One factor that I will always look out for in a film is the musical score. I can get caught in the world of music as it sits in my head in the days, weeks, months, and even the years that come. There is immense artistry in weaving emotions from music, having us slip into the world that is created, fear the oncoming dread even if we do not know why, or rejoice in the triumph of that final victory.
Music charts the cinematic world as it guides us, lifts us up, and yet it can also crush our souls with a couple of notes on a piano. This is its power.
Also, a reminder that this award is for Musical Scores and Original Songs only, so no needle drops or non-original songs, so prepping you for Wicked not being on this list right from the start. However, it would be remiss of me not to at least mention the cultural relevance of Deadpool & Wolverine using a choral version of Madonna’s Like a Prayer.
Our Highly Commended Films in 2024 are: Alien: Romulus, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Gladiator II, Hundreds of Beavers, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Transformers One
Our Highly Commended TV in 2024 are: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Shōgun & Star Wars: The Acolyte
So, without further ado, these are the musical scores that moved us in 2024. Be warned that there may be some slight spoilers ahead.
And the Nominees are –
Agatha All Along
I don’t think that any song has sat in my head as long as The Ballad of the Witches’ Road from Agatha All Along.
Challengers
Challengers is an electro-funk riot of sound; it is brash and exciting, and it perfectly captures the film.
Dune: Part Two
Look, Hans Zimmer is a master of the craft, and while the Oscars didn’t think it was eligible this year, I am not the Oscars and nominated Dune: Part Two is.
Robot Dreams
In a film with no dialogue, music is more important than ever, and Robot Dreams absolutely understands that.
Thelma
Thelma is this year’s dark horse nominee because I was completely caught off-guard by its mild xylophone introductions building to these grand symphonic moments interspersed with the best groove music in an age.
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot is the musical equivalent of someone who has fallen down and slowly picks themselves up and continues to win the race.
X-Men ’97
Now, to be clear, X-Men ’97 is not on this list because of its revamping of that opening title, even though it slaps. But because it is a bombastic link back to the past that does not hide in the background but stands proudly aside our heroes.
And the Winner is!!!!! – The Wild Robot
Directed by – Chris Sanders
Written by – Chris Sanders
Based on – The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Musical Score by – Kris Bowers
One of the great joys of reviewing cinema is when you find a new voice that sings out to you. This year, the musical stylings of Kris Bowers were brought to my attention through the medium of The Wild Robot. Much like the film, the musical score is a giant warm hug to the listener. The musical score completely captures every emotion, the highs and the lows, with such grace and beauty. Honestly, I have had this musical score on repeat throughout much of the year, and in a category that is usually hard to pick [see last year’s] this stood out above the rest in the way it captured my heart and never let go. What are your favourite musical scores from 2024? Let us know in the comments below.
By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.
What are your favourite cinematic moments from 2024?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day.
Credits – All images used were created by the respective studios and artists of each film
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