Pay tribute to [link=/name/nm0000469/]James Earl Jones[/link], [link=/name/nm0001167/]Shelley Duvall[/link], and more stars we lost in 2024.

In Memoriam 2024

Pay tribute to <a class="ipc-md-link" href="/name/nm0000469/?ref_=tturv_eds_right-3_lk">James Earl Jones</a>, <a class="ipc-md-link" href="/name/nm0001167/?ref_=tturv_eds_right-3_lk">Shelley Duvall</a>, and more stars we lost in 2024.

IMDb celebrates the Indian movies that resonated with people worldwide in 2024. Find out who ranked in the top 10!

The Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies of 2024

From memorable moments to stunning red carpet looks, check out all our favorite photos of 2024.

The Year in Pictures

Returning to Saint-Martial for his late boss's funeral, Jérémie's stay with widow Martine becomes entangled in a disappearance, a threatening neighbor, and an abbot's shady intentions.

In Misericordia, Alain Guiraudie masterfully balances themes of desire, repression, religion, and death while infusing them with both gravity and lightness. The film stands out for its playful approach to serious subjects, exploring the complexities of sexual desire and religious hypocrisy with a delicate touch. As Guiraudie himself explained during the Q&amp;A, &quot;I think the audience that sees this movie must be wondering who&#39;s going to sleep with who, and I thought it wouldn&#39;t be bad to have the way things unfolded in the film actually be more in keeping with how it happens in reality, which is ultimately no one sleeps with anyone.&quot; This quote encapsulates the film&#39;s tricky and playful nature, where the expected fulfillment of desire is deliberately withheld, creating a tension that underpins much of the film&#39;s narrative. One of the film&#39;s most remarkable features is its rigorous visual structure, where every shot is designed to suggest desire passing between characters. The camera often presents characters from the point of view of another person observing them, highlighting the unspoken and often unfulfilled desires that circulate among them. This meticulous use of point of view enhances the film&#39;s exploration of the ways people see and are seen, both literally and metaphorically. Religion plays a significant role in Misericordia, positioned between the themes of sex and death, as Guiraudie lightly, yet thoughtfully, probes the intersection of repressed desire and religious hypocrisy. The film&#39;s titular reference to &quot;mercy&quot; is embodied by the character of the priest, who serves as a moral compass while simultaneously reflecting on his own entanglement in guilt and desire. Guiraudie&#39;s commentary on crime, morality, and religious authority is not only confined to the film&#39;s narrative but also resonates with his public stance on contemporary global issues. At NYFF62, Guiraudie drew a parallel between the film&#39;s examination of crime and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, critiquing the moral framework imposed by Western media-a reflection echoed through the priest&#39;s complex character. Ultimately, Misericordia succeeds as a compact, efficient piece of cinema. It seamlessly transitions from suspenseful drama to dark humor, all while maintaining a sense of absurdity. Guiraudie&#39;s unique blending of tones, his ability to tackle profound philosophical questions with a light touch, and his command over visual storytelling make this film a memorable and thought-provoking experience. It&#39;s a testament to his skill as a director, offering audiences a subtle yet powerful commentary on the intersections of desire, guilt, and morality.

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Misericordia

Misericordia takes its time to shoot and when it starts shooting, there is no way you can contain your laughter till it crescendoes in the final shot. With very mild humour peppered across the film, it narrates the story of a taciturn man who visits a village to attend a mentor&#39;s funeral. There he meets his mentor&#39;s wife, his son, and a priest - who all seem to be saying something else from what they have in mind. What I love about Misericordia is how suddenly it shifts its writing to make the viewer laugh, all in a deadpan style. Reminded me of Deerskin (2019) and The Bra (2018). (Watched at the 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)

User reviews

Misericordia

Desire and Mercy

Mild (MAMI MFF 2024 #10)

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