NIFFTY SIFFTY: SIFF 2024 Where Are They Now?
Everything We Saw at SIFF 2024, and How to Watch It
The Seattle International Film Festival
May 9-19, 2024 in Seattle
By Matt Ashworth, Peter Cameron and Tim Basaraba
The 51st Annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) kicks off this week, and while we’re ready to dive headfirst into a new crop of indie darlings, international gems, and midnight oddities, we thought it was the perfect time to take a look back at the cinematic feast we devoured last year.
So, in classic “where are they now?” fashion—minus the washed-up teen stars—we’ve rounded up every single film we saw at SIFF 2024 and tracked down where (or if) you can watch them today. Whether you’re trying to remember that haunting Bhutanese doc you loved or you’re just looking to finally see what all the fuss was about with Aggro Dr1ft, we’ve got you covered.
Let the retro rewind begin.
As viewed at the 50th Annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
AGGRO DR1FT
Harmony Korine is one of a kind. And Aggro Dr1ft (2023) fits in perfectly with his cannon. Is it a videogamer’s wet dream? Or is it a psychopathic sensory overload? With an infrared aesthetic, this film feels like Grand Theft Auto in the world of Gummo. For fans of Korine, this will be a surprising shift in tone with his recognizable style peppered into the mix. Aggro Drift will undoubtedly excite some and rile up the rest. But again, that Harmony’s style. – PC
At press time, this film is only available for purchase at $15.99.
After the Fire
In After the Fire (2023), Mehdi Fikri’s debut feature, we see a powerful parallel to U.S. police discrimination set in Strasbourg. The film intimately portrays the strain on families fighting for justice, focusing on Malika’s struggle to manage media attention and seek justice for her brother Karim, who dies under suspicious circumstances in police custody. What makes After the Fire truly impactful is seeing what feels like a very American story unfold in a different country, making the struggles feel universally relevant. – Matt Ashworth
Not available for streaming or purchase. May be available on Mubi soon.
Agent of Happiness
Agent of Happiness (2024) offers an intimate exploration of Bhutanese life, following Amber and Gina as they navigate personal and societal challenges in the Himalayas. The film masterfully blurs documentary and narrative storytelling, providing a vivid, deeply personal portrayal of happiness and identity in Bhutan under the reign of King Druk Gyalpo. This insightful and visually stunning film is a must-see for those interested in unique cultural narratives. – Tim Basaraba (Read our full review)
Available for free HD streaming on My Film Friend
All Your Faces
Jeanne Herry’s All Your Faces (2023) explores the impact of France’s restorative justice program. Eschewing typical courtroom tropes, Herry’s film instead focuses on emotional honesty and the complexity of forgiveness. Adèle Exarchopoulos shines in a performance that earned her a Cesar Award, but the film’s strength lies in its powerful, unembellished conversations between its talented ensemble cast. All Your Faces is a thought-provoking piece that will leave audiences wondering: What is justice? – PC (Read our full review)
Available to rent on Amazon or Apple TV for $4.99
Babes
Babes (2024) is a comedy about best friends Eden and Dawn navigating motherhood in New York. Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau deliver hilarious and heartfelt performances. The supporting cast, including Hasan Minhaj and John Carroll Lynch, adds depth and humor. Stephan James and Oliver Platt shine in pivotal roles. The film, from NEON studio, impresses with its witty dialogue and relatable themes, making it a standout comedy that rivals A24’s best. – TB (Read the full review)
Available to stream on Hulu.
Bonjour Switzerland
Bonjour Switzerland (2023) feels like a feature-length dad joke, filled with light-hearted humor and Swiss cultural references. The plot revolves around a German-speaking police officer caught in the aftermath of a Swiss referendum to become a monolingual nation. While its regional comedy might be lost on American audiences, the film’s clever premise and quick pacing make it charming. It’s a delightful watch for anyone who enjoys Switzerland and a good chuckle. – PC (Read our full review)
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Calladita
Spanish director Miguel Faus made a confident leap from short films to features with Calladita (2023), a slow-burn social satire wrapped in sun-soaked stillness. The tension simmers beneath the surface as Ana navigates the quiet class warfare of a luxury villa in Spain. Steady direction, pretty cinematography, and a sharp eye for the unspoken. A really solid debut. – MA
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Close Your Eyes
Close Your Eyes (2023) marks Víctor Erice’s (The Spirit of the Beehive) return to filmmaking, blending autobiographical elements with a tribute to classic cinema. The film impresses with its stunning locations, including Madrid and a Spanish beach, and masterful set design. The narrative technique revitalizes the traditional storytelling approach, making it a standout at SIFF 2024. Don’t let the lengthy runtime deter you—Erice’s film is a cinematic masterclass worth every minute. – TB (Read the full review)
Available to stream on Mubi.
