The best movies of 2024 so far 

‘Dune: Part Two.’ (Supplied) 
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Updated 21 June 2024
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The best movies of 2024 so far 

  • Senegal shines, ‘Hit Man’ is a hit, and Zendaya slays it — twice

‘Dune: Part Two’ 

The second instalment in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi saga isn’t just one of this year’s best films, but has a strong argument for being one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. It follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalomet) as he attempts to earn the trust of the native Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to persuade them to help him take down House Harkonnen, who are responsible for the massacre of Paul’s own house. This sprawling second chapter covers some heavy themes, including love versus duty, religious extremism, and the morality of violence, but always keeps sight of the need to entertain its audience. This it does throughout its almost three-hour running time with some dazzling battle sequences, the central love story between two of Hollywood’s biggest young stars (Chalomet and Zendaya’s fierce Fremen woman Chani), and thrilling sandworm rides.  

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ 

With two hugely bankable stars (Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth), a lauded director (George Miller), and the fact that it’s a prequel and spin-off to one of the finest action movies of the past 10 years (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) — itself a part of a hugely popular post-apocalyptic franchise, “Furiosa” looked set to be one of the year’s box-office blockbusters. Instead, it was a relative flop. But that shouldn’t be taken as any reflection of its quality: Taylor-Joy is excellent in the lead role, finding an emotional connection to Charlize Theron’s portrayal of Furiosa in “Fury Road,” Hemsworth holds nothing back in his performance as the evil warlord biker Dementus, the action scenes are astounding (of course, it’s George Miller), the screenplay (uncommonly for a “Mad Max” film) has real depth, and the whole thing makes for brilliant big-screen entertainment.  

‘Hit Man’ 

Despite the title, director Richard Linklater’s latest isn’t filled with cunningly planned “Killing Eve”-style assassinations. Instead, it’s an entertaining blend of noir-thriller, black comedy, and romance held together by Glenn Powell in the lead role of Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered university professor who adopts a variety of personas while working for the New Orleans police department as a fake contract killer in order to catch people thinking of hiring an actual assassin. That wild premise is actually based (very loosely) on a true story. Johnson finds himself in trouble when he falls hard for a potential client, the beautiful Madison (Adria Arjona). Unwilling to get her sent to prison, he begins a relationship with her, but as “Ron,” his latest alter-ego. Inevitably, Johnson’s plan doesn’t go smoothly, and the results make for a great cinematic romp. 

‘Io Capitano’ 

Migrants and refugees have become populist political scapegoats, and with so much news coverage around the clock inuring others to the hardships those groups face, it takes something special to cut through. Director Matteo Garrone and his Senegalese star Seydou Sarr provide it with “Io Capitano,” which follows two young cousins, Seydou and Moussa, on a perilous journey from Dakar to Europe — a journey they undertake not because of the threat of starvation or violence, but because they want to travel and see the world, just as young people in the developed world do. Garrone mixes magical realism and graphic horror to convey the traumas the cousins have to deal with, and, in Seydou, gives us a memorable hero. The dialogue may be sparse, but “Io Capitano” packs a real emotional punch.    

‘Challengers’ 

Hollywood’s brightest young female star, Zendaya, steals the show in Luca Guadagnino’s sporty romantic drama. She plays former tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan, who’s now a coach after an injury forced her retirement. She’s coaching her husband, Art (Mike Faist), who just needs a US Open win to complete a Career Grand Slam. But Art is struggling with form and fitness, so Tashi enters him in a minor event in New York, hoping he’ll pick up a win and a confidence boost. But facing him is his former best friend (and competitor for Tashi’s affections), Patrick (Josh O’Connor). And it seems like he’s still carrying a torch for her, and vice-versa. The story gets pretty silly, but the performances of — and chemistry between — its three stars make “Challengers” a lot of fun. Great soundtrack, too. 

‘Civil War’ 

Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller — which follows a team of war journalists traveling from New York to Washington DC during a US civil war between an authoritarian government and a loose coalition of regional factions — has proven divisive, with some arguing Garland is championing style (this is the most expensive film so far made by distributor A24) over substance, and others arguing that there’s too much intellectual substance and not enough emotion. All of which suggests that maybe Garland has pitched his take on the horror of war, and the traumas faced by those involved and those reporting on it, just right. Visually, it’s stunning — the shots of war-torn suburbia as breathtaking as the famous scene from 2002’s “28 Days Later” (which Garland wrote) when Cillian Murphy awakes from a coma and staggers out into London’s abandoned streets — and Garland proves a master at ratcheting up the suspense whenever a new encounter happens. Treat it as entertainment, and not a thesis, and “Civil War” is worth a watch.  


