As 2024 comes to a close, the film critics at Deadline have chosen their top three international movies of the year. Several of these films were recently included on the International Feature Oscar shortlist, though not all were submitted by their home countries. Reflecting on the year’s cinematic achievements, Deadline’s Awards Columnist and Chief Film Critic Pete Hammond remarked, “There was an exceptional list to choose from.”
Hammond’s top selections all premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, which he described as “another reason that iconic French fest sets the table for cinema for the rest of the year.” Other highlighted films debuted at major festivals in Berlin, Venice, and Toronto, showcasing a diverse array of global talent. Below are the top picks from Hammond and fellow critics Damon Wise and Stephanie Bunbury, presented alphabetically under their respective names.
Pete Hammond’s Picks
The Count of Monte-Cristo
This latest adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale, The Count of Monte-Cristo (Le Comte de Monte-Cristo), captivated audiences with its premiere out of competition at Cannes, earning a massive standing ovation. Directed by Alexandre de la Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, who previously worked on The Three Musketeers, the film delivers a sweeping three-hour epic. The story of Edmond Dantes, wrongfully imprisoned for 14 years and bent on exacting revenge, is brought to life with a riveting performance by Pierre Niney in the titular role. Hammond called it “the stuff great adventure movies are made of.”
Emilia Pérez
After its Cannes debut, Emilia Pérez became a sensation, winning prizes for its four female leads and earning director Jacques Audiard a Jury Prize. This Spanish-language musical, submitted by France for the Best International Film Oscar, is unique in every respect. It tells the story of a drug cartel boss who decides to change both his life and gender. Featuring stunning performances by Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, the film dazzles with originality. Hammond noted, “Even on its second viewing, it only gets better.”
Flow
Latvia’s submission for Best International Feature Film, Flow, stands out as a haunting animated feature in a year rich with exceptional animation. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, the film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. It follows a cat who survives a catastrophic flood and bands together with four other animals to survive as their world crumbles. Hammond praised its “gorgeous animation” and emotional resonance, describing it as a story that “will live in your hearts long after seeing it.”
Damon Wise’s Picks
April
At the Venice Film Festival, Dea Kulumbegashvili’s April emerged as a standout, winning the Special Jury Prize. The film, described as a nuanced abortion drama, follows an experienced obstetrician on trial after a patient loses her unborn child. Damon Wise compared the film’s atmosphere to the work of Michael Haneke, noting its “immaculate but knowingly enigmatic compositions.”
Bring Them Down
Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down is a rural Irish thriller that unfolds with a unique storytelling approach, withholding key details until halfway through the film. Starring Christopher Abbott as a shepherd and Barry Keoghan as a duplicitous neighbor, the movie evolves into a gripping tale of betrayal and violence. Wise highlighted Keoghan’s performance, stating, “His shiftiness creates a mood of its own in the film’s tense, violent third act.”
Loveable
Lilja Ingolfsdottir’s Loveable, a Norwegian drama, offers a raw deconstruction of suburban relationships. The film focuses on Maria, a 40-year-old divorcee questioning her choices seven years into a new relationship. Helga Guren delivers a powerful performance, embodying Maria’s complexities with vulnerability and strength. Wise likened it to Marriage Story, saying, “This makes Baumbach’s film look like a Pixar comedy by comparison.”
Stephanie Bunbury’s Picks
Dahomey
Directed by Mati Diop, Dahomey explores the cultural history of the West African kingdom now known as Benin. The film reflects on the looting of 7,000 artworks by French invaders in 1890, some of which were only returned to Benin in 2020. Diop’s film blends historical reflection with imaginative storytelling, featuring a statue of King Behanzin coming to life. Bunbury described it as “an intellectually dense film bursting with ideas, some of them contradictory, some troubling, all of them provocative.”
My Favourite Cake
This Iranian romance centers on Mahin, a septuagenarian who defies societal norms to pursue a relationship with a kind taxi driver. Directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha craft the story with charm and subtlety, presenting it as both a rom-com and a critique of restrictive cultural norms. Bunbury praised the film’s “simple charm” and “campaigning fervor.”
When Fall Is Coming
In When Fall Is Coming, French director François Ozon offers a poignant exploration of familial relationships through the story of Michelle, an elderly woman living in Burgundy. Hélène Vincent delivers a mesmerizing performance as Michelle, who harbors dark secrets despite her outward virtue. Bunbury described the film as “a wistful but unsentimental meditation on families: how they fail us and how, with love, they might be rebuilt.”
Conclusion
From sweeping epics to intimate dramas, 2024 has been an exceptional year for international cinema. These top picks from Deadline’s critics showcase the global richness of storytelling, with films that challenge, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. As Pete Hammond summarized, “There was an exceptional list to choose from.”