Well, it’s that time of year when we select our top-rated films for the year, and 2024 was another great year for cinema. Here, I’ve published a list of personal favourites and, once again, my top ten titles, including my pick for film of the year. Trust me when I say it:narrowing down my top ten was a challenge.

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Kind regards, Peter Walkden – Owner and Founder of Walkden Entertainment & Walkden Publicity.

Best Documentary: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Warner Bros)

This documentary is a must-see. It’s incredibly informative, compelling, fun, dramatic, and heartfelt. Forget what you think you know about the actor Christopher Reeve- instead, enjoy delving deep into the actor’s life, from his childhood to becoming a family man and his rise to stardom after accepting the role of Superman. The film doesn’t shy away from the actor’s more complicated and heart-breaking moments, including the tragic accident that left him paralysed. However, thanks to love, care, and support, a new kind of strength was discovered by Reeve, and he again changed the world. As a bonus, there is plenty of old footage, film clips, and celebrity interviews. I experienced many emotions while watching, including joy and sadness, and found myself teary-eyed at many pivotal moments. It’s a film that captures your heart and fascinates you with its positive journey and charms as one man leaves behind a true superhero legacy.

TOP TEN FILMS OF 2024

Honourable Mentions: Deadpool & Wolverine, Dune 2, Alien: Romulus and Tatami

10. Nosferatu (Universal Pictures)

Nosferatu feels like a classic vampire story, rich with darkness and cinematic depth. Robert Eggers delivers another stunning visual experience filled with tense and unsettling moments. The narrative is unpredictable and packed with tragic elements, complemented by compelling performances from actors like Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and, most notably, Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, who brings a unique character to life. Fans of horror, fantasy, and classic cinema should keep this film on their radar. Those who appreciate Eggers’ work will again be left in awe of this gothic tale!

09. Inside (Bonsai Films)

Inside is an outstanding drama film that features a gripping crime story. I was deeply invested in the various characters from the beginning and eager to discover how the film would conclude. The prison setting, the performances, and the dialogue all feel authentic. The journey is unpredictable, with many scenes likely to surprise or leave you stunned. While prison life is undoubtedly hellish, the more considerable suffering often comes from within. I appreciate that the film’s primary focus and concept are profound and unique, exploring themes that have not yet been fully addressed in Australian cinema.

08. You’ll Never Find Me (Umbrella Entertainment)

You’ll Never Find Me is masterfully directed by Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen, who bring freshness and excitement to the horror genre. The storyline contains plenty of nail-biting tension and a strong creepiness vibe. The on-screen atmosphere supports this tension and is stunning, including creative visuals and an audio track that enhances the entire experience. Performances from both Brendan Rock and Jordan Cowan are compelling, fresh, and highly believable, making the film unpredictable in all areas. You’ll Never Find Me is extraordinary, and if you’re seeking a film that will keep you guessing and have you on the edge of your cinema seat, look no further. It’s also an absolute delight for horror buffs, exhibiting finesse. I’m happy to announce it’s a cinematic triumph.

07. Longlegs (Rialto Distribution)

Longlegs is best enjoyed without knowing too much about it. I loved it. The film kept me creeped out and feeling unsettled the whole time, an experience I enjoyed. If you’re a fan of movies like Se7en, I’m confident you’ll like Longlegs. The performances were great, and the atmosphere was terrifying, clever, and intensely creative. After watching it, I couldn’t shake off the heaviness and the curiosity to know more about this tragic world created masterfully by Osgood Perkins.  Longlegs is easily one of the greatest films of the year. Plus, as a bonus, it scared the hell out of me.

06. Anora (Kismet Films)

Anora is a powerful blend of joy, laughter, chaos, and drama, with plenty of heartbreaking and tense moments. While the pacing felt somewhat repetitive at times, it easily remains Sean Baker’s best film to date. The film leaves viewers with a profound sense of impact and heaviness as the conclusions unfold. I was truly impressed by Mikey Madison’s leading performance, and I’m confident she has a brilliant career ahead in the film industry.

05. Hundreds of Beavers (Lightbulb Film Distribution)

Hundreds of Beavers is an outstanding movie that offers a lot of entertainment and joyous fun! The film is full of eccentric and unpredictable moments, with a story that begins modestly but escalates into a massive conflict and confrontation. It also boasts catchy musical numbers and memorable jokes. Visually, it’s impressive and an incredibly imaginative and stunning movie. Hunt this film down and catch it!

04. The Substance (Madman Films)

The Substance is a wild, body horror film with zero filters. The story starts small and evolves into something far greater and more monstrous than I expected, leaving me stunned as the credits rolled. The leading performances are terrific, and the same can be said about everything else, such as makeup, gore, violence, and all the effects surrounding monster/creature designs. In short, I found this film to be creative, sickening, disturbing, sexy, funny, shocking, gross, and extremely wild. What are you waiting for? Give The Substance a try for yourself today.

03. Civil War (Roadshow)

Civil War is deeply terrifying for multiple reasons. The realistic visuals, quirky film score, and plot all contribute to the exploration of the daunting question, “What if?”. Civil War is highly unpredictable, so you never know what to expect next. While the storyline alone may not appeal to everyone, I found the film highly impactful, leaving plenty of afterthoughts. The leading characters’ performances stand out and are compelling and likeable. This is easily Alex Garland’s best film to date, and if it is, in fact, his final film, he has ended his career with a loud bang.

2. Late Night with the Devil (Umbrella Entertainment)

Late Night with the Devil is more than just a movie; it offers a unique experience for horror fans seeking a new high level of entertainment. David Dastmalchian delivers an outstanding performance once again, exuding playfulness, energy, and a dramatic dark tone as the story unfolds more and more. The plot is unpredictable, and with a live TV show concept, anything can happen, especially when unique guests are involved. While the ending may spark different viewer interpretations, the film left me highly satisfied, lost in thought, terrified, and moved.

FILM OF THE YEAR

01. The Wild Robot (Universal Pictures)

The Wild Robot is an exceptional animated film. I loved the concept, characters, and journey of the highly advanced robot Roz. The film consists of outstanding visuals and high levels of creativity. While the film does have several moments of laughter and action, it also packs in plenty of heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes multiple times. The voice acting was top-notch, too. This film is truly a memorable experience, and its journey is unforgettable. It’s a must-see for 2024.

Published: 20th December 2024

Written by: Peter Walkden

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