Fear and joy can be just as effective in the world of cinema as they are in our daily lives. For the most talented filmmakers, horror and comedy are a powerful combination that can be utilised in unison to deliver powerful stories. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is a truly exceptional movie. Grotesque, hilarious and poignant, this may be the best film of 2024.

The beauty of the Western niche is that its elements can be applied to any setting, even those lacking cowboys and horses. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge is a modern twist on a classic genre, delivering a thrilling story with an emotional core.

For a classic franchise, sequels often follow one of two approaches. The first is the direction that stays true to the original while the second is an expansion of the world through narrative risks. While the latter may seem more exciting, a well-crafted tribute can often be the nostalgic reboot that a dormant franchise needs. Co-written and directed by Fede Álvarez, Alien: Romulus is a riveting trip to hell in space, despite its familiar structure.

With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (or MCU) at what can only be described as a low point, now is the perfect time for an entry that discards the rule book to breathe some life into a damaged franchise. Co-written and directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine is a thrilling adventure, even if it offers little beneath its, admittedly thrilling, cameo-saturated surface.

When it comes to horror, instilling fear is essential when delivering a story within the genre. If you can successfully build dread, and startle viewers in the right places, you have already done enough to make your movie notable. Written and directed by Damian Mc Carthy, Oddity is a film fueled by expert horror filmmaking despite its messy script. All in all, this is a terrifying experience worth having.