2024-11-04
The 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival by Max Markowitz
Philly Film Festival 2024
The 2024 Philadelphia Film Festival was an unforgettable experience! Each year, this tradition grows more special, immersing me in a vibrant community of dedicated cinephiles. Every screening was packed with enthusiastic audiences, and the atmosphere was electric. The city buzzed with life, restaurants brimmed with patrons, and the weather was nothing short of perfect—75 degrees and sunny every day!
I’m deeply grateful to Larry Korman of AKA Hotels + Residences, the Philadelphia Film Society Board, and the incredible volunteers whose passion breathes life into this event each year.
Every film captivated me, but Sean Baker’s Anora was my standout favorite. It’s a true celebration of his artistic spirit, featuring Mikey Madison’s performance as a liberating breath of fresh air. I also loved Small Things Like These, La Cocina, Armand, and The Girl With The Needle, rounding out my top five. A special mention goes to Audrey’s Children, a moving Philadelphia-based film. For my detailed reviews of four standout films, keep reading! And don’t miss my full festival coverage at www.moviecritic.today, The Film Critics Ticket.
Congratulations to Philadelphia for another spectacular year of cinema! I’m incredibly proud to be part of this warm and vibrant community. I can’t wait to revisit these films and return for next year’s festivities. Go Philly!
Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winning Anora was not only the best film of the festival but the best of 2024! Mikey Madison shines as Ani, a Brighton Beach stripper who thinks she’s hit the jackpot after impulsively marrying Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the immature son of wealthy Russian oligarchs. But this fairy tale quickly unravels when Ivan’s parents (Darya Ekamasova & Aleksei Serebryakov) swoop in to force an annulment, sending henchmen Toros and Igor (Karren Karagulian & Yura Borisov) to keep them in check.
As Ivan goes AWOL, Ani is thrust into a wild couple of days, grappling with her crumbling dreams and Ivan’s mother’s relentless cruelty. Baker masterfully portrays the harsh realities faced by his characters without stripping away their complexities, and Anora is a celebration of his unique storytelling. Madison’s performance is nothing short of Oscar-worthy.
This film is a hilarious, thought-provoking exploration of modern Gen Z culture that boldly challenges the far ultra-right. It strikes a perfect balance between the profane and the profound. Like all of Baker’s works, Anora is like a piece of candy. One must chew very slowly to fully appreciate its sweetness.
Renate Reinsve delivers an electrifying performance as a mother summoned to her son’s school for a shocking meeting with her sister-in-law (Ellen Dorrit Petersen), husband (Endre Hellestveit), and the faculty. What unfolds throughout the afternoon will send shockwaves through the room, unearthing buried secrets that no one is prepared for. Armand marks a stunning debut for director Tondel, whose claustrophobic interrogation will have your heart racing.
Reinsve's role is a tour de force, both transcendent and unsettling. In one unforgettable scene, she grapples with the horror of the allegations by erupting into a fit of laughter for five minutes before collapsing into tears. This is a performance that should be studied in acting schools worldwide.
At its core, Armand delves into the painful truth that so many struggle to acknowledge - people often won’t care or listen when it comes to trauma. As the afternoon darkens and the rain pours down, Reinsve becomes lost in her memories, culminating in a hauntingly beautiful dance sequence that borders on terrifying. The moment she breaks free and runs into the downpour is one of the most miraculous sights cinemas have offered in years. If you loved The Teachers’ Lounge, Armand is a must-see!
Cillian Murphy’s heartwarming performance will leave you utterly spellbound by the end of Small Things Like These. In this poignant Irish indie set in 1985, he portrays a coal merchant who uncovers a chilling secret when he finds a young girl (Zara Devlin) shivering in a freezing shed just days before Christmas. As he learns about the harrowing realities of the Magdalene laundries run by nuns, he’s forced to confront his past and make a profound choice about standing up to the church.
Small Things Like These is a haunting Irish tragedy infused with hope, and the ending alone has the power to uplift even the most despondent spirits. Murphy reaffirms his status as one of the greatest actors of our time. This film is a perfect holiday watch, reminding us all to reach out to those in need during the festive season.
Julia Fisher Farbman has crafted an incredibly moving and inspiring film that showcases the extraordinary will and courage of Dr. Audrey Evans, brilliantly portrayed by Natalie Dormer. In 1969, at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), Dr. Evans developed a groundbreaking treatment for children facing severe forms of cancer and established the first Ronald McDonald House, providing families with respite and dignity during their darkest hours. Her impact has resonated with millions.
Audrey’s Children unfolds like a classic underdog story, reminiscent of Young Woman and the Sea, infused with heartfelt moments that evoke profound emotion. While the film adheres to traditional pacing, it speaks not just to the eyes but directly to the heart, delivering an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Dormer’s performance is truly the centerpiece, and I eagerly anticipate this film finding its rightful distribution—it deserves to be seen now!
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