Haifaa Al-Mansour appointed to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors

Updated 24 June 2025
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Haifaa Al-Mansour appointed to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors

DUBAI: Pioneering Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour has been appointed to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, the Red Sea Film Foundation announced on Instagram.

“As one of three newly named governors-at-large, Al-Mansour will represent the Directors Branch and bring her singular voice, vision, and global perspective to the Academy’s leadership for the 2025–2026 term and beyond,” they captioned the post.

“An incredible milestone for one of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated filmmakers. We’re proud to see her continue shaping the future of cinema on a global stage.”
In 2012, Al-Mansour made history as she released her first feature film “Wadjda.” It was the first feature film shot entirely in the Kingdom and the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director.

Over the years, Al-Mansour has also become one of the most in-demand television directors in Hollywood, helming episodes of hit series including “Archive 81,” “City of Fire,” “Tales of the Walking Dead,” and “Bosch: Legacy.”

In 2019, Al-Mansour’s feature film “The Perfect Candidate” was submitted as Saudi Arabia’s official entry for the International Feature Film Award at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.


Rachel Brosnahan dons Zuhair Murad gown at ‘Superman’ premiere

Updated 24 June 2025
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Rachel Brosnahan dons Zuhair Murad gown at ‘Superman’ premiere

DUBAI: US actress Rachel Brosnahan attended the premiere of “Superman” in Rio de Janeiro this week wearing a gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

She wore a floor-length dress crafted from sheer navy blue fabric, adorned with geometric beadwork and sequins. The design featured a structured, plunging neckline with wide shoulder straps. The fitted bodice extended into a subtly flared mermaid-style skirt. 

Brosnahan takes on the role of Lois Lane in the upcoming film, directed by James Gunn. 

David Corenswet attended the premiere. (Getty Images) 

The movie follows a young Clark Kent as he navigates his dual identity as Superman and a journalist at the Daily Planet, striving to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Set to release on July 11, “Superman” stars David Corenswet in the titular role, with Brosnahan portraying the iconic reporter and central figure in Clark Kent’s personal and professional life. 

The eponymous hero has been described by producer Peter Safran as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”

The premiere was attended by Brosnahan, Corenswet and Gunn. 

Since founding his brand in 1997, Murad has gained international attention. His creations have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Sofia Vergara, Kristen Stewart and Scarlett Johansson on major red carpets.

He is one of a handful of Arab designers on the official Paris Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week calendars.

Murad was recently championed by British Lebanese actress Razane Jammal, who wore a black ruched gown featuring a plunging neckline and tie detail at the waist from the designer’s ready-to-wear Pre-Fall 2025 collection to the launch of the Panthère de Cartier collection in Istanbul this week. 

In April, American actress Blake Lively and singer songwriter Nicole Scherzinger both wore Zuhair Murad designs to the 2025 Time 100 Gala.

Lively opted for a pink taffeta off-the-shoulder gown with a corseted bodice and train detail from Murad’s Spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection. Scherzinger chose a black off-the-shoulder sequined gown from the designer’s Pre-Fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection.


Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas take to the stage with Beyonce

Updated 24 June 2025
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Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas take to the stage with Beyonce

DUBAI: Lebanese dance group Mayyas, winners of Season 17 of “America’s Got Talent,” once again shared the stage with US singing sensation Beyonce for her Paris show of the “Cowboy Carter Tour.” The troupe performed alongside her during “Protector,” stepping in for her usual dancers.

“Honored to share the stage for the second time with the Queen,” posted the group on Instagram after the show on the weekend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Mayyas (@mayyasofficial)

Choreographer Nadim Cherfan also took to Instagram to talk about the significance of the show.

“Proud to witness my choreographies come to life on the world tour of the biggest star of the century - @Beyonce - a dream turned reality on the global stage. During the darkest days of war in Lebanon, when everything around us felt like it was falling apart, we turned to creation. In silence and uncertainty, I poured my soul into these choreographies — never knowing they would one day shine on the biggest stage in the world.

“To the incredible dancers @mayyasofficial who stood by me through the chaos, your dedication and strength are etched into every step. This is our victory,” he added.

The Mayyas previously performed alongside Beyonce at the opening of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai in 2023.

“Beyonce has been my dream since I was a child,” Cherfan said in an earlier interview with Arab News. “She is the artist of my life, and working with her made my dream come true. Since then, it has been really hard to work with any other artist because, as we all know, the queen has set the standard really high. It was an experience I will never forget.”