Critical Zone
Critical Zone (2023) immerses viewers in Tehran’s gritty neorealism, blending the raw, location-based storytelling of Italian neorealism with the disorienting style of Gaspar Noé. Amir Pousti’s portrayal of a stoic drug dealer is both charismatic and unpolished, adding authenticity. The film’s powerful sound design amplifies its tension, akin to Uncut Gems. Despite a less conventional ending, the film’s empathetic closure is fitting. A must-watch for fans of immersive and challenging cinema. – TB (Read the full review)
Not available for streaming or purchase. May be available on Mubi soon.
Evil Does Not Exist
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist (2023) epitomizes “slow cinema” with its deliberate pacing and lingering shots. Set in a serene alpine village, it explores the simple lives of a father and daughter. Hitoshi Omika delivers a profound yet endearingly forgetful performance as the father. The film’s humor and rich score by Eiko Ishibashi enhance its charm. While its ambiguous ending may polarize viewers, it guarantees deep, post-viewing discussions. A must-see for fans of contemplative cinema. – TB (Read the full review)
Available to stream on Criterion.
Green Border
Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border (2023) is a powerful narrative set at the Belarus-Poland border, focusing on Middle Eastern refugees. The film’s raw, immersive style captures the desperate plight of refugees, the military’s harsh responses, and the humanitarian efforts of activists. It balances tension and hope, with Holland’s direction offering a visceral, compassionate look at modern human rights atrocities. This is an emotionally gripping film that compels viewers to reflect on the ongoing refugee crisis. It was my favorite film of 2024.– TB (Read the full review)
Now available for streaming on Kanopy.
Hitchcock’s Pro Nazi Film
Despite its provocative title, Le Film Pro-Nazi d’Hitchcock (2023) is a well-crafted bait-and-switch documentary exploring Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat (1944). Rather than promoting Nazi propaganda, it dives into the intriguing collaboration with novelist John Steinbeck. The film examines lesser-known aspects of Hitchcock’s work, beyond his famous classics like Rear Window and Psycho. It’s a must-watch for fans of Hitchcock, Steinbeck, and classic cinema enthusiasts, providing a nuanced perspective on a misunderstood piece of film history. – TB (Read the full review)
Available to rent on Amazon for $2.99.
Hollywoodgate
Hollywoodgate (2023) is a gripping documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Hollywoodgate offers a stark, unsettling glimpse into this radical shift in power. Through raw and unfiltered footage, it captures the tense atmosphere and the stark realities of life under Taliban rule. What’s most frightening is the incompetence of their leaders and the incredible risk that director Ibrahim Nash’at took to capture footage of them and get it out of Afghanistan alive. This is a must-watch for those seeking to understand the complexities of our world. – PC (Read the full review)
Available to rent on Jolt for five bucks.
I Saw the TV Glow
With their sophomore effort, Jane Schoenbrun delivered a neon fever dream in I Saw the TV Glow—our number one film of 2024. This mood-heavy, visually striking work blends sadness, adventure, and debilitating dread as Owen, played first with heart by young actor Ian Foreman and later with soul-crushing anxiety by Justice Smith, navigates an alienating existence.
Owen’s journey is anchored by Maddy, the slightly cooler older kid we all grew up idolizing. Brigette Lundy-Paine plays Maddy with aloof expertise, making her the perfect avatar for the Gen X and Y kids who waited each week for a new episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.While I Saw the TV Glow echoes the experimental style of Schoenbrun’s debut, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021), it’s more accessible in structure and execution. Every frame drips with neon, and even the most mundane moments are crafted with an obsessive eye for aesthetic detail. A24’s decision to market the film as horror might have helped sell tickets, but this isn’t a horror movie. It’s a surreal coming-of-age drama that deserves recognition for its innovation and artistry—not just its horror elements. – TB
Available to stream on Max.
Iron Mask
Iron Mask (2023) immerses viewers in the ritualized and visceral world of kendo. Joo Jong-hyuk stars as Jae-woo, who joins the Korean national team only to face his brother’s seemingly invincible killer. The film’s surreal, dream-like style enhances its compelling premise, with well-choreographed sparring matches and calligraphy-like editing. However, despite its visual appeal, the emotional depth feels lacking, making it more style than substance. – PC (Read more on Nada Mucho)
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Killing Romance
Watching Killing Romance (2023) as a midnight movie at Seattle’s Egyptian Theatre was perfect. This musical romantic comedy’s silly plot, vibrant visuals, and absurd humor—reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s style—made for a fun shared experience. The visual symmetry and playful tone kept the boisterous audience entertained throughout, as did the film’s memorable villain, whose catchphrase, “It’s goooood,” echoed as folks left the theater. – MA
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Luther: Never Too Much
Though I’ve never been a fan of Vandross’s music, this deep-dive documentary was an eye-opener, revealing facets of his life I was previously unaware of, from his days backing David Bowie to his TV jingles. Luther: Never Too Much (2024) oignantly shares the performer’s journey, celebrating his influence and the admiration he garnered, interspersed with tasteful insights into his personal challenges. – TB
Available to stream on Max.
