As a movie enthusiast with a keen eye for exceptional performances, I must say that 2024 has been a year of extraordinary talent and versatility, especially among our beloved celebrities. The transformations these artists have undergone to bring their characters to life are nothing short of mesmerizing.
2024 has seen a bounty of outstanding films grace our screens, each offering captivating performances that have left a lasting impression. Cinephiles have been spoiled for choice as the year progresses and awards season approaches. This time of year, film enthusiasts begin deliberating their favorite movies and compiling their “best of the year” lists if they haven’t done so already. With critically acclaimed and commercially successful releases like “Dune: Part Two“, “Challengers“, “Furiosa“, and “Strange Darling“, the selection is vast and varied.
2024 has been an exceptional year for cinema, not just because of the top-tier films released, but primarily due to the outstanding performances that have graced our screens. While the best films may not always correspond with the best performances, this year saw many remarkable acting feats in movies that both critics and audiences appreciated as excellent. With Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu and a few other anticipated films still on the horizon, we have already been treated to numerous impressive performances. As the year winds down, here are ten standout performances from some of 2024‘s finest movies.
10 Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle
‘The Substance’
Coralie Fargeat, director of “The Substance“, offers an unusual blend of body horror and drama, serving as a critique on the stringent expectations towards women that do not apply to men. The film’s perspective on the unattainable and unjust beauty, aging, and talent standards for women is far from subtle.
The story centers around a former Hollywood actress named Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is fired from her popular aerobics show on the morning of her 50th birthday by her unsympathetic producer (Dennis Quaid). When she is given the chance to take a mysterious substance that promises to make a better version of herself, she jumps at the chance to be young and beautiful again.
A Career-Best Performance
Demi Moore has delivered numerous remarkable performances throughout her long career, yet this performance stands out as something uniquely captivating. She pours every ounce of her talent into the character of Elisabeth, breathing life into her and allowing viewers to recognize glimpses of their own struggles in her story. The emotional intensity of the role was particularly challenging.
In the portrayal of her character, Demi Moore showcases a gradual mental decline as Elizabeth becomes increasingly entangled with Sue (Margaret Qualley). This is due to her realization that she’s no longer desired because she no longer fits society’s ideal of youth and attractiveness. The role demanded just as much effort in terms of physicality, as it involved extensive use of prosthetics and special effects makeup for numerous scenes. This transformation of Demi Moore’s character is unprecedented, making her a strong candidate for an Oscar nomination.
Stream The Substance on Mubi
9 Zendaya as Tashi Donaldson
‘Challengers’
The stylish, seductive tennis drama by Luca Guadagnino titled “Challengers” is without a doubt one of the standout films of 2024. With its thumping soundtrack, groundbreaking cinematography, and stunning visuals, this film keeps viewers captivated. The story revolves around Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya), a former player turned tennis coach who has turned her husband Art (Mike Faist) into a famous Grand Slam champion. To break him out of his recent slump, she enters him in a Challengers tournament, which is just below the professional level. However, Art encounters an unexpected opponent: his old friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (Josh O’Connor).
A Career-Defining Performance
Zendaya has certainly made significant strides since her days on the Disney Channel. She’s gone from sharing the screen with Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman, to portraying MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man films alongside Tom Holland, and most recently, spearheading HBO’s Euphoria. This year alone, she’s been busy with projects like Dune: Part Two and Challengers, demonstrating her growing versatility.
In the role of Tashi in the series “Challengers”, Zendaya demonstrates yet again her versatility as an actress, portraying fierce determination, subtle deceit, and profound emotion. She dominates each scene she’s in and shares undeniable chemistry with co-stars Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. On Euphoria, Zendaya has already proven her acting range, but here she showcases her ongoing growth as an artist by delivering a performance that leaves a lasting impression.
Stream Challengers on Prime Video
8 Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreidas
‘Dune: Part Two’
Part Two, which covers the second part of Herbert’s novel. In this continuation, Paul Atreides (Chalamet) and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) join forces with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen in a quest for revenge against those who betrayed their family. As Paul grapples with the choice between the love of his life and saving the universe, he embarks on a journey to alter a future that only he can foresee.
A Show-Stopping Performance
In the past ten years, Timothee Chalamet has consistently delivered exceptional performances without a single misstep. Regardless of his lean build, he possesses an acting ability that makes him the center of attention in every scene he graces with his presence.
In his second portrayal as Duke Paul Atreides, Timothée Chalamet immerses himself deeply in the complex emotions that Paul experiences, delivering an astonishingly believable acting job. He manages to convince not only the Fremen characters in the film, but also the audience, that he truly embodies Maud’Dib and the Known One (Lisan al Gaib). Chalamet skillfully portrays Paul’s anger, sorrow, and internal struggle, transforming into the Messiah-like figure that the Fremen and Bene Gesserit expect him to become. His performance in this role is unlike anything audiences have previously seen from him.
Stream Dune: Part Two on Max
7 Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed
‘Heretic’
In my perspective, I’m not a stranger to the religious horror subgenre, but what Scott Beck and Brayn Woods bring to the table in their latest A24 film, “Heretic”, is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Instead of treading familiar ground with religious themes, they offer a unique perspective. The story revolves around two young missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their routine of knocking on doors to recruit new members takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). What starts as a simple request for religious dialogue, transforms into something far beyond their initial expectations.
In His Villain Era
Hugh Grant, a popular and well-regarded British actor, is primarily known for portraying charming leading roles in romantic comedies and dramas throughout his career. However, as he progresses into later stages of his acting journey, he has shown interest in taking on more villainous characters. For instance, he played the role of Jonathan Fraser in HBO’s The Undoing, and in Heretic, he delved deeper into this darker side by creating a chilling, menacing sociopath character named Mr. Reed, who could have easily been a theology professor.
The movie delves into several thought-provoking topics, such as the distinction between religion and personal belief, and the recurring patterns in institutionalized faith. Throughout numerous extended speeches, Grant explores various religious groups and draws parallels to capitalism. This duality of being wildly eccentric yet coherent leaves one with a mix of unease and admiration. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his views and allows Reed to take center stage, as if Hugh Grant is merely an instrument for Reed’s extensive beliefs.
Watch Heretic in theaters
6 Nell Tiger Free as Margaret
‘The First Omen’
“Arkasha Stevenson’s prequel movie, titled The First Omen, serves as a striking predecessor to the 1976 supernatural horror film The Omen. The story follows Margaret (played by Nell Tiger Free), who travels from America to an Italian convent. Upon her arrival, she encounters a sinister presence that makes her doubt her faith and uncovers a chilling secret the Church is trying to conceal. It appears that the Church may be attempting to manifest evil itself, and Margaret could unwittingly be part of their plan.
An Actress to Keep on Your Radar
In the world of Game of Thrones, viewers might recall Nell Tiger Free as Myrcella Baratheon from seasons five and six, taking over from Amie Richardson. To many spectators though, she’s a fresh talent to behold. After her captivating portrayal in this movie, she’s definitely an actress worth watching closely.
Free churns out an incredibly convincing performance that is both grounded and hallucinatory. Her ability to go from a naive Catholic girl to a determined woman desperate to free herself from the Church’s grasp is seamless. There are scenes in which Margaret enters an almost dreamlike state due to the meddling of the nuns, which is reminiscent of Isabelle Adjani’s iconic horror performance in Possession.
Stream The First Omen on Hulu
5 Mikey Madison as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva
‘Anora’
This year, Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama titled “Anora” caused quite a stir on the festival circuit, claiming the prestigious Palme d’Or award at Cannes. The heartwarming film revolves around a young prostitute from Brooklyn named Anora (played by Mikey Madison). A twist of fate occurs when she impulsively ties the knot with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, potentially setting her up for a fairytale conclusion. However, the dreamy ending is jeopardized as his family finds out and travels to New York to invalidate their marriage.
An Emotionally Driven Comedic Performance
In her career so far, Mikey Madison has made significant impacts with her supporting roles in films like “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and “Scream 5”. However, “Anora” marks her first major leading role, offering an opportunity to showcase her acting abilities extensively. Many of her film characters have required physical prowess in some way, and “Anora” demanded a brand of physical comedy reminiscent of the classic screwball comedies. Madison imbues Ani, who prefers to be called Anora, with a quick wit and a sharp attitude that is seldom seen on screen today. By infusing Ani with heart, humor, wit, and agency, Madison creates a character that feels complete and real.
Watch Anora in theaters
4 Margaret Qualley as Sue
‘The Substance’
This movie, referred to as “The Substance,” has firmly established itself among the top films of 2024, primarily due to the exceptional acting skills of its two main stars. Margaret Qualley, known for portraying eccentric or unusual characters, demonstrates her versatility in this film, showcasing her full acting prowess.
In a different rendition, Qualley portrays Sue, an improved iteration of Elizabeth, fashioned by The Substance. Unlike Elizabeth, Sue is youthful, athletic, and notably self-assured, qualities that she exudes even more intensely when she’s herself. Swiftly usurping Elizabeth’s fitness program, Sue skyrockets to fame within a short span of time, captivating the nation with her charm. She secures talk show spots, forges influential connections, and manages to clinch the coveted New Year’s Eve hosting position at her network.
Effortless Character Transitions
Just like her co-star, Qualley poured her heart and soul into this role. She seamlessly morphs into Sue, converting Elisabeth’s vulnerabilities into Sue’s strengths. Her portrayal exudes self-assuredness and stability in the way Sue speaks, moves, and dresses. Each of Qualley’s actions as Sue reinforces the idea that both Sue and Elisabeth see her as the superior version. When their ruse begins to unravel, Qualley deftly transitions into a portrayal of Sue’s insecurities and desperation as she struggles to hold onto The Substance’s promises.
3 Gabriel LaBelle as Moose
‘Snack Shack’
It’s quite likely that Adam Rehmeier’s coming-of-age film, Snack Shack, from 2024 will be one of the more overlooked and undervalued movies. This movie is both amusing and heartfelt as it tells the story of two teenage friends, AJ (Connor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel LaBelle). Their plot to sell homemade beer at the town pool is thwarted by their parents, so they instead take on the task of running the snack shack. The summer takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Brooke (Mika Abdalla), a captivating lifeguard who challenges their grand plans and friendship in ways they never imagined.
A Star-Making Performance
In this production, Sherry, LaBelle, and Abdalla all deliver remarkable comedic and emotional performances. However, it’s clear that LaBelle shines the brightest. His comic delivery is impeccable, his facial gestures are perfectly timed, and he embodies the carefree coolness of a character that many teenage boys aspire to be. Reminiscent of characters from ’80s teen movies like Joel Goodson in “Risky Business”, LaBelle effortlessly channels the exuberance and charm of those roles. At only 22 years old, it’s evident that LaBelle is a rising star.
Stream Snack Shack on Prime Video
2 Nicolas Cage as Dale Kobble, aka “Longlegs”
‘Longlegs’
Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs” was eagerly awaited by many movie enthusiasts this year, as it combines elements of supernatural terror and gritty crime drama. The extensive promotional efforts for the film earned it the reputation as the “scariest movie of the year,” leaving even hardened horror viewers anticipating a chilling cinema experience. The story revolves around FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), who tracks down a psychopathic serial killer, unraveling a trail of occult puzzles that only she seems capable of solving to bring an end to his gruesome murder spree.
A Chillingly Unhinged Performance
In this movie, the enigmatic character of Longlegs is brilliantly portrayed by none other than Nicolas Cage. Known for his unique ability to embody the strange, the eccentric, and the unstable, Cage delivers another outstanding performance in this role. Despite limited early appearances where his face remains hidden, Cage seamlessly transforms into Longlegs, thanks to heavy makeup and prosthetics. According to the filmmakers, Longlegs was originally envisioned as a former glam rocker who underwent multiple plastic surgeries to maintain his youthful appearance for the Devil.
Cage’s performance captures that insatiable need to appease and impress Satan. After years of worshiping the Devil and engaging in occult activities, his ability to interact normally with other people is gone. Cage’s performance conveys that expertly.
Rent Longlegs on Prime Video or Apple TV
1 Selena Gomez as Jessi Del Monte
‘Emilia Perez’
Jacques Audiard’s French drama titled “Emilia Perez” ingeniously combines genres, resulting in a captivating mix of music and suspense, vividly illuminated by neon hues. The narrative unfolds around Rita (Zoe Saldana), a talented yet underestimated lawyer who works for a law firm that prioritizes freeing criminals over pursuing justice. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is recruited by the head of a criminal syndicate.
A Contender for the Best Actress Oscar
In the movie “Emilia Perez“, it’s the exceptional acting that sets it apart. Incredibly, all four leading actresses jointly won the Best Actress award at Cannes earlier this year. Each of these talented women excels in their roles, but Selena Gomez stands out particularly brightly. She masterfully performs her musical scenes and leaves viewers eager for more. This year saw many actors and actresses push their boundaries, but Gomez’s performance in this film is unlike any we’ve seen from her before. The musical sequences are electrifying.
Stream Emilia Perez on Netflix
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2024-11-16 06:32