The Most Divisive Movies of 2024, Ranked

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As a cinephile who has spent the better part of my days and nights immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that this year’s film releases have been quite the rollercoaster ride! From the grandeur of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” to the raw intensity of Chris Nash’s “In a Violent Nature,” it seems that 20XX has offered up a smorgasbord of experiences for moviegoers like myself.

One film that really caught my attention was Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga.” Now, I’m no stranger to epic westerns – I mean, I did grow up on a ranch in Montana after all! But four chapters? That’s quite the commitment, even for someone like me who has more time on his hands than most. That being said, Chapters One and Two have certainly piqued my interest, and I must admit that I am intrigued to see where this story goes.

On the other hand, there were films like “Megalopolis” that left me scratching my head – or rather, Adam Driver’s character did, as he delivered a soliloquy from Hamlet in the middle of what seemed to be a completely unrelated scene. I mean, who does that? But then again, Francis Ford Coppola is no stranger to pushing boundaries and taking risks, so maybe it was just another bold move from a master filmmaker.

All in all, 20XX has been a year of contrasts – of films that were loved and those that were loathed, of daring experiments and safe bets. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving world of cinema, where creativity knows no bounds and where the only certainty is that there will always be something new to discover.

Oh, and as for the joke: I guess you could say that this year’s films have been like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get!

As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the cinematic landscape of 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride. The year has seen its fair share of disappointments, such as the much-anticipated yet universally panned sequels like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “Venom: The Last Dance,” which left many moviegoers feeling let down. Similarly, star-studded box office flops like “Red One” have made us question what once seemed to be surefire hits.

However, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom. There have been highlights that have truly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. For instance, the new iterations of some massive franchises, such as “Wicked” and “Alien: Romulus,” have been major successes. In fact, “Alien: Romulus” even earned a coveted Golden Globe nomination.

In conclusion, while 2024 has had its ups and downs, it’s been an exciting year to be a film enthusiast. I can’t wait to see what the future of cinema holds!

2024 has seen an unusual mix in film quality – some movies have sparked intense debate, earning both glowing praise and harsh criticism. This year, a few films have bucked the usual trend of being either exceptional or underwhelming. Notably, independent auteur filmmakers have started to distance themselves from the traditional Hollywood approach, with Megalopolis being a significant illustration of this shift.

In other parts, the series “Horizon: An American Saga” starring Kevin Costner has commenced, while films like “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” that could have been massive successes find themselves in a more moderate spotlight. It’s clear that 2024 has seen a higher number of movies that have sparked intense debates among viewers, and this pattern might not cease as audiences continue to evolve and adapt.

10
Civil War

Alex Garland’s dystopian, upcoming film, produced by A24, was financially successful, surpassing its $50 million budget by more than double in both theaters and on streaming service Max. However, despite this success, the film has received criticism mainly due to its ambiguous political message. In Garland’s depiction of a future civil war within the United States, there are federal and secessionist groups, which at times, seem strikingly similar to contemporary society – yet the movie struggles to take a clear stance on various aspects of the political landscape. Perhaps a film titled “Civil War” would always be somewhat divisive by nature.

9
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Despite generally positive reviews, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s gothic comedy “Beetlejuice” didn’t escape criticism altogether. The 1988 film has a dedicated fanbase who were eager for a worthy successor, but unfortunately, this new movie seems to fall short in terms of character and spirit development compared to the original. Furthermore, advancements in filmmaking technology have allowed Burton and his team to rely more on CGI instead of practical effects, which may give “Beetlejuice: Beetlejuice” a slightly less vibrant feel than its predecessor.

8
The Apprentice

In the words of the re-elected former President of the United States and the show’s subject, Donald Trump (as reported by Variety), The Apprentice delves into Trump’s early real estate ventures. The film primarily explores the dynamic between Trump (portrayed by Sebastian Stan) and Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong). Although critics generally praised the movie, its distribution faced challenges due to the political nature of the subject matter, as it centers around a highly controversial figure. By its very nature, this film is bound to be divisive.

7
Nightbitch

Hailing from a 2021 novel titled “Nightbitch,” this intriguing film made its festival debut, earning Amy Adams an award at TIFF for her outstanding performance as a character who occasionally morphs into a canine. While it’s a captivating and distinctive movie, critical reception was mixed. The film falters when measured against the book that spawned it, as it doesn’t delve as deeply into the narrative themes — motherhood, modern feminism, and feelings of isolation — as effectively as the original story does on paper.

6
Mufasa: The Lion King

Similar to how Beetlejuice garnered a massive fanbase from its original release, the 1994 animated Lion King was a hit and cultivated its own following, marking a high point for Disney’s ‘renaissance’ period. In 2019, it was reimagined with a contemporary ‘live action’ style. Now, five years later, we have a sequel titled Mufasa: The Lion King. Unfortunately, this new film fails to measure up to its predecessors in terms of music and voice acting, as the late James Earl Jones is not featured in the lead role. Despite this, the animation is exceptional, and the storyline, while intriguing, tends to be somewhat predictable. The controversy arises when comparing it to the original film; some viewers can appreciate it as a standalone movie, while others yearn for it to meet the same standards as the first one.

