As a film critic with over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege (and occasional pain) of witnessing some truly exceptional performances on the silver screen. However, this year has been particularly remarkable, and I’d like to share my thoughts on a few standouts that have left an indelible impression on me.
DAVID ROONEY More often than not, when we delve into our yearly discussion about the most impactful performances, I notice that there are more women than men on my list. This doesn’t imply that male actors didn’t deliver exceptional work, but rather, several female performers executed remarkable, awe-inspiring feats that continue to linger in my thoughts, even months after viewing the films.
At the peak of this pile, I’d place Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s fiery portrayal in “Hard Truths”, her reunion with “Secrets & Lies” director Mike Leigh. Her character Pansy is always on edge in the initial sequences, ready to explode with anger at even the slightest provocation, and Jean-Baptiste takes her bitterness to humorous extremes. However, there’s a nearly unnoticeable shift, a subtle softening, that the actress brings about. This transformation causes us to feel empathy for Pansy. She makes us confront her deep-seated exhaustion, her pain, disappointment, and history of trauma.
Through heartwarming interactions between Pansy and her sister Chantelle, portrayed brilliantly by Michele Austin with tender affection and endless empathy, our investment in their relationship deepens. Despite Pansy’s prickly demeanor, Chantelle remains unaffected, not deterred nor provoked. Her steadfastness serves as a beacon of love that gradually softens even the most hardened heart, including Pansy’s.
Lovia, do you have a favorite performance of the year?
I find Jean-Baptiste’s portrayal of Jean-Baptiste in “Hard Truths” particularly compelling. She masterfully conveys Pansy’s hurt through a grace that enables us, as you mentioned, to look past her rough exterior. I’m intrigued by Leigh’s extensive rehearsal methodology, where he collaborates intimately with each actor to mold their characters. This approach is evident in subtle cues that reveal how Pansy’s life as a Black British woman has been influenced by race, class, and gender. Her biting words and actions appear like scars, the consequences of a tender spirit navigating a harsh world.
In the film “Babygirl,” I found a comparable level of trust between Halina Reijn and Nicole Kidman. This movie, marking Reijn’s third directorial venture, is categorized as an erotic thriller, but it has elements of comedy too. The humor comes from exploring sexual fantasies, which can be absurd and lighthearted by nature. Kidman’s portrayal, particularly in scenes with Harris Dickinson, who delivers a commendable performance as her love interest, skillfully balances the seriousness of the explicit content with its comedic aspects without making it seem ridiculous.
Another example of actor-director collaboration is Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott in “Gladiator II”. Denzel Washington, one of our most valuable talents, portrays a slippery character in this muscular Roman saga. His physicality flows effortlessly – boldly flashing his ring-bedecked fingers, arrogantly sweeping his toga as he enters or exits a scene – and his self-assured dialogue is delightful to watch. He operates on a different level compared to the rest of the cast.
ROONEY Absolutely, I wholeheartedly agree with your admiration for Denzel. His ability to make those stunning gold-edged garments seem regal is a testament to his natural charisma that might come off as merely flashy in others. Instead, it exudes the unquestionable authority of a man who revels in the power granted by underhand dealings. His jewelry-adorned hands tell stories; even his salt-and-pepper hair becomes part of his stylish ensemble. Yet, his appearance would be meaningless without the cunning intent behind it.
Speaking as a fan, I’m consistently amazed by Kidman’s unwavering commitment to tackling ambitious roles and venturing into fresh creative territories even four decades into her remarkable career. In the captivating film Babygirl, she delivers an electrifying performance that illuminates the allure of surrender, and her portrayal is nothing short of spellbinding.
Shifting focus to some fresh talents, the pipeline from teen shows to prestigious films continues to thrive. Actors like Ryan Destiny from Grown-ish and Drew Starkey from Outer Banks are delivering equally captivating performances as Charles Melton did in 2023’s May December, who was previously part of the cast of Riverdale.
In the atypical boxing biography movie titled “The Fire Inside“, Destiny skillfully portrays the resilience of Olympic athlete Claressa “T-Rex” Shields without falling into caricature. She beautifully captures the vulnerability that shows us Claressa is still a young girl figuring out her place in life. A notable scene occurs shortly after she’s advised to present herself as more feminine for sponsorship purposes, where Destiny applies lip gloss, smiles at her reflection, and swiftly removes it all. This moment powerfully illustrates the challenges (many women athletes face) in their careers, as well as Claressa’s grief over a lost childhood that may have been compromised.
And although there surely will be a lot of talk about Daniel Craig as Lee in Queer, Starkey deserves credit too for his challenging work as Eugene, the object of Lee’s desire. The dashing American expat is an enigma to Lee, to the audience, maybe even to himself — but Starkey signals his character’s complexity even as he channels his mystery.
ROONEY I’m delighted you brought up Starkey! Your observation that Eugene remains a mystery even to himself rings true: He’s still discovering his identity, making him both enigmatic and pliable. It’s understandable why Eugene could get caught up in the one-sided relationship because Lee alleviates the pressure of identity struggles by crafting a persona for him – at least until he gains a deeper understanding of himself.
