The 10 Best Movie Performances of 2024

In my humble opinion, each of these performers has truly outdone themselves in their respective roles. From the raw vulnerability displayed by Pamela Anderson in The Last Showgirl to Edward Norton’s heartwarming portrayal of Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown, it is clear that these actors have delved deep into their characters and brought a level of authenticity that only comes from a deep understanding and appreciation for life.

Movies attract us for various reasons – the captivating visuals of excellent cinematography, the intellectual engagement with a director’s thoughts, and the simple joy of following a narrative unfold. However, if we are being honest, it is the magnetic pull of the actors that truly enthralls us. Actors serve as a direct link between us and the screen, transmitting an electric energy that resonates deeply within our core. Screens play a significant role in our daily routines – they display words, numbers, and games, and we consume numerous images through them. Yet, even on days when we think we can’t bear to look at a screen any longer, there is always a face that calls us back.

Over the past year, I’ve come across ten exceptional performances that have touched my heart or filled me with delight – sometimes even both! Each of these performances serves as a testament to the incredible power and impact of actors when they are at their absolute best. They are a compelling reminder of why we continue to venture out to the cinemas, seeking moments of human connection in a world that can often feel cold and impersonal.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I also immerse myself in TIME’s top-tier podcasts, TV series, movies, video games, novels (both fiction and non-fiction), music albums, and songs from the year 2024.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths

Is the protagonist of Mike Leigh’s profoundly insightful and emotionally stirring film, “Hard Truths,” portrayed as a misanthropic individual? A character going through intense grief, depression, or both, while also experiencing physical pain with no alleviation? Marianne Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a woman who is difficult to be around for extended periods. She frequently scolds cashiers and salespeople without provocation. Her husband and adult son attempt to avoid her harsh outbursts. Her sister (brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Austin) is the only one who remains patient with her, though she occasionally loses her temper as well. Neither Leigh nor Jean-Baptiste make Pansy’s motives clear in an obvious manner. Instead, they encourage viewers to understand and empathize with her, capturing both her anger and hidden emotional torment. Despite her challenging nature, you may find yourself contemplating Pansy long after the film ends, wondering about her well-being as if she were a genuine person. This is a testament to Jean-Baptiste’s exceptional performance in the role, which has been hailed as the best of the year.

Daniel Craig, Queer

In a different phrasing, Daniel Craig demonstrates his acting versatility by seamlessly transitioning from the sophisticated James Bond to a roguish, gay traveler named Bill Lee in Luca Guadagnino’s film adaptation of William Burroughs’ novel “Queer“. Throughout the post-war Mexico City setting, Craig portrays Lee as a seductive, unpredictable character, marked by his mercurial, evasive, and manipulative traits. However, beneath this exterior lies a capacity for love, particularly towards Drew Starkey’s character, Eugene Allerton, who may not reciprocate equally. In the presence of Allerton, Lee transforms into a charming and seemingly innocent individual, reminiscent of a shy schoolboy. This performance showcases Craig’s physicality and sensuality, but it is the tender emotions that emerge which truly captivate us, demonstrating the enchanting talent Craig can bring to his roles at their best.

Nicole Kidman, Babygirl

Nicole Kidman, one of the rare high-profile actors, continues to captivate with her unexpected performances. In the film “Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn, she portrays Romy, a successful executive at an Amazon-esque corporation, who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle complete with urban and rural residences, a devoted husband (played by Antonio Banderas), and two well-behaved teenage daughters. However, the arrival of Harris Dickinson’s character, Samuel, a seductive intern, disrupts her seemingly perfect life. Initially, she resists him, but soon finds herself unable to live without him. “Babygirl” is indeed steamy, yet it also delves into feelings and desires that are often taboo. Kidman, as Romy, exposes emotions from the depths of her soul, making them as vivid as night-blooming flowers. We can sense the intensity of her attraction towards Samuel, as well as her remorse for not feeling the same way about her devoted husband. Despite moments of awkwardness—Kidman excels at humor—she is also deeply moving. The film “Babygirl” delves into the complexities of shame and why we feel it. Kidman, an almost ethereal embodiment of perfection and beauty, fearlessly confronts what others might call uncomfortable truths, although if desire is a fundamental aspect of our humanity, it’s hard to label it as ugly.

Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

Originally close relatives who’ve grown distant, Jesse Eisenberg’s character David and Kieran Culkin’s character Benji, embark on a journey to Poland to pay tribute to their deceased grandmother, who spent her childhood there and survived Majdanek Concentration Camp. This stop will be particularly emotional for them. David, residing in Brooklyn, has a family, a stable job, while Benji from Binghamton seems to get by with various odd jobs. The loss of his grandmother deeply affects him; he’s a tender soul who at times requires protection from the world’s hardships.

