Join John Horn, 1A's entertainment correspondent, and Aisha Harris, co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, as they dissect the cinematic landscape of 2024. They explore a long-awaited sequel, a crowd-pleasing musical, and a thought-provoking drama-comedy set on a Holocaust tour. Discover standout films like Sean Baker's 'Anur' and the emotional depth of animated storytelling, including a touching tale of a robot raising a gosling. They also discuss anticipated films for the coming year and critically analyze disappointments in this year's cinematic offerings.
The resurgence of beloved sequels like Beetlejuice and animated films like Inside Out 2 highlights a strong audience interest in nostalgia and emotional storytelling.
Innovative films such as 'Anora' and 'Tuesday' showcase the industry's willingness to tackle complex themes with humor and empathy, redefining audience expectations.
Deep dives
2024's Year in Film: A Memorable Recap
The year saw the release of notable sequels and adaptations that resonated with audiences. Beetlejuice marked a long-awaited return after 36 years, while Wicked captivated theatergoers with its engaging musical numbers. Among the standout films was a thought-provoking drama set against the backdrop of a Polish Holocaust tour, which highlighted the complexities of American identity as it explored themes of culture, immigration, and personal stories. The discussion also touched on the animated sequel Inside Out 2, which became the highest-grossing animated feature of the year, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide.
Sean Baker's Unique Storytelling in 'Anora'
The film 'Anora,' directed by Sean Baker, was praised for its unexpected blend of dark comedy and emotional depth, diverging from conventional portrayals of marginalized individuals. It follows a sex worker from Brooklyn who marries an oligarch's son, emerging as a farcical narrative that eschews heavy violence for human connections. Critics appreciated Baker's ability to subvert audience expectations, particularly in how he portrays mobsters as empathetic characters rather than villains. This refreshing approach emphasizes Baker's recurring themes of sympathy toward vulnerable populations in his work.
Exploring Themes of Death in 'Tuesday'
The film 'Tuesday' approaches the delicate subject of death through a fantastical lens, featuring a character who personifies death as a macaw. Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers a poignant performance as a mother grappling with her daughter's impending demise, balancing humor with emotional weight. The film's uniqueness lies in its ability to make complex themes accessible and relatable, prompting audiences to contemplate mortality without being overwhelmed by bleakness. The interplay of humor and deep emotion has resonated with viewers, making it one of the year’s standout films.
The Box Office Success of Animated Films
Animated features such as Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot dominated the box office due to their compelling narratives and emotional resonance with both children and adults. These films focused on storytelling and character development rather than merely serving as franchise extensions, resulting in critical and commercial acclaim. The surge in animated films is attributed to their ability to connect with audiences through shared experiences and deep themes of grief, identity, and personal growth. The positive word of mouth and genuine storytelling have contributed significantly to their sustained success in theaters.
2024's year in film saw a sequel 36 years in the making.
There was also a musical that had theater-goers singing along. And a drama-comedy set around a Polish Holocaust tour.
We break down the best and most disappointing films of the year. We also talk documentaries, TV shows you need to binge, and what to plan to watch in the new year.