Hello there! We’d hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Golden Globes. It’s the UIMSA Press Entertainment Desk once again, and sequel to our ‘Top 20 Recordings of 2024’ release on Saturday evening, we’d like to present to you Another Banger! Wait, this isn’t a music article. In any case, members of the desk would be letting you know their favourite films from the past year, and in doing so raising awareness on the best art from this period and giving recognition where it is due. The only rule for this piece stipulates that the film was put out between January 1st and December 31st, 2024. For this piece, Loveth, Ololade, Pelumi and Melody will be your anchors—and the films will be arranged non-hierarchically. Warning, spoilers ahead!
First off, we’d get some honourable mentions out of the way. While phenomenal in their own right, these didn’t manage to make the final, highly selective four-film list.
The Beekeper (dir. David Ayer)
The Substance (dir. Coralie Fargeat)
Anora (dir. Sean Baker)
Conclave (dir. Edward Berger)
Gladiator II (dir. Ridley Scott)
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (dir. Bolanle Austen-Peters)
Before the movie came out, most of us might have just known her as the pioneer female to drive a car and attend an all-boys school in Nigeria. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a biopic of grit and activism, is so much more than that. The story of a powerful matriarch, the Lioness of Lisabi who lived a life of passionate service to the lives of her women folk against the marginalisation of women in the government, especially the Ẹ̀gbá women who struggled with exorbitant tax prices imposed upon them.
With the protests she led leading the Ọba Ladapo Ademola, the Aláké of Ẹ̀gbá Land, to temporarily renounce his throne, end taxation on women in Abeokuta and give the women seats for representation in their local council, she consistently showed us that she was not just a feminist with a vision but a force to be reckoned with. Starring actors like Kehinde Bankole playing Funmilayo, Joke Silva as the older Funmilayo (who is seen as the narrator of the events in the film while being hospitalised at the beginning of the movie), Oga Bello as the Alake, Adunni Ade as Mrs. Thompson amongst others.
Nollywood is infamously known for its widely mediocre films despite being the second largest producer of movies in the world, proving time and time again that quantity does not mean quality. And even though their movies have a reputation of leaving a bad taste in your mouth, movies like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti have shown that there is always a silver-lining to such a half-baked industry. A solid 8.5/10. If you haven’t watched the movie as at the time you are reading this article, I recommend you do.
Ayegboyin Loveth
A Different Man (dir. Aaron Schimberg)
A Different Man is a different kind of movie. It is a 2024 American psychological thriller/drama that’s tense and wry. Written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, the film stars Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson. It tells the story of Edward Lemuel, an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis that manifests as a disfiguring facial condition. Edward forms a connection with his new neighbour, Ingrid Vold, an aspiring playwright, but his romantic feelings remain unexpressed due to his nerves. After receiving an experimental medical treatment that cures him of his condition, he adopts the alias ‘Guy Moratz’ and lies that Edward has killed himself.
A confident and charismatic man named Oswald who also has neurofibromatosis shows up and makes Edward realise the man he could have been if he didn’t change himself for the world. Oswald symbolizes a rebuke of his decision to change, and a poignant reminder of the opportunities he let slip away. Edward’s mental state began to deteriorate as he watched Oswald take everything he could have had: from the role which Edward believed he was born for in the play Ingrid had written about him to a possible marriage to Ingrid, and becoming the beloved actor he had always wanted to be. He also realised the world is still the same whether you have a facial condition or not. Had Edward met Oswald earlier, he would have seen the joy and confidence that came with self-acceptance, and might have spared himself the pain of transformation, embracing his true self and finding love and happiness just as he was.
This was a very clever script with intriguing acting that shows us true beauty lies within, and that embracing our authentic selves is key to confidence and happiness. It also reminds us that we don’t know what we have until we lose it. I deeply felt Edward’s emotional turmoil as he grappled with the consequences of his transformation and wished I could help him turn back time to correct his mistakes. The film serves as a powerful reminder that our choices can have lasting impacts, and we must be mindful of what we wish for. Ultimately, it celebrates the beauty of individuality, encouraging us to embrace our unique qualities rather than seeing them as flaws.
