2024 was a mixed bag for cinema; a lot of blah, a bit of brilliance and plenty inbetween. Television reigned and took the mighty stand, leaving film in the dust. We can only hope 2025 will fight back and reward us with a stronger output. Here are the standouts that reminded me why I still love film. Each had a way of pulling me in and not letting go.

5. Blue Giant (2024)

If La La Land and Whiplash had a child. Except it demands silence. Blue Giant retunes anime to a new pitch, and it’s a love letter to Jazz. The film captures how just one person can open your eyes and push you to experience what’s out there. It drives you to get up and create. It’s visually impressive and the music will stay with you. You’re soon convinced you’re in a live audience.

4. All of us Strangers (2024)

Tender cinema at its most poignant and beautiful, shot beautifully too. Two souls, plenty of pain; an intimate tale of love and the depth of loneliness. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal’s performances are unmatched with their subtleties complementing one another. Sad to say it will ruin you.

3. The Zone of Interest (2024)

Chilling to the bone, The Zone of Interest is a masterclass in ‘show, don’t tell’ and sound design. It’s patient, subtle and revels in all its small details and intricacies, showcasing a frightening reality. While sound takes the lead as the main character, the cinematography is also very conciously manipulative. It drives home the raw horror of the holocaust, minus the melodrama. Sandra Hüller exceeds once again in subtlety, proving she’s a remarkable, underrated actress of our time.

2. The Boy and the Heron (2024)

From Studio Ghibli and a filmmaker who continues to surprise and inspire, Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) leaves us with brilliant writing and a beautiful story about grief. You can’t help but be in awe of this man’s imagination. His world-building and stories are like no other – The Boy and the Heron is captivating and will leave you craving to get lost, one more time…

1. Memoir of a Snail (2024)

Memoir of a Snail is far from ‘feel good’; it’s heavy…but, it’s a bittersweet journey you must devour. Gorgeously animated and rich in detail, Adam Elliot (Mary & Max) graces us yet again with another underrated gem, balancing dark humour while softening the more difficult themes with warmth and heart in every shot. Life can have a cruel way of crushing your spirit and this film is a needed reminder to recognise the humanity in those around us. It’s quirky and downright bizarre, but in all the best ways – it’s bold. But nobody’s mastered anything quite like it before, and that’s quite something.