Whereas 2023 was dominated by two American epics—one historical (Oppenheimer), one pop-cultural (Barbie)—this year boasts no singularly defining critical or commercial work. Far from being a negative, though, that situation simply means that the bounties of the past twelve months were spread far and wide.
From the snowy confines of Park City, Utah, to the warm and glittering Croisette of Cannes, to the bustling streets of Venice, Toronto, and New York City, film festivals showcased a wealth of remarkable features that have since graced domestic screens. The diversity of those offerings was a reminder that the international scene remains as vibrant as ever. Not to be outdone, however, U.S. artists embraced and reimagined tried-and-true genres to impressive effect, refracting the old through the new in ways that were electrifying, inspiring, and heartbreaking.
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