SlashFilm ranks Shogun, Baby Reindeer, Say Nothing... among the best TV series of 2024.
1. Shogun
Critics say the film captivates viewers from start to finish thanks to its detailed characterization, plot, and acting. The film reflects history and incorporates many Japanese philosophies.
The artists fully embody their roles, reflecting the characters’ psychology through body language and voice. The project also focuses on makeup, filming, and utilizing multiple camera angles to help the audience visualize the space, location, and events.
2. Baby Reindeer
The film, created and starring Richard Gadd, quickly became a hit on Netflix after it aired in February.
Gadd plays bartender Donny Dunn, who wants to be a comedian. One day, he accidentally meets and strikes up a conversation with Martha, who sends Donny 41,071 emails, 350 hours of voicemail, 744 tweets, 46 Facebook messages, and 106 pages of letters. On one hand, Donny is terrified, but on the other, he enjoys the feeling of being watched.
According to SlashFilm, the appeal of Baby Reindeer lies in the plot, director Gadd knows how to turn a personal story into a compelling work, carrying a message of forgiveness. "The film shows that audiences always need stories that are true and touch the depths of the soul," the site wrote.
3. Say Nothing
The series is an adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe's 2018 book, focusing on The Troubles, a conflict that took place in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998 between Catholics who wanted to unite Ireland and Protestants who wanted to maintain links with the United Kingdom.
The film revolves around the story of two sisters, Dolours and Marian Price, members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), from the early days of participating in the movement until the end of the conflict. The work also explores the kidnapping and murder of Mrs. Jean McConville, who was accused of providing intelligence to the British army.
The project delves into real events, exploring the psychology of characters during a period of social division. The work also depicts the consequences of war on the lives of innocent people, women and children.
Time magazine called Say Nothing the must-see political thriller of the year. The film takes an objective look at the conflict, helping viewers understand the views and actions of both sides.
4. Interview with the Vampire
The film is set in 2022 and focuses on an interview between journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) and vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson). This event follows the encounter 49 years earlier, when Louis wanted to unravel the mysteries of vampires.
In early 20th century New Orleans (USA), Louis is a wealthy black man who becomes a vampire when he is seduced by Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid). However, Louis has difficulty adjusting to his new life. The appearance of vampire Claudia (Delainey Hayles) makes the relationship between the two become tense.
Through Louis' story, the audience explores the lives of vampires, their loneliness and their desire for love. The film also raises questions about human nature, about life and death.
TV Guide wrote: "The film breathes new life into the vampire theme, surprising viewers." The AV Club said that the detailed plot allows the work to explore many topics in today's society such as racism, history, and homosexual love.
5. True Detective: Night Country
Season four of the True Detective: Night Country series revolves around female detectives Liz Danver (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) investigating eight missing men at a research station in Alaska.
The natural landscape and harsh climate of Alaska play an important role in creating tension and suspense for the film. The work harmoniously combines elements of detective, horror, folklore and questions about human nature.
The performances of Jodie Foster and Kali Reis create highlights, taking the audience through the investigation process, revealing the truth. NPR and Guardian said that Night Country is the best part of True Detective. Experts commented that the film's feminist spirit helps create a new perspective on the topic of crime solving.
TB (summary)