As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of extraordinary! Each film seems to have been meticulously crafted to deliver a unique blend of drama, suspense, and humor, reflecting the diverse talents of our contemporary directors.
Labeling a film as a “thriller” can be quite tricky because it encompasses a range of elements such as action, suspense, fear, and drama. When the focus is on intense physical confrontations or high-speed chases, it’s more accurate to call it an “action” movie. If the main emphasis is on scares and shock value, then it leans towards the “horror” genre. However, if there are only a few sequences meant to heighten tension but not necessarily designed to make your heart race, then it would be classified as a “drama.” It’s one of the trickier genres to pin down, but when you watch it, you usually know right away, and the 2024 movie release calendar boasts several outstanding thrillers.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been contemplating some outstanding films I watched over the last year, as well as titles that received a lot of positive attention which I missed out on. While my fellow writer Philip Sledge has delved into this genre across movies and TV shows, I have narrowed down my list to only the most gripping big-screen thrillers from 2024. There were numerous films that left an impact in 2024, like Alex Garland’s “Civil War” and Anna Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour,” but after careful consideration, my top choice remained steadfast at number one.
10. Love Lies Bleeding
2024 saw several films that catered to gritty, raw aesthetics, but none quite matched the intensity of Rose Glass’ “Love Lies Bleeding.” This movie was packed with themes such as passion, tension, jealousy, substance abuse, and violence. The narrative revolves around a timid gym manager (Kristen Stewart) who develops feelings for an ambitious bodybuilder (Katy O’Brian). However, the bodybuilder’s anger, fueled by steroids, results in an unintentional murder. What makes this story unique is that the protagonist’s criminal kingpin father (Ed Harris) plays a significant role, leading to special repercussions. The plot thickens and reaches its climax in a wild, fantastical ending.
After watching it, you might find yourself craving a shower, yet “Love Lies Bleeding” is undeniably one of the most striking films of 2024.
9. Blink Twice
What’s going on at Slater King’s private island? Zoë Kravitz’s impressive directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” leaves you intrigued, pondering this very question throughout the film. When the movie finally reveals its major revelation, your curiosity only intensifies as you wonder about the fate and escape of Naomi Ackie’s character Frida and the other women who have been trapped by Slater (Channing Tatum).
The screenplay penned by Zoë Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum in “Blink Twice” is skillfully crafted and visually stunning, backed by impressive cinematography and sharp editing. If you haven’t watched it yet, I strongly advise avoiding any spoilers to enjoy it wholeheartedly.
8. Rebel Ridge
2024 might find it hard to showcase a more impressive breakout role than Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Terry Richmond in Jeremy Saulnier’s “Rebel Ridge.” The imposing actor exudes an undeniable screen presence right from the start, with his bike ride turning into a harrowing confrontation with small-town law enforcement. By the end, it’s clear to viewers that this talent is destined for A-list status.
Terry, who honed his skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, isn’t just an accomplished fighter; he possesses unyielding composure and is often the calmest individual in any setting, whether it be tranquil or chaotic. Witnessing him perform is always exhilarating, and Saulnier’s script strategically places him in a compelling contemporary conflict that sheds light on the alarming capacity for abuse within civil forfeiture laws.
7. The Order
2024’s most notable addition to the long-standing genre of cat-and-mouse thrillers, where law enforcers and criminals engage in intricate games, is Justin Kurzel’s “The Order”. In this film, Jude Law delivers an outstanding portrayal of FBI Agent Terry Husk, a man whose intense devotion may lead him to Idaho to probe into a string of crimes linked to a white supremacist group aiming to overthrow the government. Equally captivating is Nicholas Hoult’s chilling interpretation of domestic terrorist Bob Matthews.
The film is powerful, regardless if you know it’s a true story or not – but discovering how the extreme views portrayed by the antagonists mirror modern-day societal trends can give you chills all on its own.
6. The Seed Of The Sacred Fig
The gritty narrative of Missagh Zareh’s character, Iman, significantly contributes to Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed Of The Sacred Fig” earning a spot among this year’s top cinematic thrillers. Initially, he is a conscientious man, eager to improve his family’s circumstances upon being named an investigating judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. However, his sense of righteousness gradually erodes as he is compelled to approve executions for political dissidents and witnesses his daughters adopting progressive beliefs. The disappearance of his gun sets off a chain reaction, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film.
