As 2024 concludes this guide reflects on the year's most impactful cultural events with film TV music podcast and book selections chosen from various sources and audience recommendations. The list highlights what made an impact during the previous twelve months from major blockbusters to more personal projects. This end of year list demonstrates significant shifts in culture as seen through audiences eyes with additional input by critical experts.
Top Film Picks From 2024: From Gritty Thrillers Like 'Love Lies Bleeding' to Sci-Fi Epics like Dune Part 2
Andrew McGregor specifically pointed out Love Lies Bleeding as the best film he saw this year directed by Rose Glass praising its intensity and character dynamics. Suzanne Stockton felt completely immersed in Dune Part Two enjoying Paul Atreides's transformation while also feeling the powerful impact of the films base line with moviegoers even wanting to see multiple viewings. Monty Smith favored Heretic and Longlegs for unique thriller elements featuring strong turns from both Hugh Grant and Nicolas Cage each character representing uniquely crafted script writing. Jane emphasized that the Bertrand Bonello movie called The Beast had incredible sections even though other timelines of this science fiction project didn't land well for the critic demonstrating the varied tastes among audience viewers.
Standout TV Series of 2024 Include Comedy Shows Like 'Hacks' to Travel Programs Like 'Race Across the World'
Enikő Szijártó-Jancsek praised the most recent season of Hacks for its humorous content and its concise structure that provided the viewer entertainment without a huge time commitment especially after she recently gave birth which became the perfect viewing. Janet Andrews championed Big Boys highlighting its humor and overall positive elements as viewers eagerly await the upcoming series 3. Anthony Train focused on Race Across the World referencing the emotionally touching story about James showing viewers strong emotional response. Richard Hamilton valued the TV program Mr Loverman from Bernardine Evaristo for the strong performance by Lennie James plus Sharon D Clarke and its realistic portrayal of Black British characters showing diversity on television.
2024's Most Notable Music: Diverse Selections From Nadine Shah FKA Twigs Linkin Park to Indie Artists
Rob Mansfield picked Nadine Shah’s album Filthy Underneath for its intimate moments also identifying Sahra Halgan a Somaliland musician who provided a memorable live experience this year. David McCutcheon noted the track "Eusexua" by FKA Twigs a teaser for their upcoming third album with an unconventional sound that makes a lasting impression on fans. François De Kock declared 2024 Linkin Park’s year stating their resurgence into music scene has a notable presence for many audience members. Chris praised Los Campesinos’ return after 7 years of hiatus particularly focusing on the new album All Hell a self-made indie project showing creative freedom .
Popular Podcasts of 2024 : 'Serial' Examines Guantánamo's Complexities While 'Screen Rot' Uncovers Social Media Trends
Richard Hamilton appreciated Serial’s fourth season about Guantánamo that looked into the absurdities and problems of a complex political and human topic showing the in depth work the investigative reporting takes from its sources. Miles Brown valued Screen Rot as it analyses social media while Jacob Hawley and Jake Farrell explored why things go viral in an engaging manner for many audiences interested in a new media landscape. Jordan Smith recognized the BBC’s World of Secrets Series focusing on manipulative religious cult leaders plus followers particularly those targeted across international borders which became increasingly interesting to a broad audience and the psychology behind the events as the programs develop the narrative.
Top 5 Picks : From TV Series Like 'Squid Game' to Film 'The Order' Album Picks and Literary Recommendations
Netflix released Squid Game’s second season while millions of viewers were still on break for the Christmas holidays offering fans to binge the show and become a massive cultural force within the holiday. Somebody Somewhere a series currently streaming on Now gained attention while highlighting other entertainment avenues for streaming. The You Must Remember This podcast recently returned with Karina Longworth who produced a season on late-era films of prominent directors like Alfred Hitchcock offering the viewers historical content regarding the film space while The Ankler podcast “Prestige Junkie” provides awards-season analysis for entertainment enthusiasts. Nicholas Hoult features prominently in the crime drama “The Order” directed by Justin Kurzel as well as Nosferatu set for release next year with Hoult taking center stage. Better Man AKA a Robbie Williams film was another popular choice with CGI chimp portrayals of lead actors. Various music EPs such as Corpus by Show Me the Body Mindsnap by World News Pulse Echo by Peverelist and Nourished by Time Catching Chickens provided short term impactful sounds during this previous year. Orlando Reade’s What in Me Is Dark uses his academic experience to focus on Milton's Paradise Lost giving context to those inspired by a piece of classic literature while those interested in crime focused on the selections made by popular crime writers who offered recommendations for great titles during a holiday reading lists.
Further 2024 Cultural Reflections: Deep Dives into Manchester’s Music Scene, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Other Arts
Brady Corbet's film The Brutalist is highly anticipated for release in 2025 and shows that the creative process does not end after initial releases as Xan Brooks meets the director about his movie. The New York Times showed details about the struggling grassroots music in Manchester demonstrating great in depth and on location work that was captured in visual art and photo journalism. New York Magazine highlighted Manhattan's neon lights contrasted by LED replacements by giving appreciation to past styles of visual art. Guardian critics further explored late-era albums from many artists showing the lasting creative potential from veteran musicians.