The Magnolia Palette's 2024 Movie of The Year

Another year full of absolute cinema. In an industry that is constantly pumping out soulless cash-grabs, remakes, and sequels, so many films have managed to stand out to me (even the ones in the aforementioned categories). Unfortunately, the amount of 2024 films that I have seen are very limited, which definitely plays are role in what shapes the list of contenders this year. The films that did not make this list (but probably would) include: Gladiator II, Transformers One, Deadpool & Wolverine, Trap, Flow, Nosferatu, Lord of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim, Anora, and Megalopolis, all excluded because I did not have the chance to watch them this year. Nonetheless, in addition to the winner, here are some of my other favourites:

Dune: Part 2

Alongside the first film, Dune: Part Two feels like a satisfying and epic conclusion to the first film, while also setting up it's expected sequel, Dune: Messiah. Denis Villeneuve has delivered on all fronts when giving us this film: cinematography, visuals, plot, and themes, elevated by phenomenal acting from all it's cast members. The (Modern) Dune series is truly a triumphant force in the Sci-Fi genre, and has definitely made it's mark as one of the best films in the 2020s, (and if it ages well, maybe even the 21st century). I cannot wait to see what's next. 

The Substance

Cinderella with a dash of body horror is such a wonderful concept, and I'm glad to see that The Substance has given this idea an exhilerating execution. One of the most surreal, grotesque, and sharp horror films I watched in recent memory, The Substance approaches the serious issue of ageism in our society with intensity and some thoughtfullness. The structure of the films feels so much like a fairy tale, and both actresses in this film are amazing. I have to warn you about the contents of this film, it can be disturbing for some viewers. 

Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes

The Planet of the Apes series have come a long way from it's first film in 1968, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is yet another natural evolution of the series. In many ways, we are able to witness the world built by Caesar, and how it sets a foundation for future films. I love the worldbuilding in this film and it's emotionally-driven story. The scenery in this film is haunting, yet so stunning and vibrant, but other than that, there's really not much else say. Apes Together Strong. 

The Brutalist

If there's one specific type of movie I love, it would be films that depict the story of the American Dream and the immigrants that build our country, and The Brutalist is definitely a film that fills that specific niche. This film tells the story of Laszlo Toth, a holocuast survivor from Hungray and an architect who moved to the United States in hopes to find a better life. This 3-hour film is truly an American Epic that reframes the idea of success and the journey of success in the American immigrant experience. I love the large scale of this film, and I think this film will truly have a long-lasting legacy. 

Conclave

Religion, tension, and Papal politics all coalesce in Concalve, Where the main conflict of this film arises from a highly contested election for the Pope alongside hidden secrets being unveiled. The film discusses the intermingling of ideology and religion, filled with strong performances by everyone in the cast, and a realistic portrayal of the papal election. This film may not be for everyone, but it is definietly one that keeps you anticipating for what happens next. 

His Three Daughters

A simple film with such a realistic and emotional baggage, packed with compelling characters played by three amazing actresses. His Three Daughters tells the story of three estranged daughters coming together to take care of their dying father, coming to terms with their own individual trauma and process the eventual grief of their father's death. It's an amazing film defined by the rawness of the acting, and deos an excellent job at addressing the universal theme of life: death. 

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The Magnolia Palette's 

2024 Movie of The Year:

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Twisters

While films such as Wicked, Anora, and Conclave are heavily favored to be top best picture contenders for the Oscars, Twisters has earned it's rightful place as The Magnolia Palette's 2024 Movie of The Year. Despite the high praise I have for the other contenders on this list (and especially Dune: Part 2), Twisters has something that the others do not have: It is a film that is so fun to watch, and one that I will definitely return to watch over and over again. After all, who doesn't want to watch rednecks drive pickup trucks against dangerously high winds? 

The film does an excellent job at immersing us in a romantacized Oklahoma, and much like the original film, it is filled with charming characters that you can deeply empathise with. The soundtrack does a wonderful job at elavating the atmosphere of the film, (something I touched on in yesterday's post), the wide and expansive cinematography is truly amazing. The film itself does an excellent job at depicting tornadoes as an otherworldy force of nature, harkening back to folklore and mythology, while also serving as-near allegories for many parts of the human condition and keeping it's story grounded and realistic. 

Because of these reasons, Twisters is The Magnolia Palette's 2024 Movie of The Year.