2024 Annual List of Favorite Film and TV Experiences
Happy New Year!
Another year has flown by, but this was no ordinary year. While I don’t turn 60 till Jan. 11, this past year represented a significant emotional and psychological milestone, as I reached the age (59) of my dad when he died back in 1980. This has prompted contemplation about many things, especially appreciating my good health, family, and friends and how I want to approach the next phase of my life. For now, I am grateful for all the people and experiences that have filled my life with joy and happiness, especially this year. And now I’m very excited for life at 60 and beyond.
2024 did feel like a year I became a travel agent and event planner, having logged nearly 115,000 air miles including global work travel to Singapore, Jakarta, and Bali in January; Hong Kong, Shanghai (first time since the pandemic), Tokyo, and Jakarta (again) in March; London in July; Vietnam (for the first time), Hong Kong (again) and then London (again) in November; and finally, Tokyo (again) in December.
The year ended with a family gathering in Las Vegas to celebrate the collective milestone birthdays for my stepbrother Winky (50 in Nov.), my mom (85 on Jan. 3), and me (60 on Jan. 11). And coming up in February, I’m looking forward to a gathering of high school friends celebrating our collective 60th birthdays back in Las Vegas.
And I randomly made my live British television debut last month while in London. I went to watch my friend who is a panelist on “Loose Women,” a “The View”-like show in the UK, and unexpectedly found myself on live TV.
And greetings from my girls Freddy (left) and Maxie, aged 12 and 11, respectively. Hope you are having a safe and healthy holiday season and all the best for a wonderful 2025!
Cheers, Ed
Here are my favorite cinematic experiences for 2024
And now for my annual rundown on the stories that transported, moved, and thrilled me this year. Let me know what you think!
Men in Gowns, Men of Hubris, and Man-Child Meets Stripper
While my annual list isn’t in any preferential order, you know that I like to group films together in interesting thematic strands. Let’s begin with a trio of films that stood above the rest; two for their unexpectedly thrilling journeys (Anora and Conclave), and another for its sheer ambition and a surprising connection to my hometown (The Brutalist).
Anora
I was not expecting this Sean Baker film to grab me like it did—unexpectedly funny and wildly entertaining until it gut punches you in the end with a beautiful yet heartbreaking conclusion. Mikey Madison is amazing as the emotionally raw, tough as nails Anora in this exhilarating rollercoaster ride, part screwball comedy, part Cinderella story sans fairy tale ending. Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, the supporting cast is equally terrific, especially Mark Eydelshteyn as the frenetic, wealthy man-child scion and Yura Borisov as the surprisingly sensitive henchman.
The Brutalist
“Intellectually stimulating,” to borrow an oft-repeated line from Guy Pearce’s character, is an understatement for this monumental 215-minute post-war epic from actor-turned-director Brady Corbet that comes complete with overture, intermission, and epilogue (and a notably dark second act). The viewing experience reminds me of my reaction to There Will Be Blood, one of my all-time favorite films. The sprawling tale requires time to digest, as it lingers in the mind, and, I anticipate, will become even richer upon repeated viewing (if you have the time to invest). While the film thematically touches on the immigrant and “outsider” experience, the caustic reality of the American dream, Jewish identity vs. Anglo-Dutch elite, drug addiction and sexual abuse, and Bauhaus architecture, the main focus is on the two ambitious men whose hubris escalates the clash between them: a career-best performance by Adrien Brody as the Holocaust-surviving creative genius vs. the riveting and fascinating Guy Pearce as the enigmatic, wealthy industrialist who seeks to control and constrain. The surprise added bonus for me was finding out that The Brutalist all takes place in my hometown, Doylestown, PA!
Conclave
From the director of last year’s towering All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger succeeds again with a gorgeously shot, suspenseful, thought-provoking, and gripping drama that pulls back the curtain on the ancient ritual of papal succession, now complicated by modern-day doubts of certitude as the divine and political collide. This well-crafted “12 Angry Men-meets-the Vatican” thriller features a superb cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rosselini as the lone female character of substance.
