The Kallys® 2024 – Best Films
I’m continuing my wholly subjective awards, The Kallys®, and focusing now on the best films I saw this year. There was a time when I saw multiple movies a week, but life is busier than before, and a lot of the best storytelling is being done on the small screen these days, so that’s where my attention has gone. Nevertheless, there were a few films I got to see and several that caught my eye or stuck in my brain. While I actually enjoyed big tentpole releases like Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, the films that really resonated with me were documentaries about complex, creative and daring people. So the following set of documentaries are my personal choices for the best films of 2024.
See also The Kallys® for: Best TV of 2024 \\ Best Podcasts of 2024 \\ Best Books of 2024 \\ Best YouTube of 2024 \\
1 \ Will & Harper
2024 Film of the Year: #1
Will Ferrell has always had a knack for making audiences laugh, but in Will & Harper, he shows us who he truly is as a human being. Ostensibly the film is a documentary about a journey (literally a road trip) with his old SNL writing partner Harper, who has transitioned to being a woman. As they traverse America in a car they encounter small town life in all its beautiful and ugly forms, while also revealing who they are as people. (Spoiler alert: They have similar fears and foibles to all of us) The film had a really profound effect on me and it sparked great conversations with my family afterwards. This is a dosucmentary with real heart and with something vital to say about acceptance in our modern fractured society. Highly recommended. [Netflix]
2 \ Jim Henson – Idea Man
2024 Film of the Year: #2
For anyone who’s ever felt the spark of a creative idea and wondered if it could change the world, Jim Henson: Idea Man is the perfect slice of inspiration. What struck me most was how the film captured creativity as the absolute driving force behind Henson’s life. He brought a childlike wonder to life in all that he did. Through a mix of rare behind-the-scenes footage and heartfelt interviews, you see Henson not just as the man who gave us Kermit and Miss Piggy, but as someone who lived and breathed the process of turning dreams into reality. His ideas were boundless and his ability to connect with people unmatched. As someone who has long adored The Muppets, The Dark Crystal and his other creations, this was a poignant and beautiful snapshot of one of the great creative minds of our time. A worthy watch. [Disney+]
3 \ The Deepest Breath
2024 Film of the Year: #3
One of my favourite films of all time is Le Grand Bleu by Luc Besson, which showcases a fictional take on the fascinating world of freediving. In that same spirit, The Deepest Breath is a breathtaking (literally and figuratively) documentary that plunges into the real world of freediving, where danger and beauty are never too far apart. At its heart, though, it’s not just about the sport; it’s about the people who dedicate their lives to it. The film’s focus on Alessia Zecchini’s relentless pursuit of freediving records is fascinating, but it’s the role that Irishman Stephen Keenan played alongside her that moved me the most; not just as a safety diver, but as a steadfast anchor in this world of incredible risk. This isn’t simply a film about freediving; it’s a mesmerising exploration of purpose, connection, and the human spirit. Take a breath and settle in for a great film. [Netflix]
