It’s the end of 2024, and the end to yet another incredible year in filmmaking. Reflecting back, I’ll be the first to admit that this past year has been a light one. In general, there were less films that truly wowed me. There wasn’t really that strong film that took me by surprise and commanded my attention for months on end. And there really wasn’t a film this year that demanded a second or third watch (which I’ve been known to do in the past). Actually, the only film this year that I watched more than once in theatres isn’t even going to be released until next year – that film being TIFF People’s Choice winner The Life of Chuck. And I’m incredibly excited to watch it again when it does come out! 

But nonetheless, there were still so many fantastic films that were made and released, and so many special films on offer for those willing to look for them. I capped off my year watching 163 new releases, 132 of which I caught in theatres. My movie watching escapades included a 41 movie run at TIFF, several double features, and a screening or two abroad in Australia and New Zealand. 

While my full ranked list will come out in a month or two to allow for some catch-up time on some yet to be available 2024 films, I wanted to cap off the year by showcasing 5 of my new lesser known favourites that you can catch up on now from the comfort of your own home. Upon compiling this list I realized that I’ve made a fairly wholesome and sentimental list this year, but maybe sometimes that’s just what you need. I hope you enjoy!

The Wild Robot | Director Chris Sanders | Available for Digital Rental

If there’s an animated movie that has a shot at a Best Picture nomination this year, albeit a slightly long shot, it would be this one. Premiering at TIFF in September 2024, The Wild Robot follows the story of Roz, a service robot, who is shipwrecked on a desolate island and forced to adapt to the wilderness and its animal inhabitants. The Wild Robot, to me, represents everything great with modern big budget animation: a simple but universally meaningful narrative, a superb voice cast, and an absolutely stunning art style that deviates from the photo-realistic aesthetic of the 2000s & 2010s. Dreamworks continues to push the envelope in new and welcomed directions, particularly with its recent fare like the incredible Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The Wild Robot is not one to miss!

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies | Director Pat Boonnitipat | Available for Digital Rental

Making the shortlist for the upcoming Oscar’s Best International Feature Film, Thailand’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies was a wonderful surprise when it was released in Canada in September 2024. The film follows the story of a grandson who, initially motivated by her property and fortune, decides to look after his dying grandmother. As someone who works quite a bit with older adults, I’m a bit predisposed to liking any story that revolves around how we honour and care for our older loved ones. And How to Make Millions approaches the theme so organically and earnestly. For those unacquainted with modern Asian TV and film there may be some emotional beats and cues that are a little bit on the nose and that read a bit melodramatic. But those who can stick with it are in for an ultimately heartwarming experience.

Kneecap | Director Rich Peppiatt | Available for Digital Rental

Ireland’s Kneecap is yet another surprise film for me that also made the shortlist for the Oscars Best International Feature Film. Catching this one in August 2024, I went in with absolutely no expectations and wow was I absolutely blown away! Kneecap chronicles the formation of real life Irish rap group Kneecap, with the real members playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The group, who raps in the native Irish language, initially begins performing as an act of escapism and self expression, but that quickly grows into a movement to save their native language from extinction. I’m not even at all a fan of rap, but the needle drops in this one are on point, the filmmaking incredibly stylish and kinetic, and most importantly for me, the themes and narrative incredibly strong. It’s a bit on the edgier side, so brace yourself. But overall it’s a strong recommendation from me!

Dìdi | Director Sean Wang | Available for Amazon Prime

For my obligatory coming-of-age pick, I have to put in a strong plug for Dìdi. From director Sean Wang, who also directed 2023s Oscar nominated short Nai Nai & Wài Pó (available to Stream on Disney+), Dìdi follows the story of Chris, a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy living in California in 2008, during the last month of summer before high school. Premiering at Sundance ahead of its August 2024 release, this one had been on my radar for a while. What really works in Dìdi is its authenticity, with the film acting as a love letter to anyone who grew up in that “dawn of YouTube” era. While it’s not the most narratively robust film (akin to most Sundance indie flicks), it’s an authentic portrait of growing up in the 2000s in an immigrant family, attempting to navigate the awkwardness of new friends and new relationships, and having to live with our sometimes awful pre-teen decisions.

Ghostlight | Director Alex Thompson, Kelly O’Sullivan | Available for Amazon Prime AMC+

Rounding out our list is yet another film that caught me by surprise, but really wowed me with its poignancy. Ghostlight follows the story of a construction worker who, after experiencing his own family tragedy, finds comfort and understanding upon joining a local production of “Romeo and Juliet”. As an exploration of the complexities of grief and loss and its effect on a family, this one is unparalleled. But there’s also a welcomed mix of levity, humour and silliness that one can expect from watching a middle-aged man get his bearings while navigating the world of a small town theatre troupe. Actor Keith Kupferer delivers an astonishing lead performance alongside his real life daughter Katherine and wife Tara Mallen. Rounding out the cast is everyone’s favourite indie powerhouse Dolly De Leon. As a small budget indie production, this one is a true testament to the power and beauty of simple and grounded filmmaking. 

Now while you can stream this one online, if you happen to be in the Markham, Ontario area on January 21st, 2025 and want to watch this one on the big screen you can catch our Markham at the Movies screening at Flato Markham Theatre at 7:00 pm. Details can be found here. Hope to see you there!

In Conclusion

And that’s it for me! I hope you have all had an amazing 2024 and are looking forward to seeing what 2025 has to offer. We’ll be back in the new year with more reviews and more lists, particularly as we approach awards season. So stay tuned!