Making Of
It seems so fitting for a film about filmmaking to make it into SIFF’s 2024 lineup. Making Of (2023) was a home run for SIFF goers, especially for SIFF filmmakers. It uses the chaotic backdrop of film production to tell very human stories. Director Cedric Kahn has a great talent for changing tone from one act to another. A skill that any cinephile can appreciate. – PC
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Música!
Mûsica! (2023), a documentary was perfect to see at SIFF Downtown. The newly renamed theater, formerly Cinerama, welcomed me with the familiar scent of chocolate popcorn. Its stellar sound system was a perfect match for Mûsica, a film about young Cuban musicians striving for instruments and opportunities. While there’s a review hold on this film, I can attest that it both looked and sounded fantastic and comes highly recommended. – TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Resynator
For any music nerd that loves the way things work and eventually sounds, Resynator (2024) will feel weighed down with a modern day “influencer” vibe. This vibe is at times vapid, forced and ultimately unbelievable as our storyteller inserts herself in every aspect of the story. For the non music nerd it could be an emotional journey of a child learning about the father she never knew through the words of others and a device called the Resynator. – TB
Available to stream on Criterion.
Scorched Earth
Scorched Earth (2024) presents a methodical, slow-burn thriller reminiscent of Jean-Pierre Melville’s minimalist style. Mišel Matičević shines as Trojan, a cool and quiet burglar returning to Berlin for an art heist. The film captivates with its authentic and grounded approach to crime, avoiding flashy spectacles. It’s a tense and gripping narrative, perfect for fans of Le Samouraï and Army of Shadows. – Peter Cameron (Read our full review)
Not available for streaming or purchase; be careful not to fire up the 2018 film starring Gina Carano.
Seagrass
Seagrass (2023), the maiden film by Canadian auteur Meredith Hama-Brown, seamlessly weaves family drama with ethereal undertones. Evoking the finesse of Terrence Malick, its transitions spotlight the Pacific Northwest’s raw splendor. Remy Marthaller, as Emmy, captivates and anchors us in this poignant tale of grief and transformation. I’m excited to follow Hama-Brown’s future cinematic endeavors. – TB
Available to rent on Amazon or Apple TV for $3.99
Sebastian
In Sebastian (2024), Mikko Mäkelä does a fantastic job exploring the humanity in sex work through the relationships between the lead character, Max, and the older men he connects with. The film delves into themes of self-discovery and identity, highlighting the emotional depth and complexities of these interactions. The performances are top-notch, bringing authenticity and sensitivity to a topic often overlooked in cinema. This is a solid drama that offers a moving and engaging look at love, identity, and the cost of living a double life. – MA
Now available for streaming on Kanopy.
Slow
Slow (2023) may just be the most romantic film I’ve ever seen. Directed by Marija Lavtaradze, it elegantly explores the budding relationship between a sign language interpreter and an interpretive dancer. Lavtaradze’s storytelling prowess was evident, making me eager to check out her debut, Summer Survivors, though it looks like I’m signing up for another streaming service called Film Movement Plus since I couldn’t find a copy at my beloved Scarecrow Video. – TB
Now available for streaming on Mubi.
Solitude
Everyone at the Majestic theater in Ballard seemed to be captivated from the start by the pastoral visual majesty. As the second act began, it felt quite discombobulating as we were swept away from rural life alongside our main character, Gunnar, who is reminiscent of early 2000s Dennis Hopper. As Gunnar slowly acclimates to city life, he meets new people, makes new friends, and possibly finds a new mission in life—just in time for everything to go horribly wrong. I highly recommend Solitude (2023) for fans of Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), Gran Torino (2008), and even the animated Up (2009). – TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Tenement
This brooding trama horror film fails to deliver any scares or impactful moments. What it does well is sit in a lush visual language that conveys Cambodia’s dark past. For fans of standard horror stay away you will be bored to death, for fans of “elevated horror” give it a try but the only thing that was really elevated about Tenement (2024) was the runtime. – TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
The Major Tones
Ingrid Pokropek’s feature debut, The Major Tones (2024), is a quiet stunner—an elegant swirl of magical realism and emotional resonance. I caught it just under the wire at the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival, and it ended my watchlist on a high note. Poetic, haunting, and strangely comforting, this film doesn’t shout; it sings. – MA
Not available for streaming or purchase.
