When making my list of Favorite Movies of 2024, I want to highlight movies that might not be on other lists. I want my list not to look like every other list but to give you movies that might have slipped your radar or not received enough attention. Some big titles will appear here because I enjoyed them and feel they deserve to be on the list. So here is my list in no particular order.

A Real Pain – There is something about movies heavy on dialogue and exploring human interactions that draws me in. A Real Pain was that movie for me this year and the emotions brought about by Kieran Culkin’s character, Benji, about loneliness and belonging were not only universal but heartbreaking.

The Substance – The Substance is a fantastic look at how beauty is perceived and the disposal of those not deemed beautiful anymore. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley give amazing performances and that final act is bananas!

Fresh Kills – Fresh Kills was a fresh take on the typical mafia movie by giving us the point of view of the children living this lifestyle. Jennifer Esposito‘s movie is worth a see and Emily Bader‘s performance is phenomenal.

The Last Showgirl – Pamela Anderson gives a moving performance as Shelly, a dancer at that Razzle Dazzle. Like Micky Rourke in The Wrestler and Burt Reynolds in The Last Movie Star, this is a performance that is moving and fantastic! Facing the end of a 30 year run, Shelly is faced with what to do now that her job is ending. This movie needs to be seen!

Nowhere Special – Nowhere Special pulls on your heartstrings as you follow John, (James Norton) on his journey to finding a suitable family for his son. The little moments between father and son are so special that it might make you hug your children closer by the end of the movie. James Norton is fantastic in this role and makes you feel all of his pain as you go with him on this sad journey. While the topic is a little morbid, the performance by Norton is heartbreaking and award-worthy.

Civil War – This was a powerful film and a scary look into what might possibly happen in the world we know. The entire cast is fantastic and that one scene still gives me chills.

How to Have Sex – How to Have Sex is a cautionary tale about trusting those around you and being able to talk to your friends. Through Tara, (Mia McKenna-Bruce) we see how wanting to fit in can filter what you think is right and what you think should be done. In today’s world where consent is a must, How to Have Sex shows us that there are still many men out there who do not know what is right and feel that what they are doing is ok. How to Have Sex shows us the loss of innocence and the aftermath of these assaults.

Tótem – Tótem is a beautiful movie about the celebration of life and the death of childhood innocence. Being in the household and seeing all the love and care feels intrusive at first but as the movie plays out we are pulled into the family’s struggle and ride this emotional roller coaster with them. TóTem transforms the viewer by the end of the movie and may have you looking at life differently.

Ezra – As a parent, we try to do everything we can for our children, and in EZRA, we see what lines his father will cross. The movie shares the generational trauma that is passed down from father to son in the relationship between Max and his father Stan. The movie also raises the question of who has the final say in raising a child with autism: the parents or the doctors who work with them. Ezra has a lot of heart and superb acting from the cast.

Color Book – Film gorgeously in black and white, Color Book displays to us everything a father would do to give his child one great day and all the obstacles that try to prevent it from happening. This one will pull the heartstrings and begin discussions about what you would do for your child.

Problemista – Problemista is a fantastic film on the many issues immigrants go through to try to live the “American Dream” and stay in this country. Julio Torres’ story is relatable to immigrants and anyone who has tried to get a job. The view into the art world, artists, and Filemaker Pro needs to be experienced and talked about amongst friends.