We’re cruising to the end of 2024 and as we do, I’m looking back at some of my favorite films and performances from the year. As well as a few of my least favorite. Each day between now and January 9 look for another installment in a different category. Let’s ring out 2024 by looking back on some of the best and worst of the year!

Today, it’s my favorite scripts!

No. 5: Osgood Perkins, Longlegs
About: This story was creepy and compelling. From the early going it grabs you and pulls you into this world. This is a well-crafted thriller.

No. 4: Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan, Saturday Night
About: This is done in near real time, beginning about 90 minutes before the first episode of Saturday Night Live. The way it captures the characters, the voices, and tells this story is quite compelling. It’s also one of the funniest films of the year.

No. 3: Coralie Fargeat, The Substance
About: I didn’t love the ending, but it was wildly creative. In fact, the whole thing is wildly creative. Fargeat deserves credit for that as a writer and director.

No. 2: Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, Sing Sing
About: I love this story about a real program and some real-life prisoners whose lives were transformed through drama. This film is moving and emotional, telling a beautiful story with some interesting beats.

No. 1: Peter Straughn and Robert Harris, Conclave
About: This film is about ideas. It’s about the church. It’s about faith. It’s about how people should be treated. It is a beautiful drama played out in tense and thought-provoking moments. I simply adored it.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.