The Most Anticipated Films of Fall/Winter 2024
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
As we near the end of festival season and enter the final stretch of 2024, the cinema world is abuzz with a dynamic lineup of films poised to captivate audiences. From awards contenders to crowd-pleasers, here are the ten films we can’t wait to see the rest of this year (in alphabetical order):
All We Imagine as Light – Directed by Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light is a poignant ode to female friendship, following two Mumbai nurses (Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha) as they navigate the challenges of working long hours and commuting in the bustling metropolis. Winner of a prestigious prize at Cannes, this film explores themes of love, happiness, and resilience through the lens of these women’s lives, offering a profoundly intimate portrait of modern India. Kapadia’s evocative storytelling and the raw, heartfelt performances make this a must-watch for fans of nuanced, character-driven dramas.
Anora – Directed by Sean Baker
Sean Baker, known for his indie hits The Florida Project and Red Rocket, steps into new territory with Anora, the Palme d’Or winner at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn sex worker whose impulsive Vegas marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch sparks a farcical series of events as his family’s henchmen try to annul the union. Combining Baker’s keen eye for character and social commentary with dark comedy, Anora promises to be one of the boldest and most original films of late 2024.
Blitz – Directed by Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) returns to the World War II era with Blitz, a powerful drama set during the London Blitz. Saoirse Ronan stars as a single mother determined to protect her young son (Elliott Heffernan) while the city is under constant siege from Nazi bombings. Known for his emotionally charged and visually striking films, McQueen brings a deeply personal and human perspective to this harrowing historical moment, making Blitz one of the most anticipated war dramas of the year.
Conclave – Directed by Edward Berger
Following the success of All Quiet on the Western Front, director Edward Berger returns with Conclave, a gripping Vatican-set thriller. Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, who is drawn into the high-stakes drama of electing a new pope. As the conclave unfolds, Lawrence uncovers a dangerous secret that others are desperate to keep hidden, threatening to unravel the entire process. With its blend of political intrigue, tension, and a powerhouse performance from Fiennes, Conclave is set to be one of the most riveting films of late 2024.
Emilia Pérez – Directed by Jacques Audiard
In one of the boldest and most audacious films of the year, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who transitions into a woman, all set to the rhythm of a musical. Directed by French auteur Jacques Audiard, this genre-bending film stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. Audiard’s daring storytelling and standout performances make Emilia Pérez a fascinating blend of crime, transformation, and song, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from cinema in 2024.
Gladiator II – Directed by Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum with Gladiator II, a long-awaited sequel set decades after the events of the original. This time, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal take center stage in a story filled with fresh battles, political intrigue, and, yes, even a rhino charging into the arena. With Scott’s signature epic style and an all-star cast, Gladiator II promises to deliver another thrilling spectacle of swords, sandals, and high-stakes drama that fans of the original won’t want to miss.
Memoir of a Snail – Directed by Adam Elliot
Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail, a stop-motion drama a decade in the making, tells the poignant story of Grace Puddle (voiced by Sarah Snook), a young woman who begins collecting snails after the death of her mother. As tragedy strikes again with the loss of her father, Grace and her twin brother (Kodi Smit-McPhee) are separated, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of grief, family, and resilience. Elliot’s meticulous craftsmanship and emotional storytelling make Memoir of a Snail one of the most unique and touching animated films of 2024.
Nickel Boys – Directed by RaMell Ross
RaMell Ross, known for his Oscar-nominated documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening, makes his feature directorial debut with Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Set in 1960s Florida, the film follows two Black teens (Ethan Harisse and Brandon Wilson) as they become wards of a brutal juvenile reform school. Selected as the opening night film at the New York Film Festival, Nickel Boys promises a powerful and harrowing exploration of systemic injustice, marking Ross as a bold new voice in narrative filmmaking.
The Piano Lesson – Directed by Malcolm Washington
Denzel Washington continues his mission to bring August Wilson’s plays to the big screen, producing The Piano Lesson, with his son Malcolm Washington directing and John David Washington starring. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, this adaptation of Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play centers on a family grappling with the fate of a prized heirloom—a piano that serves as a powerful symbol of their legacy and the enduring impact of slavery. Featuring a standout performance by Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson is a deeply resonant exploration of history, memory, and identity.
Saturday Night – Directed by Jason Reitman
As Saturday Night Live continues its reign on the small screen, Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) brings the show’s chaotic beginnings to the big screen with Saturday Night. Set in the mid-1970s, this dramatization explores the origins of the iconic NBC sketch comedy institution, with Gabriel LaBelle starring as the show’s legendary creator, Lorne Michaels. Blending humor, tension, and behind-the-scenes drama, Saturday Night offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth of one of television’s most enduring cultural phenomena.
At the North Dakota Film Society, we’re passionate about promoting the art of cinema across our state. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a seasoned cinephile, the films slated for release in late 2024 offer an array of unforgettable experiences that are sure to fuel conversations well into the new year. Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews and discussions as we dive into the most exciting films on the horizon.
Which films are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments, and join us for screenings and discussions as we close out 2024 with a bang!