Instead of discussing why an older gay man like myself might have been deeply moved by Craig’s performance, let’s focus on how it evokes a sense of surrender – to the allure of twink intoxication and opioid addiction – that lends a melancholic, sensual atmosphere to the film. In many ways, Craig’s portrayal can be seen as his liberation from the role of James Bond, as he so fully immerses himself in a character whose charisma and urbane charm ultimately have their limits.
It’s intriguing to observe actors tackling roles that contrast with their past performances, such as Craig in “Queer” or Hugh Grant in “Heretic”. In these films, Grant uses his romantic comedy allure for sinister intentions, portraying an obsessive theologian who deceives two Mormon missionaries. This unsettling performance gives the religious thriller its unique and chilling quality.
Additionally in the realm of horror, I can’t help but bring up Lily-Rose Depp in Robert Eggers’ stunning remake of “Nosferatu”. In this role, Depp delivers some of her finest performances as Ellen, a character who becomes progressively detached and catatonic. Her portrayal is marked by a chilling physicality that vividly conveys a raw, tangible suffering. Depp not only emphasizes Ellen’s virginal innocence but also adds layers to our perception of her connection with the dark – she is both repelled by and intimately linked to it.
In a switch from the usual virtual worlds I explore, I found myself captivated by Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice. (His standout role this year in Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man is equally deserving of recognition.) Taking on a part that could have easily slipped into uncomfortable parody, he instead breathes life into it with unexpected emotion, painting the future con man as a driven individual grappling with father issues. He shares the screen effectively with Jeremy Strong, who delivers another top-notch performance as Roy Cohn.
ROONEY I found the chilling narrative of America’s darker side in “The Brutalist” particularly captivating. Adrien Brody delivers an outstanding portrayal as a Hungarian Jewish architect who endures World War II and experiences the prospects of a fresh start in America, only to have it cruelly snatched away. His character, a tormented genius whose downfall is triggered by his overconfidence, drug addiction, and the termination of his wealthy patron’s support, is heart-wrenching.
Moreover, Guy Pearce, the influential tycoon, exudes an icy demeanor. With his elevated status, he switches effortlessly from being a generous patron to a merciless enforcer, crushing the architect underfoot, demonstrating that they will forever remain unequal in his eyes.
Moving on to a more tender topic, another memorable acting piece that left an impact is Kieran Culkin in the film “A Real Pain“. His character Benji presents a raw, carefree contrast to his uptight cousin David, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg who also wrote and directed the movie. Their initial scenes together are filled with a sharp, humorous tension. However, as they travel across Poland to visit their late grandmother’s ancestral home, Benji’s casual demeanor gradually peels away to unveil hidden turmoil and deep sadness. Kieran Culkin truly moved me.
In addition, I was deeply touched by Cillian Murphy’s performance in “Small Things Like These.” His portrayal surpasses even his exceptional work in “Oppenheimer.” As a reserved coal merchant in 1980s Ireland, he is faced with the difficult choice of turning a blind eye for self-preservation or speaking out against the cruelty and suffering he observes. This year, I don’t remember another actor who communicated so much through his expressive eyes alone.
The discussion surrounding Nickel Boys has predominantly revolved around its daring formal approach, but I believe another significant aspect is the powerful lead performances. These performances, such as those by Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, are marked by a profound intensity. Despite the camera’s subjective perspective creating an atmosphere of intimacy, it’s the thoughtful portrayal by these two actors, depicting two boys whose lives intertwine at a brutal reform school, that truly solidifies the film.
I was equally captivated by the dual performances in “Wicked”. While Ariana Grande brings a radiant energy to her role as Glinda, it’s Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba that truly resonated with me. Her subdued and hurt demeanor uncovers a vulnerability that later blossoms into a profoundly moving strength – encapsulated in a performance of “Defying Gravity” that serves as a poignant act of self-assertion.
ROONEY Among many other remarkable performances by women, Mikey Madison stands out in the film “Anora“. She portrays a character who is both innocent like Cinderella and feisty as a Brooklyn sex worker, who unexpectedly marries the drug-addled son of a Russian oligarch. Despite her husband and his family treating Anora as disposable, Madison’s performance exudes a fierce resilience – all while evoking the sadness of her emotionally traumatic situation. Her scenes with Yura Borisov, who plays a surprisingly gentle Russian enforcer, add a touch of heart to this comedic storyline.
Anora’s rebellious nature is mirrored by Eunice, portrayed by Fernanda Torres, in the film “I’m Still Here.” This character, a mother of five, transforms into a lawyer and activist following her husband’s disappearance under Brazil’s military regime. Walter Salles’ powerful drama follows a touching full-circle narrative as it casts Torres’ real-life mother, Fernanda Montenegro (memorable in Salles’ “Central Station” from 1998), as Eunice during her later years.