A Pair of Queer and Challenging Films from a Gifted Duo
Director Luca Guadagnino teamed up with writer Justin Kuritzkes (HW ’09) to bring us two of the bolder and more memorable features of 2024 that differed completely in tone. And I do enjoy that Guadagnino continues to bring us onscreen kissing between straight actors in his films! 😊
Challengers
A trio of magnetic performers star in this tension-filled, erotically-charged, and thoroughly satisfying three-way tennis match. Zendaya plays a fierce and complex tennis pro caught in a web of ambition and desire, delivering a performance that’s equal parts swagger and vulnerability, matched by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist whose on- and off-the-court rivalry simmers with tension and electrifies the narrative. And Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross propel the narrative with a pulsating score.
Queer
Based on the unfinished semi-autobiographical novella by William S. Burroughs, Queer is a daring and surreal tale of desire and grief, accentuated by the loneliness of queerness and love unrealized. Taking place in a 1940s expat community in Mexico, the film features a deeply affecting performance by an amazing Daniel Craig while Drew Starkey is a revelation as the enigmatic and vulnerable object of his affection. Some may find this beautiful film challenging because of its weird ending which sticks with you long after the film ends. Knowing about the real-life incident that inspired the novella helps bring context to the otherwise confusing symbolism in the film’s ending: the tragic accidental shooting by Burroughs that killed his wife in 1951–an incident which supposedly inspired him to become a writer.
Audacious and Bold Tales of Personal Reinvention in Musical Form
Emilia Perez
I knew nothing before viewing Emilia Perez. Whoa! What did I just watch? A gender-affirming crime drama thriller and tale about identity and redemption dressed up as a musical? Did I just listen to a song about vaginoplasty? Yup and yup. I was not expecting such enthralling and gripping storytelling that was both tender and brutal. A bold and innovative vision from director Jacques Audiard with magnetic performances by trans actress Karla Sofia Gascón and Zoë Saldaña.
Better Man
On the other hand, I knew a lot going into this film, and yet I was still surprised. It’s an audacious pop-feast for the senses–entertaining, original, and unexpectedly poignant. Director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) takes this musical biopic to “an 11” with the daring decision to portray Robbie Williams, one of pop music’s greatest showman (known perhaps everywhere but in America), as a CGI chimpanzee. Yes, it’s over the top, but it’s compelling storytelling that’s a blast! And believe it or not, the simian gimmick lends a surreal but touching and heartfelt layer to Williams’s “rise-fall-and rise again” journey riddled with internal struggles against personal demons. Combined with cheeky humor and an eclectic mix of musical sequences, including a truly dazzling Regent Street montage, all the elements propel this electrifying biopic into a category unto itself.
Audacious and Bold Tales of Personal Reinvention in Non-Musical Form
These next two films would make for a fascinating double-feature.
The Substance
An over-the-top Black Mirror-like body-horror gorefest starring a fearless Demi Moore and gonzo directing by Coralie Fargeat in her sophomore effort. It’s a relentless, not-for-the-squeamish nightmare where superficial beauty culture meets self-care biotech gone wrong, served with a side of feminist critique. This one will sit with you for a long time.
A Different Man
Careful what your wish for. A terrific Sebastian Stan stars in this daringly weird and darkly funny satire about personal and societal hang-ups with disability, disfigurement, identity, perception, and appearances. Stan plays an unhappy and lonely struggling actor with neurofibromatosis. He then undergoes a miracle treatment that removes his disfigurement, only to find his life intersecting with Oswald, an extremely affable and happy-go-lucky man with the same condition he used to have. Adam Pearson, an actor with neurofibromatosis in real life, is outstanding as Oswald, the man who charms everyone around him.
Animation for the Entire Family
While both these films may seem like they are made for kids, they are great for the entire family. Each touched and moved me in unusual ways, and not just because I’m an animal lover.
