“Unveiling Lifestyle Essentials: Your 2024 Wrap-Up”

The year 2024 showcased a variety of defining social media phenomena, live happenings, and much-anticipated releases. Amidst the peaks and valleys, contributors to The Huntington News’ Lifestyle section were present to report on them. As is customary, a plethora of the most significant pop culture incidents revolved around the year’s most favored and iconic media. To reminisce about 2024, the Lifestyle editors requested The News’ team to offer their selections for the finest film, television series, and album of the year.

Here are the team’s favored selections, along with personal recommendations in each category from Lifestyle editors Darin, Claudie, and Christina.

Caution: Spoilers ahead.

Top film of 2024: “Challengers”

True to Luca Guadagnino’s style, “Challengers” is a sensual, visually captivating whirlpool of emotions with a robust narrative and outstanding performances. The movie depicts a turbulent love triangle among three professional tennis players, showcasing their highs and lows in relation to themselves, each other, and their professions. Years after their initial encounter, Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a former tennis star turned coach, encourages her husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) to excel on the court. When Art starts to decline athletically, marked by losses and dwindling energy, Tashi enrolls him in one of the lowest tiers of professional play: a challenger event. Art’s adversary turns out to be none other than Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, compelling the trio to confront old emotions and tensions while striving to win the match.Nominated for several Golden Globe awards, “Challengers” delivers two hours and 11 minutes of sweat, sex, glamour, and certainly, tennis, deserving of the acclaim it has received since its debut in April.

Darin’s choice: “A Real Pain”

Despite a year brimming with spectacular, action-driven films, “A Real Pain” may not appear as the most evident pick; nevertheless, the film’s straightforward approach is exquisitely complemented by its intricate themes. Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin both shine in their roles as cousins David and Benji Kaplan, who travel through Poland to honor their recently departed grandmother. The film, which Eisenberg directed, thoughtfully scrutinizes the effects of pain across varied dimensions, from the strained bond between David and Benji to the generational trauma inherited from Holocaust survivors. What makes “A Real Pain” exceptionally commendable is its nuance, showcasing how pain is often most profoundly experienced in silence. Numerous poignant moments in the film are devoid of dialogue, accompanied solely by a carefully curated selection of piano compositions by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin. As David and Benji grapple with the anguish connected to their Jewish history, they also attempt to navigate their relationship and rediscover what has been lost between them. With a runtime of only 90 minutes, “A Real Pain” exemplifies a beautiful exercise in storytelling restraint, leaving the audience with much to contemplate after its conclusion. In an era of open dialogues surrounding trauma and mental health, the film offers a revitalizing perspective on grappling with life’s hardships.

Claudie’s choice: “Dune: Part Two”

Director Denis Villeneuve achieved the nearly impossible feat of producing a sequel that matches the anticipation surrounding its predecessor — and serves as a commendable adaptation of an exceptional novel. “Dune: Part Two” surpassed sequel expectations at the box office, grossing over $714 million globally, eclipsing the first film by more than $300 million. A nearly three-hour sci-fi marvel, “Dune: Part Two” picks up where “Dune” concluded, as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) allies with the Fremen people, the indigenous inhabitants of the planet, embarking on a quest through the deserts of Arrakis to avenge the death of his father and House Atreides. Some Fremen believe Paul is their messiah, while others hold reservations. Chalamet offers a remarkable portrayal, showcasing character development that was absent in the initial film through his internal conflicts and relationship with his love interest, Chani (Zendaya). The artistry of the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, subtly enhancing the visuals of the first film. Chalamet and Zendaya are joined in “Part Two” by Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken, contributing to an even more illustrious ensemble. Nominated at the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, as well as for Hans Zimmer’s original score, “Dune: Part Two” undoubtedly stands as one of the finest films of the year.

Christina’s choice: “The Substance”

For her second feature, Coralie Fargeat presented “The Substance,” a horror-thriller that delves into how women are viewed in society and the expectations imposed upon them. The narrative follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an actress whose career flounders after she is dismissed from her aerobics TV show for being deemed “too old.” After a car accident lands Elisabeth in the hospital, a nurse hands her a flash drive promoting The Substance, a treatment that claims to provide a more youthful, flawless version of herself. Upon using The Substance, a second version of Elisabeth materializes from her spine — a younger incarnation that she names “Sue.”(Margaret Qualley), with whom she must interchange consciousness every fortnight to guarantee stability for both Elisabeth’s and Sue’s welfare. “The Substance” illustrates Sue’s ascent to stardom, as she feels empowered and invincible with her enhanced beauty, while Elisabeth sinks into a state of self-hatred, perceiving herself as worthless and overlooked by society. What distinguishes the film from conventional body horror flicks is its connections to classics such as “The Shining,” “Carrie,” and “The Fly,” enabling viewers to admire the cinematography and astonishing conclusion.