Review: Toronto Arab Film Festival screens searing ‘Arze’

Updated 24 June 2025
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Review: Toronto Arab Film Festival screens searing ‘Arze’

DUBAI: The Toronto Arab Film Festival, running from June 20- 29, screened the scathing yet poignant Lebanese film “Arze,” directed by Mira Shabib.

The ambitious “Arze” — which means "cedar" in Arabic — follows the story of Arze, a single mother supporting her teenage son and love-struck sister through a homemade pie delivery business. In an effort to improve their lives, she steals and sells her sister’s jewelry to buy a scooter for her son to use for deliveries. But when the scooter is stolen, mother and son embark on a frantic journey across Beirut to recover it.

 

 

On the surface, “Arze” tells a story that resonates deeply with many Lebanese families caught in financial limbo. It explores the emotional toll of such hardship, with questions arising as to whether one should leave the country or give up remnants of a once-comfortable life to survive Lebanon’s shifting socio-economic landscape.

Beneath the family drama lies sharp satire. Even the film’s title that references the cedar tree, a national symbol of Lebanese identity, carries layered meaning. Like the character herself, that identity appears fragmented, constantly lost amid the country’s sectarian divides. This is where the film truly shines: Arze, portrayed with emotional depth by Diamand Abou Abboud, dons various religious symbols and disguises to navigate Beirut’s fractured neighborhoods.

 

 

Shabib excels in exposing the farce of sectarianism, insinuating that Lebanon’s religious divisions are not deeply rooted but socially constructed and performative. Arze’s ability to blend into different communities simply by changing her appearance highlights how fragile and superficial these boundaries truly are.

In this sense, the film excels in its portrayal of a fourth main character: Beirut itself. Through Shabib’s lens, we are taken on a tour of a city so diverse it borders on overwhelming. Yet this diversity, rather than being a source of division, becomes a stage for a pointed critique, one that targets society’s fixation on appearances and its preference for the performative over lived reality.


Michelin Guide to launch first-ever Saudi edition

Updated 24 June 2025
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Michelin Guide to launch first-ever Saudi edition

RIYADH: The Michelin Guide is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving culinary landscape.

Organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the “new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more,” according to the Michelin Guide. 

Gwendal Poullennec is the international director of the Michelin Guide. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, spoke to Arab News in Riyadh on Tuesday and explained that the ultimate aim is to “(explore), gradually, the regions to unearth all the culinary gems and to make sure that we are letting no stone go unturned.

“I think you have the heritage, you have the dynamism, you have young talents,” he added of the Kingdom.

According to the organization, Michelin inspectors “are already in the field.” The selection will be made according to the Michelin Guide’s criteria: “The quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the personality of the cuisine and the consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole,” according to a released statement.

Poullennec spoke to Arab News in Riyadh on Tuesday and explained that the ultimate aim is to “(explore), gradually, the regions to unearth all the culinary gems and to make sure that we are letting no stone go unturned. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Alongside the coveted star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

Aside from impacting the country’s F&B scene, Poullennec also touched on the Michelin Guide’s effect on the local economy.

Mayada Badr is the CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“I have to say that, beyond the selection, beyond the stars, there are also a lot of ripple effects throughout the food chain. For example, impacting the products and the farmers (who) will find a demand for local high-quality products in a region,” he said.

The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be unveiled toward the end of 2025.

The guide currently operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

The guide is organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture. (AN/ Huda Bashatah)

The prestigious French guide began as a handy guidebook for Michelin tire customers in France in 1900. It was the brainchild of the Michelin brothers, who sought to “provide motorists traveling through France with all the useful information to supply their automobile, to fix it, where to sleep and eat, and which means exist to communicate, by mail, telegraph or telephone,” according to Christie’s auction house, which put a set of guides under the hammer in 2016.

The first edition saw almost 35,000 copies printed and contained useful information for motorists, including a list of hotels, groceries, bakeries, hardware stores and instructions on how to fix and change tires.

In 1931, ratings featured the current system of three stars for the first time, with the definitions becoming clear and definitive in 1933.

Although production of the guide was suspended during both world wars, the 1939 edition of the guide was reprinted by the US military in 1943, just before the June 6 invasion of Normandy the following year, as it was deemed the most up-to-date map available to the armed forces.

The push eastward is relatively recent, as until 2006, Michelin’s country guides only covered Europe.