Year-end review: The Best Movies of 2024 & What I'm Excited for in 2025

As I sit alone in my quiet apartment, reflecting on 2024, it is difficult to recall the events that took place in my life this year. Is this an inexorable effect of aging? Each year seems to fly by so quickly that the only evidence I have that a whole year has passed are the deepening smile lines around my mouth. I have had to start breaking up my year into “eras.” Each era is divided into whatever I was obsessed with for that particular period. For example, the second half of January was my beloved princess-on-a-mission-with-her-hot-protective-guide era, after I watched Fena: Pirate Princess and Yona of the Dawn (and read the manga). While I dabbled in - and swiftly gave up on-  various activities like crocheting and studying a foreign language, one thing that remained constant was my engagement with film. I attended numerous film screenings and even volunteered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where I saw the Tilda Swinton. Yes, she looks just as otherworldly in-person as she does on-screen. To commemorate the art that has defined my year, here is a list of the top 10 films I’ve seen this year, as well as a list of 5 movies I look forward to seeing in 2025.

My Top 10

1. Robot Dreams

Director(s): Pablo Berger Runtime: 1h 43m

I do not know what psychological phenomenon makes it easier for me to uncover the state of the human condition through animated characters, but I love it. Maybe it is because the visuals are so inhuman the stark contrast between animated figures and their people-like behaviour jumps out at you and makes you reflect. When I watch a movie with real people, I compare myself to the people on screen. I expect human characters to act like regular people. These people might have flaws or remind me of people I already know. I might find them detestable, judge them, and project my sense of right and wrong onto them, but they can only behave as a human might already be expected to behave. While watching this film, I watched as a cartoon dog, desperate for connection, went through the humdrum of everyday life. I did not judge the dog when he made mistakes. I watched the dog's behaviour with an open mind. Why? Well... because he's a dog; but he was so relatable. I also loved the silent element of this film.

2. Dune: Part 2

Director(s): Denis Villeneuve Runtime: 2h 46m

This is one of the few movies that I believe deserves all of the hype it gets. The depiction of Geidi Prime alone should win this movie an Oscar for production design. The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the sheer number of people on screen who manage to work so well together to make me somehow believe that I am in the past, watching documentary about a civilisation that exists in the future, is truly amazing. This was such a great movie-viewing experience. However, I cannot imagine watching it at home; this was made to watch at the theatre.

3. Perfect Days

Director(s): Wim Wenders Runtime: 2h 4m

Never have I ever thought so desirously about visiting a public toilet. In this film, we follow Hirayama, a recluse who lives a simple life and works as a public toilet cleaner. This movie is touching. While Hirayama's life is simple, it is also peaceful. The film was beautifully shot. The slow pacing and still shots of nature added to the film's overall feeling of tranquillity. The repetitive nature of Hirayama's daily activities does not get stale. I enjoyed following Hirayama through his everyday routine and the side adventures that allowed him to reflect on his life and relationships.

4. Sing Sing

Director(s): Greg Kwedar Runtime: 1h 47m

Coleman Domingo delivers a breathtaking performance as Divine G, a prisoner serving time for a crime he did not commit. Divine G encourages the other incarcerated men to find purpose in the prison's theatre group. Throughout the movie, the men reflect on their lives and explore their masculinity while creating an original play. The play is outlandish, dramatic, and makes no sense. It is so much fun to watch! The final performance runs parallel with what is going on in the prison. Ultimately, the film explores the value of hope and resilience. I love that this movie was shot on Super 16mm film.

5. Memoir of a Snail

Director(s): Adam Elliot Runtime: 1h 35m

This stop-motion tragicomedy about a sorrowful woman named Grace Pudel is heartbreaking at times. At other times, it is hopeful. *Spoiler* Things turn out alright for Grace in the end, but until then, her life is a sad state of affairs. I do not know what Grace did in a past life to deserve so much bad juju, but bad things seem to pile up for her. And just when you think Grace might finally get a chance to be happy, something worse happens to her. Grace is able to make it through life with the support of her brother and an eccentric lady named Pinky. Pinky, Grace's foil, inspires her to live life outside of the one filled with snails that she created.

6. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Director(s): George Miller Runtime: 2h 28m

I must admit, I have not seen the other Mad Max movies - not even Fury Road. I enjoyed this movie primarily because of Chris Hemsworth's character, Dementus. He is such a good villain. He is funny, likeable and cruel (as any great villain is). Anya Taylor-Joy is great as Furiosa and is skilled at making driving massive vehicles with one hand look easy. I am not the biggest action film fan, but watching this movie was an enjoyable experience.

7. Late Night with the Devil

Director(s): Cameron Cairnes & Colin Cairnes Runtime: 1h 33m

I am also not the biggest horror film fan, but not because I do not like to be scared. Well, OK, I am afraid of demonic things. And psychological horror keeps me up at night. But overall, you will usually find me cackling at the cheesy production and predictable plot points of most horror flicks. Late Night With the Devil, however, caught me off guard. It was unsettling, but not terrifying. It was thrilling and not as predictable as other movies of the genre that I have seen. This movie is well-produced and lacks the cheesy production quality that plagues most horror films. I'm looking at you, The Nun. I loved that the film was set in the 70s. The costumes and set design made me feel like I had travelled back in time. With current events, more people are speaking about the "cost of fame." This movie explores what one is willing to do, consciously or unconsciously, to make it to the top.

8. That Christmas

Director(s): Simon Otto Runtime: 1h 31m

For the past few years, Klaus has been my favourite Christmas movie. I am happy to say Klaus has met a new competitor. That Christmas was the perfect movie to watch while snuggled up on the couch, drowning in warm blankets and drinking hot chocolate under the glow of the Christmas tree. The children in the movie were not bratty Gen Zers who randomly included internet brain rot into every sentence, they were funny, clever children who cared about their families and each other. That Christmas has solidified itself as one of my favourite Christmas movies.

9. The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store

Director(s): Yoshimi Itazu Runtime: 1h 10m

The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store was a lot of fun to watch! In this film, we follow Akino as she tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a concierge. Akino wanted to emulate the beautiful and helpful worker she met at the Hokkyoku Department Store when she was a child. Initially, Akino fumbles her way through the role. For some reason, despite her passion for serving others, she is unable to connect with the customers and fails to help them find what they need. Similar to Robot Dreams, the animated animal shoppers highlight parts of the human condition. The film's visuals are bright, and the soft-lined animation style allows for fluid and expressive movement. Eventually, Akino finds her rhythm and her place in the store. This is a beautiful film that touched on what it truly means to be in service of others.

10. Blue Giant

Director(s): Yuzuru Tachikawa Runtime: 2h

Dai Miyamoto is an artist who tries to make it big as a saxophone player in Tokyo. Dai's dedication to his craft, the people he meets as he tries to establish himself as a respected musician - despite being self-taught, and the amazing music that plays throughout this film, are what make it great.

Movies to see in 2025

1. The Colours Within

I look forward to the music in this film.

2. Captain America: Brave New World

I have a feeling this will redeem the superhero movie franchise in 2025... I hope.

3. Mickey 17

No thoughts really. Great cast. Looks funny.

4. On Becoming A Guinea Fowl

There are so many studio A24 movies coming out that I want to see in 2025.

5. Sinners

I really hope this movie is as good as the trailer makes it look.