‘2024 has been a brilliant and varied year for entertainment – with Film and TV that has captivated audiences across the world,’ writes Culture Editor Aisha Alli-Balogun.
From heart-pounding dramas and thrilling thrillers to fun animations and unique sci-fi, we certainly weren’t short of things to watch in 2024.
Cross
Starting off strong, Cross introduces a detective fighting for morality and justice. It’s based on the Alex Cross book series by James Patterson, and takes the audience on a journey through complicated cases and personal challenges.
What personally drew me in was the shows blend of psychology and crime. Through the series, the audience is invited to dive into what makes Alex Cross tick as we get a first-hand look into his struggles – such as balancing his career and personal life.
If you are a fan of the show ‘Luther’, you’ll definitely find this show addictive.
Sweetpea
Sweetpea was a show I knew I’d watch as soon as I watched the trailer. I knew I would fall in love with this dark thriller and have no choice but to binge it back-to-back.
The audience follows the life of Rhiannon – a seemingly dull, normal woman who is hiding a dark side. She may appear invisible, but she is tired of being ignored, and that’s when everything gets messy.
The show left me instantly connecting with the protagonist as she struggles with the consequences of her actions. Filled with dark wit and clever pacing, Sweetpea left me wanting more.
DanDaDan
One of the best animes to come out this year, DanDaDan, has taken the world by storm. This unique anime takes elements of supernatural adventure, science fiction, and comedy but makes it its own.
We follow a UFO enthusiast and a girl with psychic powers who team up to stop out-of-this-world threats and discover cosmic mysteries. The animation captures you instantly with the vibrant colours and fluid motions that bring the manga to life.
Every episode left me on the edge of my seat due to its action sequences and moments that made me laugh so much.
Supacell
Supacell was a show that left me wanting more after a heartbreaking cliffhanger! If you like E4’s classic series ‘Misfits’, this show is for you.
We focus on a group of individuals in South London who discover they have superhero abilities. The show is a breath of fresh air as we dive into how each character is developed with backstories that connect with the viewers.
Every character has their own personal challenges as they are forced to confront systemic inequality and community struggles. With its innovative approach and thought-provoking themes, Supacell has become a standout hit in 2024’s television lineup.
Family By Choice
Family By Choice was my favourite KDrama to come out this year. This drama revolves around a group of individuals who come together to create their chosen family while going through their own challenges.
This show tackles themes of love, acceptance, and resilience in a way that allows the audience to connect with the characters. Moments of humour and joy are blended with tear-jerking scenes, which creates the perfect balance of viewing for the audience.
Shogun
Shogun is a highly-recommended historical drama that takes viewers on a journey through the world of feudal Japan. We follow John Blackthrone, an English sailor who finds himself shipwrecked in Japan and suddenly becomes entangled in the country’s political landscape.
This show has been one of the most talked about shows of the year as it’s a masterpiece due to its captivating cinematography, beautiful scenery, accurate period costumes and majestic set designs.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Wallace & Gromit, everyone’s favourite duo, make an outstanding return as they go on an adventure that leaves them – once again – tangled with our cunning villain, Feathers McGraw.
I won’t lie to you readers, but I did find myself rooting for McGraw! I couldn’t help it, as he’s one of my favourite villains.
The film showcases detailed stop-motion sequences that are visually beautiful, whilst the witty humour and dialogue made me feel like they never left.
This film was a perfect, lighthearted end to the year that we all needed!
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
I was unsure if the prequel would do justice to Mad Max: Fury Road, but I quickly found myself immersed in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Furiosa delivers empowered action, bewitching visuals, and emotionally driven storytelling. Anya Taylor-Joy delivered an astounding performance as Furiosa, and she captured what makes her so driven and fierce.
We see her from a captive to becoming the brave warrior she knew she could be.
The Substance
The Substance is an interesting horror film that aims to address society’s unreasonable beauty standards for women.
We see this through our protagonist, Elisabeth Sparkle, as she faces hard truths when she is fired on her 50th birthday.
This is when she is offered a substance that promises to transform her into a more young and enhanced version of herself, but there are always consequences.
The film is relatable when it comes to unrealistic beauty standards for women and leaves the audience to wonder how far they would go for the beauty standards and when it will be enough for society.
Rosina Butcher, Travel and Lifestyle Editor – One Day
In February, I watched One Day, a Netflix adaptation of David Nicholl’s 2009 romance novel, after the show’s release took social media by storm. And I was not disappointed.
I wouldn’t usually reach for a romance show, but One Day was something else. It was real and showed just how complicated love and life can be.
It told a fourteen-year-long story of friendship, grief, addiction, and love within fourteen brilliant episodes.
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall are the perfect on-screen match, as friends and as lovers, and their performances in One Day are a real testament to their talent as actors.
The show begins in the summer of 1988 in Edinburgh, where the two meet at their graduation ball. With Emma being a working-class Leeds girl and Dexter coming from a wealthy southern family, it initially seems they have nothing in common.
The pair go their separate ways after their initial brief meeting, despite their feelings for one another, but continue to weave in and out of each other’s messy lives.
Every year, despite life’s twists and turns pulling them apart, they meet again on St Swithin’s Day (15th July), the anniversary of their first kiss in Edinburgh.
Watching it might wreck you, but I think it’s something everyone needs to experience.