Ololade Ojeniyi
The Wild Robot (dir. Chris Sanders)
The Wild Robot, like its first scene, washed ashore on our screens in a dramatic fashion and established itself as one of the best-animated movies of 2024. This movie follows the story of Roz, a robot who finds herself cast onto a remote island and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Forging relationships with the wildlife surrounding her, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.
Produced by DreamWorks Animations and distributed by Universal Pictures, The Wild Robot was a commercial success – with a box office return of $324 Million and a budget of $78 Million – and received critical acclaim – with a rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The plot, though simple, reflected themes such as community, respect, parenting and hard work. All of which make it seem like a movie out of the 90s. The Wild Robot makes every plot point feel earned which makes it a very satisfying movie to watch.
Visually, The Wild Robot is bright and colourful. It is full of lush, untamed beauty on the island, with great attention to detail. In addition, the bright colour palette complements the fluidity of character movements. The ability to merge robotic and organic characters speaks volumes about the artistic style we have come to expect from DreamWorks. Although, ironically, this would be the last film to be animated entirely in-house at DreamWorks.
The score adds to the emotional core of the movie. From soft, nature-driven melodies to pulse-pounding crescendos in the most intense moments, the music weaves seamlessly into the story. The voice acting by Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal was also phenomenal. With their voices being unrecognisable as they brought the characters to life.
Ultimately, what really sets The Wild Robot apart is the emotional core. The movie balances humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments in a delicate manner that sends viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. Amongst the various animated releases in 2024, The Wild Robot maintains itself as a film that entertains, enlightens, and inspires, hence making it 2024’s finest animation.
Oluwapelumi Akin-Ajani
Dune: Part Two (dir. Denis Villeneuve)
“Power over spice, is Power over all.”
If you’d seen Rebel Moon, Dune, The SpiderVerse series, Kung Fu Panda or Gladiator—the first parts of these movies, you would probably have anticipated 2024 a little more than I did. Also in a film that had two stars like Deadpool and Wolverine (major plot flop, only the co-stars carried the movie—Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman) you’d have been totally mind-blown last year. Maybe Gladiator 2 didn’t eventually meet expectations or went in a totally different direction, you may want to agree with the 572K people that rated Dune 8.5 on imDb. Well, who doesn’t like blue-eyed Zendaya?
Dune is based on Frank Herbert’s seminal 1965 novel, Dune, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction works of all time. The movie adaptation by director Denis Villeneuve is well spread and has meticulous attention to detail. It ensures that the movie maintains its intricate plot and complex stories. It also essentially carries both long-time fans of the book and newbies to the franchise along. It’s a sci-fi space movie, and it bears similarities to many other related movies like Star Wars. The character development arcs of Paul Atreides and Luke Skywalker of Star Wars are very alike. Both stories also feature desert planets, mystical elements and battles between ‘houses’ for control of valuable space resources.
Dune: Part One was released in the United States on October 22, 2021. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film was well-received, grossing $407.7 million worldwide on a $165 million budget. It was a major Box Office hit back then, and unlike most movie trends its sequel didn’t decline. With a stellar cast and breathtaking visuals, the film captivated audiences and critics alike, grossing over $714 million worldwide. Set in the distant future, Dune: Part One follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the heir of House Atreides, as his family is assigned to govern the desert planet Arrakis. Arrakis is the only source of “spice,” a valuable substance that enhances mental abilities and is crucial for space travel. The story begins with Duke Leto Atreides, the main character’s father accepting the stewardship of Arrakis, previously controlled by their rivals, House Harkonnen. Upon arriving, the Atreides family faces numerous challenges, including sabotage and betrayal orchestrated by the Harkonnens and the Emperor. Paul, who has been experiencing prophetic visions, pre-planned by his mother and the Bene Gesserit, must navigate the political intrigue and dangers of Arrakis. Part one ends on a high when his learning process is cut short after a devastating attack on the House that led to the death of his father.