5
The End

As a lifelong fan of dystopian narratives and musical films, I was intrigued by Joshua Oppenheimer’s debut film “The End.” Having spent years immersed in post-apocalyptic fiction, I found the concept of a family living underground after the end of the world to be both captivating and hauntingly familiar. However, what truly set this movie apart from other works in the genre was its innovative approach to the musical format.

The film’s lack of conformity to traditional musical conventions was refreshing, as it allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their experiences. I appreciated how Oppenheimer used music not only to advance the plot but also to convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters in a unique and engaging way.

However, what I found most intriguing about “The End” was its exploration of politics and morality. The slow reveal that the family trapped in the bunker played a role in causing the apocalypse added an unexpected layer of complexity to the narrative. As someone who has long been interested in the intersection of personal responsibility and societal collapse, I found this theme particularly resonant and thought-provoking.

Overall, “The End” is a visually stunning and structurally unusual film that has left me both impressed and confused. While some critics have found it difficult to follow, I believe that its innovative approach to storytelling and themes make it an essential addition to the dystopian genre. If you’re looking for a musical with a twist, I highly recommend giving “The End” a watch.

4
Trap

M. Night Shyamalan is known for directing movies that often spark heated debates among viewers. His latest film, “Old,” was an exceptional case, as it garnered both enthusiastic praise and harsh criticism upon its release. Unlike many of his other works, “Trap” stands out in Shyamalan’s collection because the signature twists are noticeably absent. Instead, there are a few major revelations, but they are predictable for most viewers. While the movie is well-made and has some engaging moments, it falls short of what fans have grown accustomed to from Shyamalan, leading many disappointed viewers to feel let down.

3
Horizon: An American Saga

Kevin Costner’s plan to tell a sprawling 12-hour western tale divided into four movies might have left some cinema enthusiasts thinking twice about their theater visits this year. Yet, with only the first two installments “Horizon Chapters One and Two” out so far, it’s hard to make a definitive judgment on the overall project. So far, these chapters aren’t poor by any means, but they do offer a substantial amount of content already.

Over two instalments, you’d find nearly six hours of content to watch. Despite the impressive world-building, it doesn’t truly feel like a full-fledged movie with a narrative until well into the second part. Despite the fact that both releases didn’t fare well financially, Costner is optimistic that the remaining parts of the project will be produced. Maybe they’ll appeal to a wider audience.

2
In a Violent Nature

Chris Nash’s 94-minute Canadian horror film, “In a Violent Nature,” significantly redefines the slasher genre by presenting viewers with a unique perspective – that of the killer. This innovative approach, while daring, generally resonates well with audiences. The movie’s success has boosted Nash’s confidence in a potential sequel. However, some viewers found it hard to follow due to extended, first-person tracking shots and were left uninterested. Additionally, the film’s graphic violence sparked some controversies. Despite the criticisms, the intense portrayal of violence in this movie is undeniably impressive, and while it may not appeal to everyone, some of the negative reviews might have been overstated.

1
Megalopolis

Ultimately, Francis Ford Coppola’s film titled “Megalopolis: A Fable” left a significant impact on global audiences, receiving a number of unexpectedly unfavorable reviews. Typically, a project by Coppola would attract a massive audience, but the divisive response to “Megalopolis” can largely be attributed to its innovative yet controversial creative choices. Early in the movie, Adam Driver’s character, Cesar, delivers Hamlet’s well-known soliloquy from the namesake Shakespeare play. Later on, Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight are given lines such as “concrete, concrete, concrete and steel, steel, steel” and “what do you think of this boner I got?” respectively.

As a lifelong cinephile who has seen countless films from various genres and eras, I find myself intrigued by Coppola’s latest creation, “Megalopolis.” Having spent hours engrossed in its 140-minute runtime, I must admit that it left me with a sense of bewilderment. As someone who appreciates experimental cinema and the courageous endeavors of filmmakers, I can see the bravery behind this self-funded, non-naturalistic opus.

However, as someone who values coherence in storytelling, I found the movie to be a challenging watch, with its drug-and-alcohol-induced narrative seemingly impenetrable to all but Francis Ford Coppola himself. Yet, amidst the apparent chaos lies thematic consistency, strong characters, and at least a handful of commendable performances that keep me questioning my initial thoughts on the film.

Ultimately, I find “Megalopolis” to be a highly divisive piece – some will love it, others will hate it. But what cannot be denied is its audacity to challenge the mainstream in a way that few popular films have dared to do in recent years. As someone who cherishes originality and innovation in cinema, I believe “Megalopolis” is worth experiencing, even if it may not appeal to everyone. It’s undoubtedly brave, and that’s something we should celebrate in the world of film.

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2025-01-01 01:32