, and it looks incredible. Make me want to hang out in all night diners and walk the glistening streets.
‘Rewatch Corner’.
Heat.
And speaking of Mann... Possibly my favourite film of all time, Heat frequently gets a rewatch in my house, but as luck would have it, there was a screening at the Garden Cinema. Always a pleasure to see it on the big screen, and it still gets me every time.
‘You don't live with me, you live among the remains of dead people.’
The English Patient.
They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. A big/small story, told well, and looking beautiful. It’s hard to see what’s gone out of fashion, but I guess I’m old.
Also, it’s hard to think of hotter looking couple than Fiennes and Scott Thomas, dishevelled by the desert, and in 30s/40s attire. But that’s probably unfashionable too.
And what was the most batshit film you watched in 2024? Hmm…let me think…
So, for what it’s worth, there you have it. Bit a of ‘blokey’ list this year, wasn’t it? But that’s the way it goes. Hope you saw some good things too. Or failing that, some interesting things.
See you amongst the popcorn soon.
Owen D. Pomery.