Flow
Who would have thought that a wordless animated film featuring a lone courageous black cat who befriends an oddball squad comprised of a very Zen capybara, a trinket-obsessed lemur, and a playful yellow lab would be one of the most mesmerizing, magical, and edge-of-your seat film experiences of the year. It’s a heartfelt but stressful story of endurance, survival, and kinship after some kind of post-human catastrophe of unknown origin causes a great flood. A sublime viewing experience.
The Wild Robot
A truly moving and beautiful experience. The Wild Robot soulfully explores themes of survival, connection, and self-discovery through a robot named Roz who awakens in a lush but unforgiving wilderness, befriends an abandoned duckling and other wildlife, and goes on a journey of heart-wrenching and touching self-discovery. The Wild Robot reminds us of the importance of humanity and true connectivity in an increasingly complex world.
Profoundly Moving and Heartfelt Documentaries
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin
The most compelling Sundance film I saw this year. A moving and unconventional documentary about Norwegian gamer Mats Steen who, despite a degenerative muscular disease, built a vibrant virtual existence in World of Warcraft under the alias “Ibelin.” Because Mats lived a tragically short life, his parents lamented that their son never got the chance to experience real friendships and love because of his wheelchair-bound life. But after posting about his death online, they became inundated with messages from the numerous people whose lives he touched and changed, a vital part of Mats’s life that his parents had no idea existed. WoW wasn’t just a game; it was where Mats found a profound sense of purpose and connection, living an extraordinarily full life, one that just wasn’t possible in the physical world. This film totally opened my eyes to the real-world implications and impact on mental health and wellness that can be experienced in the virtual world. This should be seen by all parents who want to understand the virtual world of gaming.
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin trailer
Will and Harper
A deeply personal and moving documentary that is part buddy-comedy and part road-flick, chronicling the cross-country journey of actor Will Ferrell and his lifelong friend Harper Steele who recently transitioned to a woman. While driving across the country, they explore friendship, identity, and the power of acceptance with unflinching honesty, vulnerability, and candor. A touching and memorable journey.
Adorable Grandmas in Excellent Crowd-Pleasing Sundance Debuts
Thelma
This would be a favorite even if it weren’t for the four HW alums involved in this endearing, senior citizen “action film.” First-time feature writer/director Josh Margolin (HW ’07) gives delightful nonagenarian June Squibb her first lead role as the titular character in this action-packed comedy that blends high-energy stunts with heartfelt moments. Inspired by Margolin’s own grandmother, the film follows 94-year-old Thelma as she takes on telephone scammers in a quest for justice, bringing along elder-care resident friend Richard Roundtree (in his last role) for the ride (literally in a mobility scooter). A great supporting cast includes Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Fred Hechinger, and Malcolm McDowell. Other HW folks involved include casting by Jamie Ember ’12, music by Nick Chuba ’10, and actor Quinn Beswick ’06 .
Didi
A confident debut feature from Sean Wang who accurately captures the struggles of the angsty and immature awkwardness of adolescent code-shifting in friendship and love, as well as navigating multi-generational relations in his Taiwanese immigrant family. This semi-autobiographical coming of age story takes place in 2008 when MySpace dominated the early pre-Facebook era of social media, featuring a terrific Izaac Wang and a wonderful Joan Chen. You should also check out Wang’s Oscar-nominated short Nai Nai and Wài Pó, a personal love letter to his two grandmothers.
And When You’re In A Nostalgic Mood…
The Greatest Night in Pop
An amazing fly-on-the-wall experience documenting the recording of We Are The World, a song and video that I remember so well from 1985. Watch what happens when you gather the greatest musical talent of the day, and perhaps of all-time, in a single room with the task of recording the song in one evening. Start with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, then toss in Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Perry, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and 32 others, and see what happens. Witness all the behind-the-scenes drama and wrangling to pull off this feat, one of the most unforgettable nights in music history.
