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Top International Films to Watch in 2024

by Artist Highlight Team
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Best International Movies Of 2024

As 2024 approaches its conclusion, film critics from Deadline have shared their selections for the top foreign films of the year. Among these, three films have been shortlisted for the International Feature Academy Award, although the accompanying summaries do not always specify their country of origin.

Pete Hammond, Deadline’s awards columnist, remarked on the rich array of films available for selection, highlighting that all three of his top choices debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. He noted the festival’s significant influence in shaping the film landscape for the year. Besides Cannes, the critics also considered films from festivals in Berlin, Venice, and Toronto.

The chosen international films, as listed by Hammond alongside fellow critics Damon Wise and Stephanie Bunbury, reflect their individual tastes and preferences.

One notable film among Hammond’s top picks is “The Count of Monte Cristo.” This adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale premiered at Cannes and received an enthusiastic standing ovation. Directed by Alexandre de la Patellière and Mathieu Delaporte, the film narrates the gripping story of a man wrongfully imprisoned for 14 years who escapes to seek vengeance. The film’s lavish production values and lead performance by Pierre Ninny, who portrays Edmund Dantès, contribute to its captivating narrative.

Readers interested in further insight can check out Deadline’s review of “The Count of Monte Cristo” for an in-depth analysis.The film “Emilia Perez” has gained significant acclaim following its premiere at Cannes, winning several awards, including honors for its four leading actresses and the Jury Prize awarded to director Jacques Audiard. Set against a backdrop of a drug cartel, the plot centers on a drug lord’s transformative decision to change his life and gender. Notably, the film features a unique musical format that has captivated audiences and is praised for its performances from Carla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.

In addition to “Emilia Perez,” another noteworthy entry in international cinema is “Flow,” an animated film from Latvia that was nominated for Best International Feature Film. This film made its debut in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and is recognized for its profound narrative. It tells the story of a cat surviving a catastrophic flood and collaborating with other mystical beings to navigate their adversity and embrace communal living. Created by Gintz Zylbarodis, this engaging work has garnered critical praise for its artistry and storytelling, making it a standout in this year’s animation lineup.Damon Wise recently highlighted notable films at this year’s Venice Film Festival, featuring particularly anticipated works in the arthouse genre. One of the standout selections is “April” by Ilteris Kulumbegashvili, which was recognized with the Special Jury Prize. The film, centering on an obstetrician facing legal consequences after a tragic incident, delves into complex themes surrounding women’s experiences and societal pressures, akin to the nuanced storytelling often found in Michael Haneke’s work.

Another film drawing attention is “Bring Them Down,” directed by Christopher Andrews and featuring Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott. This Irish thriller unfolds through fragmented narrative techniques that gradually reveal critical plot details. As the story progresses, it transforms into an intense depiction of a bloody conflict between a shepherd and his deceitful neighbor, culminating in a strikingly violent climax, enhanced by the performances of its cast.

These films illustrate the diverse storytelling present at the festival, showcasing how complex narratives can resonate within the cinematic landscape.Norwegian director Lilja Ingolfsdottir presents a poignant narrative in “Loveable,” which intricately explores the complexities of a suburban couple’s relationship. This film evokes a stark emotional landscape, juxtaposing the warmth of animated stories with a much darker reality. Central to this narrative is Helga Glen, who delivers an outstanding performance as Maria, a divorcee reassessing her life after several years in a new relationship.

The story unfolds solely from Maria’s perspective, making it a uniquely personal experience that highlights her internal struggles. Glen’s portrayal captures a powerful mix of toughness and vulnerability, portraying a character filled with raw emotions and authenticity. Her performance reveals the intricacies of Maria’s doubts and realizations, adding depth to the film’s exploration of love and relationships.

This review indicates that “Loveable” stands out in its emotional intensity, offering a different take on themes often depicted in romantic dramas. The film has garnered attention for Glen’s commendable performance, emphasizing her ability to convey complex feelings with sincerity. The overall response suggests that “Loveable” is a significant entry into contemporary cinema, challenging traditional narratives with its genuine and sometimes painful portrayal of personal reflection and growth.Dahomey, the historical kingdom now known as Benin, faced French invasion in 1890, resulting in the removal of approximately 7,000 artworks to France. Recently, in 2020, 26 of these works were returned to a newly established museum in Porto Novo. This museum shares a striking resemblance to the Musée Branly in Paris, where these pieces had been displayed for a century. The film created by Mati Diop explores the themes surrounding this cultural exchange, revealing the details of how the art was packaged and preserved. Diop also voices the statue of Behanjin, a former king who gained wealth through the slave trade. The film is complex, filled with thought-provoking and sometimes conflicting ideas.

In a different narrative, “My Favorite Cake” presents a dramatic yet sweet story from Iran. It follows Mahin, a 70-year-old woman, who defies societal norms by embracing life and its simple pleasures, such as dining with a friendly taxi driver. Their relationship develops amid the challenges posed by societal restrictions, leading to a humorous yet poignant exploration of romance and the paths one takes in later life. The film, directed by Mariam Moghaddam and Betash Sanaiha, employs the lighthearted tone of a romantic comedy while subtly addressing deeper cultural issues.”When Autumn Comes,” directed by François Ozon, takes place in the picturesque villas of Burgundy, where the changing leaves and forests full of wild mushrooms set a serene backdrop. The film follows an elderly woman named Michel, portrayed by Hélène Vincent, who leads a simple life tending to her garden, attending church, and supporting her best friend’s imprisoned son.

Ozon presents a tale that combines elegant humor with the exploration of hidden secrets and desires that can exist even in seemingly virtuous individuals. Vincent’s performance is marked by her enchanting, aged face, while Ludivine Sagnier shines as Michel’s hostile daughter, adding tension to the narrative.

The film ultimately serves as a poignant reflection on family dynamics, examining the disappointments within familial relationships and the potential for rebuilding them with love. It moves beyond sentimentality to offer a thoughtful perspective on personal connections and resilience.

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