The New Boy
The New Boy (2023) was the only film I viewed twice at SIFF. A majestically beautiful look at Australia through the eyes of the colonizers and the colonized. Newcomer Aswan Reid goes toe to toe with 2 time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett. In the film the young boy embodies Christ more than any who wear a habit and his compassion is on display as the antithesis of the domination driven Catholic Church.– TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
The Primevals
If you enjoyed 1981’s Clash of the Titans, then David Allen’s The Primevals (2023) will tickle your fancy. The acting is hit or miss. The dialogue is entirely exposition, and the plot is pure fantasy. But that’s part of the fun. It’s what some like to call B-Movie Magic. David W. Allen was a stop motion model animator who is best known for his work on films such as The Howling, Willow, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Young Sherlock Holmes. Having pitched The Primevals in the 60s and intermittently working on it throughout his career, Allen sadly passed away in 1999 before completing the project. Fortunately, his protégé, Chris Endecott, picked up the mantle and put the finishing touches on this wild ride. – PC
Available for streaming on Shudder.
Thelma
Thelma (2024) was golden and sparkles at SIFF’s 50th anniversary, showcasing Josh Margolin’s skillful blend of family drama and action comedy. June Squibb and Richard Roundtree deliver standout performances in a cast that masterfully mixes humor with heartfelt realism. Perfect for fans of Chinatown, Thelma & Louise and Grumpy Old Men, Thelma is a thrilling yet touching portrayal of age and family. – TB
Available to stream on Hulu.
Tiger Stripes
Amanda Nell Eu’s Tiger Stripes (2023) bursts onto the screen with wild energy and zero interest in playing it safe. It grabbed me from the jump and hasn’t let go since. Bold, bizarre, and totally unlike anything I’d seen before—which, in my book, is usually the mark of something great. Still thinking about it. – MA
Tony, Shelly and the Magic Light
This 2023 feature length animation “Czechs” all the boxes. Great story, interesting character design and most of all imaginative. Tony, our protagonist, seems to be an avatar for any kid that was isolated during or after the pandemic. His journey is one of discovery and acceptance that any parent should be clamoring to view with their child. –TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
We Can Be Heroes
This 2024 documentary about non neurotypical kids attending a LARP summer camp may have one of my favorite personalities ever captured on film. Their name is Cloud. Cloud is a child that has had problems being kicked out of multiple schools and from what I can see it is because they are smarter than everyone else. There are at least three other kids with as much screen time as Cloud but none can do what Cloud does in every they are on screen, entertain. – TB
Not available for streaming or purchase.
We Have Never Been Modern
At the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, Matěj Chlupáček’s We Have Never Been Modern (2023) dazzled with stylish fonts and vibrant cinematography. The film follows Helena and Alois Haupt, whose seemingly perfect life unravels when a mysterious infant is found at their factory. Despite initial intrigue and strong visuals, the film’s plot disappoints, leaning more towards mundane drama than expected. Chlupáček’s second feature is visually impressive but ultimately lacks compelling depth. – TB Read the Full Review
Available to buy on Apple TV for $12.99.
We Strangers
In We Strangers (2024), Anu Valia, lauded for her Sundance Jury Prize-winning short film Lucia, Before and After, crafts a narrative that’s as understated as it is poignant. Kirby, known for her TV roles in Killing Eve and Barry, delivers a performance that is the epitome of subtlety, her face a canvas of unspoken thoughts and emotions. The film’s treatment of racism and classism eschews the dramatic heft often found in cinema, opting instead for a portrayal of nuanced microaggressions that resonate with a quiet truth. This low-key approach may not craft a plot teeming with engagement, but it’s precisely this lack of conventional weightiness that lends the film its air of authenticity. Valia’s refusal to tie up the narrative in a neat bow, avoiding the grand reconciliations typical of Hollywood, is refreshing, but this film still didn’t really make me feel anything at the depth I was looking for. Not Recommended, but keep an eye on Valia. Excited to see what she does with her second feature film. – MA
Not available for streaming or purchase.
Young Hearts
Young Hearts (2024), a nuanced coming-of-age drama set against the rustic backdrops of rural Belgium. Though the trailer might give “Saltburn for tennagers” vibes, Young Hearts is far from another teenage angst film. Instead, it offers a thoughtful portrayal of acceptance and generational disconnect, peppered with humor thanks to veteran Belgium television actor Geert Van Rampelberg’s portrayal of a delightfully clueless father. The performances by Lou Goossens as Elias and Marius De Saeger as Alexander brought an authentic touch to their adolescent characters, making even the most sentimental lines resonate with sincerity. – TB
Available to rent on Amazon or Apple TV for $4.99