Honorable mentions: “Wicked,” “We Live in Time,” “Inside Out 2”

Best TV series of 2024: “Arcane”

Situated in the same realm as the popular video game “League of Legends,” the second and concluding season of “Arcane” premiered on Netflix in November. The narrative revolves around sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) as they oppose each other in a battle for supremacy between two cities — Piltover, a region of affluence and prosperity, and Zaun, a community that finds itself subjugated by Piltover. The trajectory of the series is ultimately shaped by the destinies of the cities and the relationship between the two sisters. Almost three years elapsed between the launch of the first and second seasons of “Arcane,” yet this did not diminish the excitement for the second season. “Arcane” has been nearly universally praised by both fans and critics for its narrative, animation, and character growth. Its allure has transcended “League of Legends” enthusiasts, and the series has successfully transformed into something larger and more impactful than the typical video game adaptation.

Darin’s selection: “Shōgun”

The qualities of a remarkable series aren’t determined by its success during awards season, but it’s evident why “Shōgun” garnered the evening’s greatest accolades at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Closely adapted from the 1975 book of the same title written by James Clavell, the excitement and tension never diminish throughout the impressive 10-episode miniseries. In 1600, following English sailor John Blackthorne’s (Cosmo Jarvis) shipwreck in Japan, he finds himself embroiled in the military strategies of Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). As Blackthorne demonstrates his value to the Japanese samurai, he begins to grasp the political alliances and conflicts that have emerged within the Council of Regents, made up of five feudal lords governing Japan until the heir of the Taikō becomes of age to rule. “Shōgun” is a work of historical fiction, its narrative loosely inspired by actual events from 17th-century Japan. As such, the series treats the history that influenced it with profound respect, dedicating time to explore how the violent samurai existence affects others in both vast cities and secluded villages. Although it has sporadic gentler sequences, “Shōgun” primarily offers an intense journey from the outset, narrating a compelling story of life under the shogunate culminating in its heart-wrenching conclusion.

Claudie’s selection: “One Day”

Originally published as a novel in 2009 and subsequently adapted for the cinema in 2011, a new adaptation of “One Day” debuted in 2024. The 10-episode limited series was released in February on Netflix, featuring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, respectively. The romantic drama chronicles Emma and Dexter’s relationship over nearly two decades, commencing with their initial encounter at their University of Edinburgh graduation celebration to the series’ poignant conclusion. As they navigate the challenges of post-graduate life and adulthood, experiencing reconnecting moments and transitioning between friends and lovers, Emma and Dexter’s story, along with the show’s overall concept, could seem like a tired cliché. Nevertheless, the poignant performances and undeniable chemistry between Mod and Woodall, seamlessly executed comedic moments, and robust supporting characters render “One Day” an effective adaptation of the novel and an outstanding example of a well-crafted limited series.

Christina’s selection: “The Boys”

Five years post-premiere, Prime Video unveiled the fourth season of “The Boys,” depicting a group of vigilantes sharing the same name as they attempt to dismantle highly esteemed yet exceedingly corrupt superheroes, commonly referred to as Supes. Season four resumes six months after the previous season’s finale, with The Boys — Hughie (Jack Quaid), Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capone), Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara), and Annie (Erin Moriarty) — collaborating with the CIA to eliminate Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit), a vice presidential candidate concealing her super-powered abilities from the masses. Operating in Neuman’s shadow is Homelander (Antony Starr), a profoundly unstable and narcissistic Supe seeking to seize control of the government and establish his dominance. With only months to live, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), The Boys’ former leader, aims to eliminate not just Homelander, but every Supe. The escalating tensions of the season culminate in an exceptional finale, setting the stage for a highly awaited final season. Starr, in particular, excels in his role as Homelander, transforming into a sadistic, deranged sociopath yearning for validation and power. While the season leans more towards developing the plot rather than propelling it forward, season four of “The Boys” excels at becoming increasingly absurd and unpredictable compared to the previous season, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating its fifth and concluding season.