In a more relaxed and straightforward phrasing, the title “The Seed Of The Sacred Fig” refers to a compelling film that offers an enlightening perspective on its regional context (Mohammad Rasoulof cleverly employs authentic cell phone footage and images from Iranian protests for a striking impact). However, its messages and interactions resonate beyond the local setting as they carry universal themes.
5. Woman Of The Hour
Initially, I had some reservations about including Anna Kendrick’s “Woman Of The Hour” on this list due to the intense horror elements present in the film. The chilling portrayal of Daniel Zovatto’s character, Rodney Alcala, at his most terrifying moments, such as the opening sequence where he strangles a woman, brings her back to life, and then kills her again, makes it a strong contender for 2024’s best horror movies. However, the core emphasis of the film lies in the escalating tension of Kendrick’s character, Sheryl Bradshaw, being drawn to him as a contestant on “The Dating Game.” This slow-building suspense keeps it in contention for the thriller category as well.
Kendrick and Zovatto possess an exceptional dynamic that strangely makes their characters resonate as Sheryl interrogates Rodney in a 1970s television broadcast, yet admiring her rebellious spirit also heightens the worry about her growing too close to a man with sinister tendencies.
4. Civil War
Initially, Alex Garland’s Civil War appeared rather far-fetched and sensational, garnering interest due to the alliance of Texas and California. Many were eager to analyze its political undertones based on the trailer. However, upon watching the film, all that initial hype fades into insignificant noise. The movie presents a chilling portrayal of a plausible near-future and successfully instills the terror of traversing an active war zone within U.S. borders. Simultaneously, it serves as a powerful homage to journalists and their indispensable contributions to society.
The sparse title of “Civil War” mirrors its intricate storyline: a team of journalists journey to Washington D.C. for an audience with the President, just as rebels are about to seize the city. Despite its straightforward premise, it masks the deep and immersive portrayal of what it means to be embedded alongside reporters, documenting global events. The movie boasts a captivating cast of main characters whose survival and success you root for intensely. To put it frankly, Jesse Plemons’ powerful, unnamed performance as an aggressive soldier adds an extra layer that elevates the film significantly on this list.
3. A Different Man
In a unique twist among the listed films, Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man” stands out as the most humorous, yet it’s not just a laugh riot. The film’s dark comedy is skillfully interwoven with an unexpected spiral into madness. The relationship between Sebastian Stan’s Edward Lemuel/Guy Moratz and Adam Pearson’s Oswald is humorously portrayed, as the latter embodies everything the former lacked before undergoing an experimental procedure that results in a metamorphosis, sparking wild jealousy. However, the film doesn’t undermine the emotional depth of the protagonist’s struggle.
In “A Different Man,” the gradual progression from envy to seething anger, then to uncontrollable rage, and finally to violence serves as a captivating escalation, which significantly contributes to this film’s status as one of the top 2024 thrillers.
2. September 5
Similar to the movie “Civil War”, Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5” also scrutinizes the profession of journalism, but it offers a tale that simultaneously honors journalists who rise to the occasion during a crisis and portrays how their ambitions can make them victims. The ABC broadcast team at the 1972 Summer Olympics serves as an inspiring example as they swiftly shift their focus from sports to news amidst a hostage situation, embracing the urgency of the moment. During this tense period, their resourcefulness is both awe-inspiring and exhilarating, with the characters creatively extinguishing different fires (such as disguising one team member as an athlete to secretly transport equipment to another colleague).
The story also shares similarities with the Icarus myth, emphasizing the contemporary challenges faced by the media, particularly the problematic boundary between news and amusement. September 5th is intense, captivating, and heart-wrenching.
1. Conclave
It’s surprising how exciting the process of choosing a new pope can be! Director Edward Berger’s film, “Conclave,” stands out among this year’s releases with its breathtaking visuals that echo the masters of Renaissance art. Yet, it doesn’t just captivate you visually; it draws you in deeper and deeper as events unfold and surprising secrets are unveiled.
Politics are politics even in the holy vestments of the Catholic Church, and it’s spellbinding to watch Ralph Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence navigate the back biting and secret maneuverings that transpire amid the rounds of ballot casting – further escalating his personal crisis of faith in the religious institution. The phenomenal supporting cast, including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Lucian Msamati, Sergio Castellitto, and Carlos Diehz are all exceptional and at the top of their game, and after two hours of not knowing where the power is going to shift, it concludes with the best twist ending of any film in 2024.
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2024-12-26 16:07