The Tribeca Film Festival 2024 surprised us in many ways, from the darkly compelling Vulcanizadora to the nostalgic documentary Brats. Here are some mini reviews.
A new edition of the Tribeca Film Festival has come to an end, during which we discovered numerous gems, including Some Rain Must Fall, Ripe!, Griffin in Summer, Firebrand, Nuked, The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write about a Serial Killer, Winter Spring Summer or Fall, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, and more. Explore our exclusive coverage here. Just days after the festival’s closing, some films are beginning to leave a lasting impression in our memories while others are already fading. One thing is certain, the 2024 lineup was full of surprises, and delightful ones at that. In this article, we revisit a handful of films from this year’s edition.
VULCANIZADORA (Director: Joel Potrykus)
One of the best films from the festival was the dark and unpredictable film from Joel Potrykus’, Vulcanizadora. Two friends, Marty (Joshua Burge) and Derek (Potrykus), take a trip through the Michigan woods to commit a disturbing act. However, the plan fails and causes some consequences to surface at home. Shot on 16mm film, Vulcanizadora is one of the most proactive films to come from the festival and it is fascinating to watch. A story of friendship that touches on mental health which is sinister yet heartbreaking at the same time. Potrykus meshes in funny moments while also keeping the film in focus. The performances and chemistry are on point from Burge and Potrykus, it will keep audiences glued to the screen. Vulcanizadora made its world premiere as part of the US Narrative Competition. The film was recognized at the festival for a Special Jury Mention for Burge’s dynamic performance.
MCVEIGH (Director: Mike Ott)
Mike Ott makes his directorial feature film debut that is frustrating as its a slow-moving film that never achieves what it wants to achieve. The film follows Tim McVeigh, a veteran of the Iraq war, as he executed one of the deadliest attacks of domestic terrorism in U.S. history blowing up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. The film was inspired by the siege in Waco, Texas as Alfie Allen stars as McVeigh. McVeigh never glorifies the actions of Tim McVeigh, but never gives audiences an insight into a deep understanding of who he actually was. Ott’s film comes off as an empty bowl and never leaves audiences with the emotional impact it desires. The performances from Allen and Anthony Carrigan are admirable along with the rest of the cast. It’s disappointing to see a film that explores terrorism and mental health turn out to be an unsatisfactory watch. McVeigh had its world premiere as part of the Spotlight Narrative selection.
RENT FREE (Director: Fernando Andrés)
Two Gen Z and queer best friends Ben (Jacob Roberts) and Jordan (David Treviño) come up with a plan to couch surf for a year with the help of family and friends as both are unable to pay their rent. Rent Free does have some laugh-out-loud moments as one of the most reliable films given the recent housing crisis most young adults face. However, the characters are obnoxious and self-centered as they are meant to be likable. It is a film about growing up and maturing, but I couldn’t care because of the disadvantage they were giving to people living without paying some form of rent. It felt at times this could have been an idea for a sitcom because of all the scenarios Ben and Jordan got themselves into. It didn’t exactly work for me. Rent Free had its world premiere as part of the US Narrative Competition.
IN THE SUMMERS (Director: Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio)
Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio’s film, In the Summers, is authentically beautiful and follows two sisters as they navigate the summer vacation with their father in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Samudio’s film is semi-autobiographical and full of emotion as she marks her directorial debut. It’s a film that focuses on growth and forgiveness and tells its story through the eyes of a child discovering themselves and eventually becoming full-grown adults. Puerto Rican Rapper, Residente makes a remarkable acting debut with one of the year’s best performances as the cast is overall excellent. Samudio has a superb future ahead as she has more mature stories to share. In the Summers made its New York premiere as part of the Spotlight Narrative selection.
SATISFIED (Directors: Chris Bolan and Melissa Haizlip)
It’s a true story of success! Directors Chris Bolan and Melissa Haizlip’s documentary gives audiences an inside look into one of Broadway’s biggest stars Renée Elise Goldsberry. Goldsberry is not just the Tony Award-winning actress who starred as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, she is also a dedicated mom. Satisfied is a beautiful expose that gives audiences a look into Goldsberry’s life as she opens up about her career and the pregnancy issues she had faced. It’s based on the work-life balance that can easily connect with audiences. Goldsberry gives a down-to-earth presence as she shares her most vulnerable moments and inspires the audience to never give up on dreams no matter what obstacles get in the way. The film is accompanied by archival videos and interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ariana DeBose. Satisfied made its world premiere as part of the Spotlight+ selection.
BRATS (Director: Andrew McCarthy)
Any film enthusiast or pop culture junkie will need to seek Andrew McCarthy’s documentary. Brats centers on the 1980s biggest stars known as the ‘Brat Pack’ and their incredible impact on their lives and careers. McCarthy gives his insights as a young star, but gets exclusive interviews with Emilio Esteves, Jon Cryer, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and many other beloved stars who helped define a generation of pop culture. The film has a similar feel and can be compared to Soleil Moon Frye’s film, Kid 90 (2021) as the film is a straightforward documentary on nostalgia. The stars share the positives and negatives of the reputation of being part of the ‘Brat Pack’ however, it’s mostly McCarthy’s story to explore his past. It’s not entirely sighful, but heartfelt to see McCarthy reconnect with the past. Brats made its world premiere as part of the Spotlight+ selection and is now available on Hulu to watch.
Explore our exclusive coverage of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival here.