The Greatest Night in Pop trailer
Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary
I stumbled upon this documentary and was immediately transported back almost five decades to the background music playing in our family restaurant, Hu’s Chinese Kitchen in Warrington, PA. This groovy documentary takes a deep dive into the smooth sounds that defined the iconic Los Angeles music scene of the late 70s and early 80s, featuring artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Toto, in the days before video killed the radio star. A rich lesson in music history.
Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary trailer
Saturday Night
Another trip down memory lane. Watching SNL on a portable 9” black and white television set was a staple of my teenage years, moving the set from place to place while dishwashing, sweeping floors, or wiping down tables and prep areas in the family restaurant after a long Saturday night. Jason Reitman (HW’95) delivers a love letter to the origins of the iconic show by depicting the frenetic 90 minutes before going on the air for the very first time 50 years ago.
Other Quick Takes
Separated
Based on Jacob Soboroff’s (HW’01) compelling book about child separation at the border during the first Trump administration, this Errol Morris documentary continues the urgent focus on this heartbreaking issue.
Sebastian
Another compelling feature from Sundance 2024, this one an absorbing character study of an aspiring young novelist on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance as he explores a secret life as a sex worker as research for his debut novel with excellent performance by newcomer Ruraridh Mollica.
Alex Edelman: Just for Us
This hilarious and deeply personal stand-up show by comedian Alex Edelman is a must watch. He blends sharp humor with heartfelt insights in a laugh-out-loud exploration of identity and connection in family stories and surprising encounters with unexpected communities.
Inside Out 2
All the emotions return with a mix of new ones as Riley enters adolescence. This sequel not only matches the original’s humor and heart but also deepens its emotional resonance, tackling themes of identity and self-acceptance.
The Bikeriders
A smoldering Austin Butler in another star-turn in this true-life, deep dive into the gritty world of 1960s motorcycle clubs, delivering a performance oozing with charisma and raw emotion.
Wicked: Part I
Lives up the hype. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are dazzling as Elphaba and Glinda in this dazzling screen adaptation of the Broadway juggernaut. And Jonathan Bailey’s Fiero almost steals the film. Can’t wait for Part II.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
A gripping and stylish Guy Ritchie WWII action thriller depicting the origins of Churchill’s secret covert wartime operations forces. I was fascinated to learn that these unorthodox and improbably daring characters were real people who shaped the very concept of modern covert warfare, including the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s fictional James Bond character.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare trailer
Gladiator II
A highly entertaining spectacle successor to the original with Paul Mescal stepping into the arena and a devilishly scene-chewing villain Denzel Washington.
Honorable mentions:
My Old Ass, The Idea of You, Dune 2, Hit Man, Brats, Wolfs, A Real Pain, El Conde, Fireworks
In the queue
- Nickel Boys
- A Complete Unknown
- Babygirl
- Nosferatu
- Memoirs of a Snail
- Sing Sing
- Kneecap
- Juror No. 2
TV Shows and Other Streaming
- Culinary Class Wars (Amazing production values in this Korean Iron Chef meets Survivor reality competition pitting 20 top fine dining chefs vs. 80 other great non-traditional chefs with nicknames like Auntie Omakase, Master of School Meals, and Napoli Mafia with interesting and often cerebral judging.)
- My Lady Jane (Why didn’t this fantastic series get renewed for S2?)
- Baby Reindeer (A difficult but very compelling watch, based on true story)
- Young Royals, S3 (With the series concluded, I will miss this pair so much)
- Ripley (Shot in gorgeous black and white)
- Disclaimer
- Monster: The Lyle and Erik Mendez Story
- The Bear, S3
- The Gentleman
- Industry, S3
- Dead Boy Detectives
- The Brothers Sun
- Shogun
- One Day
- Tokyo Vice
- The Boys, S4
- Heartstopper, S3
- Presumed Innocent
- Emily In Paris, S4
- The Perfect Couple
- Percy Jackson
- Palm Royale
One Comment
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Hi there Ed,
I joined IDA this year and watched tons of docs. I too was blown away and touched immensely by The Remarkable Life of Ibelin.
Vanna
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