In 2024, a number of diverse voices reflected on the changing landscapes of entertainment, media, and culture. Each writer provided their own perspective on trends, breakthroughs, and the challenges artists and industries faced.
Film and Ambition: The film world found itself yearning for boldness, as exemplified by Megalopolis, a divisive film that sparked intense reactions yet kept people engaged. This suggested a deeper hunger for ambitious, large-scale projects that confront complex ideas—something that had been scarce due to the balancing act between art and commerce. Some filmmakers, like Francis Ford Coppola, funded these ambitious endeavors out of their own pockets, while others like Brady Corbet took risks to create sweeping stories on a smaller budget. Films that pushed boundaries or explored weighty themes were met with both adoration and critique, marking a year where moviegoers seemed to demand more daring work.
Performance and Surprise: In a year marked by upheaval and uncertainty, one consistent pleasure was the surprise of exceptional performances. Whether it was an actor breaking through or a veteran star rediscovering their craft, the ability to lose oneself in a character and deliver a powerful performance remained one of cinema’s enduring joys.
Trash, Elevated Trash, and Comedy: The concept of “elevated trash” emerged as a popular classification for films that were cheap, fun, and polished. This genre is often unpretentious yet emotionally engaging, and in 2024, it signified a reemergence of bold, unabashed films. Comedy, too, thrived in 2024 with stand-up specials from established comedians like Anthony Jeselnik and Ramy Youssef, who pushed their personas further. Comedy’s essence was celebrated for its ability to connect people through absurd yet profound insights into the human experience.
The Decline of Peak TV: TV, once heralded as the golden age of content, faced a reckoning in 2024 with the decline of “Peak TV.” Despite a few standouts, much of the year’s television content felt lackluster or “mid.” Even beloved shows like The Bear lost some of their luster, reflecting a shift in audience engagement and viewing habits. TV in 2024 was marked more by its mediocrity than by collective cultural moments.
Horror’s Reflection of Anxieties: Horror, as a genre, continued to explore and reflect societal fears, with 2024’s offerings focusing on themes like bodily autonomy and forced birth, reflecting anxieties stemming from the aftermath of political decisions like the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This darker, more politically charged horror resonated deeply with audiences.
The Music Scene: Music in 2024 turned inward, with pop looking back and hip-hop dealing with numerous personal and legal battles. There was a notable push for emotional depth, with many artists documenting resilience in their music. Pop culture seemed to return to a more unified state, even as genres like rock and dance music blurred boundaries.
Podcasts, Press Tours, and Media’s Evolution: Podcasts continued to dominate in 2024, further blending with video content, especially on platforms like YouTube. This year was pivotal for podcasts, as they gained mainstream attention through viral moments and were increasingly integral to political and cultural discourse. Celebrities also embraced this new media reality, with press tours becoming strange, unpredictable spectacles that leaned into the absurdity of modern celebrity culture.
Art and AI: The intersection of art and AI made waves when a painting created by an AI robot, Ai-Da, sold at auction for a million dollars. This marked a milestone in the art world, raising questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative fields. However, critics pointed out that AI, despite its technical prowess, lacks the true “ecstatic truth” that human artists convey through their work.
A Year of Reflection and Lists: As 2024 drew to a close, it was clear that reflection was key. Writers, critics, and creators looked back on the year’s highs and lows, contributing to a culture of lists and rankings that helped define the year. Amid all the changes and uncertainty, there was still a shared sense of joy in reflecting on the year’s artistic and cultural milestones.