Picking up where the first film left off, Dune: Part Two follows Paul as he unites with the Fremen people of Arrakis as their long lost and prophesied saviour, the Lisan Al’ Ghaib, to wage war against House Harkonnen. The film explores Paul’s journey from a young nobleman to a leader and potential messiah, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the desert planet. Alongside him is Chani (Zendaya), a fierce Fremen warrior who plays a crucial role in his quest for revenge and justice. If you’re not aware of the famous huge sandworms of earth, you should see Dune. It exquisitely captures the gross features (permit me, lol) of sandworms, and their aggressive nature, as they are the primary means of transportation for the Fremen and are also etched into their traditions of coming of age and certain rituals.
Costume:
The movie’s costume and visual elements are intelligently communicated, and it’s a visual masterpiece, with its costume design and cinematography playing pivotal roles in bringing the world of Arrakis to life. The costumes are both functional and symbolic, reflecting the harsh desert environment and the cultural richness of the Fremen people. The stillsuits, worn by the Fremen to conserve water, are meticulously crafted to look both practical and futuristic, and they do well to pass the survival-in-the-desert instinct idea. Lady Jessica’s attire also evolves to reflect her changing status and the spiritual journey she undertakes, with intricate designs that blend elegance and resilience. The visual appeal of the film is further enhanced by efficient cinematography, which captures the vast, otherworldly landscapes of Arrakis with breathtaking beauty. The movie’s use of natural light and shadow creates a sense of realism and immersion, making the desert planet feel both alien and familiar—it’s easy to subconsciously think the movie was set on Earth in some parts of the movie for a split second.
Soundtrack:
The film’s score, a beautiful masterpiece was composed originally for the movie by Hans Zimmer. Zimmer is well known for his atmospheric and immersive compositions and his music enhances the film’s epic scope and emotional depth. Tracks like “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms” and “Harvester Attack” are particularly notable for their ability to convey the film’s tension and grandeur. I do feel the soundtrack of the movie is nothing to linger in memory because of the general pace of the movie. It might be better in theaters and movie halls, though. The soundtrack just does a good job of conveying what’s to be passed across whenever there’s need.
Screenplay and Dialogue:
I talked about the pace of the movie earlier. Dune’s screenplay is a blend of introspective dialogue and intense action sequences. The dialogue is often subtle and layered, and you may require a lot of attention when viewing to fully appreciate the nuances. It’s very easy to get lost in the movie as it’s generally slow in most scenes. But that’s exactly how it feels in the book. The directors masterfully adapted Frank Herbert’s complex narrative, ensuring that the film remains faithful to the source material while making it accessible to a modern audience.
The movie has many action scenes, featuring combative dialogue, tense confrontation and physical altercations. The last battle between Fey’d Rautha and Paul was a fast one, but the most brutal. I must also mention that the planet of Geidi Prime, the Harkonnen home planet was a mystery, and their leader was a typical villain, orchestrating most conspiracies and doing the dirty work of the emperor. The planet was typically almost devoid of colour and the aliens featured in the planet bear resemblances to other aliens in other movies. I know I’ve seen Rautha’s cannibalistic maids somewhere else before.
Zendaya’s role in this movie as Chani was boring to me really, but she brings strength and vulnerability to the role. Her character wasn’t as central to the movie as the movie posters and trailers implied, however she was always behind Paul and constantly ensuring she had his back. She had some great fight scenes as well. In part three I hope they include her in the plot more like in the book, staying more true to her original writing. Paul was offered the hand of the Emperor’s daughter in marriage at the end of the movie, seemingly upsetting Chani, whereas in the book, she wouldn’t have cared at all.
I don’t want to spoil the movie fully, and while this article would mostly sit well with people that have seen Dune, if you’re a lover of space movies or sci-fi generally, it’s a great one to look for. You might as well wait for part three since it’s a Trilogy. The movie also has a very long runtime—almost three hours so you may need to be prepared for that. That being said, the movie is well-communicated. It essentially delivers on all fronts—action, power and politics, sprinkling romance, and advanced technology along the way.
The opening phrase of this article is also the famous opening phrase of Dune Part Two, in mumbling alien language.
Olajide Melody