Mikey Madison, Anora

In a blend of comedic romance and emotional drama, Sean Baker’s film titled Anora presents Mikey Madison as Ani, a character who longs to be known by her given name despite her preference for the simpler “Ani.” The movie takes an unexpected turn as Ani comes to appreciate the regal quality of her full name in its conclusion.

Colman Domingo, Sing Sing

In some instances, it’s the actions left unperformed by an actor that can truly captivate an audience. This principle holds true in Greg Kwedar’s drama based on real-life events, “Sing Sing,” where a group of incarcerated men at a notorious upstate New York correctional facility find solace and expression through a prison theater program, which introduces some to the world of Shakespeare for the first time. Colman Domingo portrays John “Divine G.” Whitfield, a man wrongfully imprisoned who dreams of exoneration, and he oversees the theater program. He recognizes the talent in Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin (a real-life alumnus of a similar arts program), the toughest inmate, and encourages him, despite their conflicts. Divine G is disheartened as his own ambition—to have his written play performed by the company—is repeatedly denied. He butts heads with Divine Eye, a gifted actor who is reluctant to expose his emotions for a standout performance. Throughout the performance, Domingo skillfully delays his actions, observing and reacting with keen discernment, thereby allowing Maclin to shine brilliantly. Yet, Domingo’s character radiates subtly from within, hinting at a man who grasps that redemption is no simple feat—it requires persistent nurturing and care, but the warmth it provides is its own reward. With his portrayal of Divine G, Domingo underscores the inherent challenges in seeking redemption.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Nickel Boys

In RaMell Ross’ movie adaptation based on Colson Whitehead’s impactful novel, inspired by real events, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor portrays Hattie, the grandmother of a bright, ambitious young man named Elwood (Ethan Herisse). Elwood is unfairly sent to a harsh reform school following an unfortunate arrest at a wrong place and wrong time. The story unfolds in the early 1960s, showcasing how Hattie surrounds her grandson with a protective cocoon of love and safety. As Elwood encounters unjust treatment, Hattie’s distress and powerlessness become both a driving force for change and a deeply emotional truth. A scene where she attempts to visit her grandson, revealing the consequences of her rejection, offers a glimpse into the world of warmth and kindness that Hattie has cultivated throughout her life. Ellis-Taylor delivers an exceptional performance through subtle, authentic moments; the film gains depth and scope whenever she appears on screen.

Yura Borisov, Anora

In Sean Baker’s film, Anora, revealing too much about Yura Borisov’s actions might spoil a powerful, emotional climax. Instead, let me tell you that as Igor, a Russian thug who guards the main character Ani (played brilliantly by Mikey Madison), Borisov communicates depth without uttering a word. His expressions, particularly when only partially seen in the film’s frames, provide insight into his feelings about America, his Brooklyn apartment, and the role of women in society. Through his eyes alone, Borisov speaks volumes. Watch Anora twice if you can: on the second viewing, after knowing the character’s fate, you can appreciate the journey all the more, leaving you in awe.

Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl

There’s something spellbinding about seeing a woman—especially a woman of a certain age—face the camera with a near-naked face. In Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, Pamela Anderson plays Shelly, a longtime Vegas dancer—part of an old-school troupe, stepping out in spangled unitards and precarious jeweled headdresses night after night—who learns her show is closing. A dancer in her fifties doesn’t have many options, and Shelly scrambles to find a new gig. We see Shelly mostly in her off hours, without her heavy stage makeup, just going about her days and nights. And though there should be nothing unusual about this, Anderson’s take-me-as-I-am face intensifies both the vulnerability and the defiance she brings to the role. There’s nothing more honest, and perhaps more unforgiving, than the face you start with at the beginning of the day. As Shelly, Anderson silently makes the case for greeting it as friend, not foe.

Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown

In Edward Norton’s acting, there’s an undeniable intensity that leaves me initially thinking, “Oh, this is too dramatic, Mr. Actor fellow!” However, it doesn’t take long before I’m deeply moved and willing to follow him anywhere. In the film “A Complete Unknown“, directed by James Mangold, Norton portrays the legendary folk singer Pete Seeger, a man whose voice radiates sunshine but who also bravely stood against the House Un-American Activities Committee. Throughout the movie, we witness Seeger forming a bond and offering protection to the young Bob Dylan (played by Timothée Chalamet), fresh from Minnesota in New York, eager to redefine himself. Norton’s portrayal of Seeger is captivated by what he sees and hears in the young Dylan; a character who is already jovial, he’s enchanted every time his young protégé sings. As influential as Bob Dylan ultimately became—and continues to be—he didn’t achieve greatness alone. Seeger played a significant role in nurturing his talent with casual kindness, and that essence Norton masterfully embodies in this performance, which is as pure and clear as the sound of a whistling teakettle, a train approaching, or a bird joyously singing in the sky.

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2024-12-13 18:06