In this episode of MindFrames, Dave and Michael break down the best films of 2024. With themes ranging from authoritarianism and resilience to identity and connection, the hosts discuss how these movies reflect and challenge the cultural zeitgeist. They also dive into the year’s standout horror films and share their thoughts on the Oscars’ major contenders.
Timestamps and Topics
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[00:00:16] Welcome and Introduction Dave and Michael set the tone for the episode, outlining their approach to discussing the best films of 2024.
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[00:01:18] Reflecting on the Year in Film The hosts share general thoughts on 2024 in cinema—was it a year of classics or just solid hits?
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[00:02:09] Horror Highlights of 2024
Dave and Michael praise the exceptional year for horror, with standout titles like The Substance, Nosferatu, and Cuckoo.
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[00:03:22] Oscar Campaigns and Predictions A lively discussion about the politics of Oscar campaigns, including surprises, snubs, and predictions.
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[00:04:49] Themes of 2024 in Film Michael discusses the criteria that shaped his top 10 list, emphasizing themes like despair, resilience, and power dynamics.
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[00:06:44] Top 10 Films: Starting with Nickel Boys
Michael explains why Nickel Boys made his list, focusing on its themes and performances, while Dave critiques its filmmaking style.
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[00:09:16] Dave’s Horror List and Honorable Mentions Dave shares his top horror films of 2024, including Alien: Romulus and Handling the Undead.
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[00:15:11] A Complete Unknown: A Deep Dive Michael highlights Timothy Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan in this period drama, reflecting on its relevance to today.
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[00:28:09] Thematic Standouts: The Substance vs. Nosferatu
A comparison of two horror standouts, with Michael favoring The Substance for its timely relevance and Dave praising Nosferatu’s timelessness.
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[00:50:20] International Gems: The Seed of the Sacred Fig Michael explores the Iranian allegory for authoritarianism and resilience, reflecting on its layered storytelling.
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[01:00:06] Animated Masterpiece: Flow Dave describes this visually stunning Latvian animated film, tying it to themes of community, refugees, and environmental decline.
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[01:03:28] Sean Baker’s Anora: A Human Story
The hosts celebrate Anora as a funny, heartfelt, and raw depiction of resilience and humanity, with standout performances and themes.
- [01:08:07] Closing Thoughts and Listener Recommendations Dave and Michael reflect on how the year’s films resonate with ongoing cultural conversations and share what’s next for MindFrames.
Dave’s non-ordered list(s)
A Different Man Seed of the Sacred Fig All We Imagine As Light Civil War Red Rooms The Substance Wicked Flow A Real Pain Sing Sing
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The Girl with the Needle The Room Next Door Anora Conclave September 5 Hard Truths
Michael’s list
- Sing Sing
- Conclave
- Anora
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- The Brutalist
- The Substance
- Nosferatu
- A Real Pain
- Wicked
- A Complete Unknown
- Nickel Boys
Mentioned Films
- The Substance
- Nosferatu
- A Complete Unknown
- Nickel Boys
- Flow
- Anora
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Wicked
- Handling the Undead
- Alien: Romulus
- Red Rooms
- The Brutalist
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