Honorable mentions: “The Penguin,” “The Bear,” “Love Island USA”

Best album of 2024: “brat” by Charli XCX

More than ten years after unveiling her first album, Charli XCX continues to fulfill her audience’s desires with her sixth studio project, “brat.” Released on June 7, “brat” reached No. 3 just two weeks later on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the highest position achieved by any Charli XCX album. “Brat” revolves around themes of Charli XCX’s imperfections and her unapologetic nature, which sparked the “brat summer” lifestyle—celebrating, being daring, and living without restrictions. The album’s most-streamed song, “360,” illustrates the artist’s assured and liberated demeanor, with lyrics stating “If you love it, if you hate it / I don’t fucking care what you think.” The album’s triumph can be assessed beyond chart positions and the emergence of the signature “brat” vibe; the British singer-songwriter earned seven Grammy nominations for the album, including Record of the Year for “360.”

Darin’s selection: “GNX” by Kendrick Lamar

Even prior to the surprise debut of “GNX” in November, 2024 was already shaping up to be a pivotal year for Kendrick Lamar. Following a dispute with fellow rapper Drake that led to the wildly successful single “Not Like Us,” anticipation for a new album was at an all-time high. Several months passed without any release. In September, Lamar announced he would be headlining the halftime show at the 2025 Super Bowl. Fans speculated that this would be the occasion for a new album. Yet, there was still silence. Just when it appeared that Lamar was reserving his achievements for an even grander showcase in 2025, he yet again exceeded expectations with the release of “GNX,” his sixth studio endeavor. Undoubtedly, the wait paid off. Instantly claiming the top spot on the Billboard 200, “GNX” continues to exemplify Lamar at the pinnacle of his lyrical prowess, supplemented by an expansive roster of guest features. Tracks such as “squabble up” and “tv off” rapidly became sensations, particularly moments featuring Lamar’s legendary “Mustard” scream. Others, including “man at the garden” and “reincarnated,” the heart of the album, serve as a well-deserved tribute to how Lamar’s resolve and dedication propelled him to greatness. “GNX” stands as the ideal concluding statement for Lamar’s year, whose equilibrium of self-assurance and modesty has allowed him to dominate the rap landscape.

Claudie’s selection: “The Secret of Us” by Gracie Abrams

From the dawn of January to the conclusion of 2024, Gracie Abrams’ monthly listener count on Spotify surged by over 30 million. Many may credit Abrams’ rising fame to her role as an opener for Taylor Swift during her record-setting Eras Tour, and while that might hold some truth, the brilliance of Abrams’ sophomore studio album should not be dismissed. “The Secret of Us” is a 47-minute narrative encapsulating heartbreak, camaraderie, yearning, and personal evolution, with each of the album’s 13 tracks showcasing Abrams’ heartfelt voyage. The album features only one collaboration, with Swift on the well-received track, “us.” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” gained traction remarkably, especially after Abrams’ notable key changes during a live version went viral. Lively, upbeat tracks like “Risk” and “Close To You” attracted attention on social media, while compelling bridges in “Free Now” and “Let It Happen” illustrate Abrams’ evolving artistry and proficiency. On October 18, Abrams released “The Secret of Us (Deluxe)” featuring four additional tracks and three live renditions from the original project. “The Secret of Us” has amplified Abrams’ listener base and paved her way in the pop scene — and her trajectory is on the rise from here.

Christina’s selection: “CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator has achieved it again: he has meticulously woven a collection of narratives articulating the experiences of growing up, discerning right from wrong, and managing fame, all encapsulated in a 53-minute album. Tyler launched his eighth studio project “CHROMAKOPIA” on October 28, a mere 12 days after teasing the album on Instagram. This surprised fans, given he previously only released albums every two years, with his latest being “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” released in 2023. Featuring artists like Childish Gambino, Doechii, Sexyy Red and several others, Tyler guides listeners through emotions surrounding relationships, anxieties, and the repercussions of his decisions. Narrated by his mother, Bonita Smith, the album traverses various phases in Tyler’s life, reflecting his mixed sentiments about fame and his conflicts with fatherhood — contemplating its potential, along with the void left by his own father’s absence. Tracks such as “Noid,” “Judge Judy,” and “Like Him” progress the narrative splendidly and reveal vulnerability, while tracks like “Sticky” and “Balloon” exhibit Tyler’s characteristic bravado: quirky and audacious. With astute lyricism and flawless production, Tyler presents one of the finest albums of the year.

Honorable mentions: “Bando Stone & the New World” by Childish Gambino, “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter, “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift