7 2024 A24 Movies With Over 90% On Rotten Tomatoes (And 2 More That Don’t But Still Rock)

As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that A24 has truly outdone itself this year! The range of films they’ve produced, from the heartwarming “Love Lies Bleeding” to the thought-provoking “I Saw the TV Glow,” is nothing short of extraordinary.

2024’s movie lineup is shaping up to be thrilling, yet it doesn’t diminish the quality of the 2024 release schedule. Quite the contrary, it has been teeming with critically acclaimed productions, showcasing a mix of heartrending dramas, visually stunning documentaries, and captivating genre films. Although several movies this year have garnered high praise with ratings of 90% or more on Rotten Tomatoes, there are others that shine just as brightly, even if they don’t quite reach that threshold. Let’s explore the outstanding 2024 independent American film company productions, two of which may not have perfect scores but still leave a lasting impact.

The Elite Seven: A24 Movies Scoring Over 90%

1. The Sixth (100%)

Under the direction of Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, The Sixth is an engaging documentary that explores the tumultuous events surrounding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. By focusing on six individuals who were significantly affected by this day, the film portrays a nation in crisis, emphasizing the enduring importance of truth and responsibility. This riveting and emotional portrayal leaves an indelible mark on American history, making it no wonder that it shares the acclaim of documentaries with over 90% approval on Rotten Tomatoes.

2. Sing Sing (98%)

Under the guidance of director Greg Kwedar, the movie titled “Sing Sing” is a profoundly emotional drama that finds roots in the genuine Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. The story unfolds as it follows a group of detainees who find an outlet for their creativity and essential humanity by producing stage performances on the theatrical stage. This film received widespread recognition after its debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, and was later distributed by A24 in July 2024. The film has been commended for its thoughtful examination of redemption and artistic expression within the prison system.

3. The Last of the Sea Women (97%)

As a passionate admirer, let me tell you about my captivation with “The Last of the Sea Women,” a visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary. This masterpiece spotlights the haenyeo, an aging yet remarkable group of women divers in Jeju, South Korea, who plunge into the ocean without scuba gear to collect seafood, a practice that has been their lifeline for centuries. Watching this film is like bearing witness to cultural fortitude, a reason why I’m so drawn to films and documentaries that showcase real-life individuals.

4. A Different Man (92%)

Sebastian Stan offers a chilling portrayal in the widely acclaimed comic-thriller “A Different Man,” written and directed by Aaron Schimberg. This film grapples with topics like identity, fixation, and humanity’s yearning for change, primarily focusing on Edward Lemuel, a man with a facial deformity who elects for an experimental medical treatment that significantly changes his life. Initially, the narrative unfolds as a tale of personal evolution, but it soon transforms into a suspenseful journey delving into self-deception and the extremes one might reach to escape their history. In TopMob’s review of “A Different Man,” Nick Venable bestowed it with an almost perfect score, describing it as “unyieldingly magnificent.

5. Heretic (91%)

If you’re similar to me, you might be keeping track of all the newest horror films coming out, and you’ve likely heard quite a bit about Heretic. Indeed, there’s a reason for the hype. As Eric Eisenberg notes in his Cinemablend review, Heretic is undeniably one of the year’s top horror movies. This unsettling psychological horror film offers a dark interpretation of the traditional missionary story. The movie focuses on two young missionaries whose routine door-to-door evangelism takes a horrifying turn when they meet the enigmatic and malevolent Mr. Reed, skillfully portrayed by Hugh Grant. Initially intending to spread their faith, their situation quickly transforms into a life-threatening game of cat and mouse as they find themselves trapped in his home.

6. Look into My Eyes (90%)

The recently released documentary titled “Look Into My Eyes“, directed by Lana Wilson (known for “Miss Americana” and “After Tiller“), delves into the lives of psychics residing in New York City, providing a unique perspective on the emotional readings they conduct with their clients. Instead of questioning the validity of psychic abilities, Wilson focuses on what really matters: our innate human desire for connection, solace, and healing. Similar to other notable A24 productions, this film masterfully captures a broad range of emotions—from feelings of isolation to optimism and an unspoken yearning for purpose. By focusing on the tender moments that emerge during these sessions, the movie offers insights into our collective quest for significance, leaving viewers pondering long after the ending credits.

7. Love Lies Bleeding (94%)

Under the guidance of director Rose Glass, the film “Love Lies Bleeding” presents a gripping queer love story intertwined with a neon-bathed, nightmarish journey into the depths of love, fixation, and moral corruption. This neo-noir thriller follows the tumultuous relationship between Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy M. O’Brian), as their toxic romance descends into violence and insanity, with compelling performances that grip audiences. The film skillfully blurs the boundaries between actuality and perception, culminating in a startling and hallucinatory finale that leaves viewers pondering truth and illusion—if you’re not fond of romance movies with a dark twist, it might be best to avoid it; however, for me, it’s a must-see as it delves into the complexities of love’s darker aspects—power dynamics, codependency, and self-destruction. As unsettling as it is captivating, “Love Lies Bleeding” is a thrilling, thought-provoking adventure that solidifies its position among A24’s most memorable productions.

The Underdogs: Under 90% But Still Rock

1. I Saw the TV Glow (84%)

In a Stunning Display, I Saw the TV Glow is an electrifying coming-of-age horror film that has garnered attention, even from Martin Scorsese. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun (We’re All Going to the World’s Fair), this unsettling yet nostalgic gem skillfully combines eerie visuals with a deeply personal story about loneliness and human connection. With its bold style and emotionally resonant themes, the film may not be among the elite 90%, but its 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes solidifies it as one of the year’s most distinctive cinematic experiences. At present, it is one of the best horror movies available on Max, standing out not only as one of the platform’s top horror films—it’s also among my favorite movies of the year.

2. MaXXXine (72%)

In the third part of Ti West’s “X” series, titled “MaXXXine”, we plunge headfirst into the vibrant, gritty world of 1980s Hollywood. Although it may not reach the heights set by its previous installments—particularly with an ending that seemed to lack the signature Ti West impact—Mia Goth continues to demonstrate why she’s one of the most captivating actors in the industry today. Her powerful performance, coupled with West’s daring direction, keeps the adrenaline-pumping violence at peak levels. It’s also important to mention Kevin Bacon’s outrageously entertaining portrayal of shady private investigator John Labat, a role that makes the cost of admission more than worthwhile. Despite its shortcomings, “MaXXXine” offers enough flair, grit, and nostalgia to make it a fitting finale for the trilogy.

Final Thoughts

In simpler terms, A24 solidified its position as a leader in innovative, edge-of-the-envelope cinema throughout 2024. Both established masterpieces and fresh, exhilarating titles like “MaXXXine” and “I Saw the TV Glow” made it an exceptional year for A24, showcasing the very best of independent filmmaking.

2024-12-13 21:08