When it comes to mentioning our preferred actresses’ performances, I can’t help but think of Danielle Deadwyler in “The Piano Lesson.” Her portrayal of Berniece skillfully links this screen adaptation of August Wilson’s drama to its source – Romare Bearden’s 1983 color lithograph “The Piano Lesson” – and serves as the focal point, with other actors orbiting around her. In the film’s climactic scene, when Berniece’s interaction with the piano takes on a profound significance, Deadwyler delves into the core of Berniece’s anger, sorrow, and vulnerability, leaving us spellbound. It’s captivating.
ROONEY Alongside these standout solo acts, some fantastic female ensembles also caught our attention. Jacques Audiard’s unique crime musical, titled Emilia Pérez, has sparked intense debate, but it’s hard to deny the emotional depth and self-exploration that Karla Sofía Gascón brings to life as Emilia, a former cartel boss on a journey towards redemption and reconnecting with her family following gender-affirming surgery. Zoe Saldaña delivers a nuanced performance as the ethically challenged lawyer who finds herself inexorably drawn into helping Emilia navigate her challenges.
In addition, the three captivating actresses – Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen – star in the movie “His Three Daughters.” Their characters, who couldn’t be more different, are brought together as they struggle to find understanding while their father is gravely ill in another room. The intense energy that arises among them is softened by poignant instances of heartfelt reconciliation, born out of their mutual grief.
Among the performances that left an impact on me are those from films that might not have been particularly politically provocative. Surprisingly, “Civil War” doesn’t live up to its promise in this regard. However, Kirsten Dunst brings a raw humanity to the film with her portrayal of a seasoned war photographer. Her eyes speak volumes about the atrocities she has seen, now shrouded by desensitization, culminating in a heart-wrenching final scene.
It seems we both find “The Substance” to be excessively lauded this year, as it relentlessly exploits the horror of body issues, reflecting societal obsession with youth and female beauty in celebrity culture. However, its approach is painfully heavy-handed. On the positive side, Demi Moore delivers an exceptional, intense performance, brimming with raw desperation and melodramatic agony, showcasing her deep understanding of the fleeting nature of a woman’s career in Hollywood.
It’s great to see you share my views on “The Substance,” David. I’m especially impressed with your observation of Moore’s portrayal of raw desperation, which is most poignantly depicted in the date night scene. In this scene, applying and reapplying makeup becomes a powerful symbol of her self-doubt and insecurity, making it all the more heartbreaking to witness.
All this talk about The Substance has me thinking about Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice. Naomi Ackie’s powerful performance, as a cocktail waitress who follows a disgraced tech tycoon to his private island, focuses a movie that otherwise is scattered in its messaging. She pulls from a thinly sketched character a raw and vulnerable portrait of a woman collapsing under the weight of sexual trauma.
Regarding a woman’s struggles, I found Kani Kusruti’s performances in “All We Imagine as Light” and “Girls Will Be Girls” truly captivating. In the first film, she portrays a nurse battling with marital issues, which was one of my top picks for the year. Her face seems perfectly designed for the camera. The most striking visuals in Payal Kapadia’s remarkable debut, “A Gentle Night,” are close-ups of Kusruti’s expressive eyes, always on the verge of revealing her composed exterior.
In Shuchi Talati’s “Girls Will Be Girls,” Kusruti portrays a mother overly protective of her teenage daughter, and her meddling in the girl’s romantic affairs creates an intriguing love triangle. This year has seen many on-screen romances involving older women and younger men, and while this one stops short of the graphic depiction found in “Babygirl,” it relies heavily on subtle hints. Kusruti delivers a captivating performance as she portrays a character grappling with a rich emotional life that has been subdued by domestic responsibilities.
Discussing actors who took on various roles this year, let’s give a shout-out to Josh O’Connor’s remarkable versatility. In the film La Chimera, he portrays a member of an Italian gang that plunders Etruscan artifacts for profit. Dressed in a shabby linen suit, reminiscent of an aging British traveler, his character is a tormented soul, teetering between life and death, grappling with the past and present, and struggling with openness and fatalism. However, in Challengers, he showcases a different side as he exudes high sexual charisma, playing the disrupter in a love triangle involving Zendaya and Mike Faist.
Finally, I have to mention one of the year’s most eccentric performances — Nicolas Cage in another gonzo turn for the ages as the eponymous Longlegs. With his character’s quasi-falsetto and gender-blurring appearance, Cage tickled my glam-rock nostalgia, seeming to channel both Marc Bolan and Tiny Tim. You believe this psycho killer has a direct line to Satan when he gives a creepy smile and talks of “My friend downstairs.”
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret for forgetting to mention some of the anticipated performances in 2024 by beloved artists, including Longlegs’ companion. Alas, it seems we might share an unenviable destiny – banished to the realm of remorse. However, let me clarify that omitting other talented actors from this list doesn’t imply a lack of admiration for their skills. After all, a word count is merely a measure, not a reflection of our regard.
This story appeared in the Dec. 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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2024-12-05 18:56