Ah, 2024 – the year when Hollywood decided to go full-on “truth is stranger than fiction.” If you thought last year’s movies were jaw-dropping, wait until you hear about this lineup. We’re talking tales ripped straight from the headlines, heartwarming human dramas, and a few “wait, that actually happened?” moments. So, grab your popcorn, folks, because we’re diving into the best movies based on true stories hitting theaters this year. Yes, that’s right, 2024 movies based on true stories are here to prove once again that reality often outdoes imagination.
“The Rescue of the Century”
Is it a true story? You bet! This film chronicles the harrowing rescue operation of a Thai youth soccer team trapped in a cave. If you thought the news coverage was intense, the movie will have you gripping your seat.
The real-life divers involved in the rescue served as consultants on the film, ensuring every claustrophobic underwater scene feels terrifyingly real. The production team even recreated the cave system in a massive water tank to capture the sheer danger and complexity of the rescue operation. Fun fact: some of the young actors had to undergo intensive diving training to accurately portray the trapped boys.
“Queen of the Ring”
Is it a true story? Absolutely. This biopic tells the story of Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who fought her way from Flint, Michigan, to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.
Claressa herself makes a cameo in the movie, coaching her younger self in a pivotal scene. Additionally, the filmmakers went the extra mile to film in real locations significant to Claressa’s life, including her childhood home and the boxing gym where she trained. To ensure authenticity, they also employed a choreographer to recreate her unique fighting style.
“The Bitcoin Heist”
Is it a true story? Indeed. This thriller delves into the rise and fall of Gerald Cotten, the CEO of a major cryptocurrency exchange who mysteriously died, leaving investors out millions of dollars.
The production faced several hacking attempts, adding a layer of irony and real-life tension to the making of the movie. Moreover, the filmmakers consulted with cybersecurity experts and former hackers to accurately depict the world of cryptocurrency. They even included real footage of news reports and interviews from the time to ground the narrative in reality.
“The First Lady”
Is it a true story? Oh, yes. This historical drama focuses on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of America’s most influential first ladies.
The film was shot in the actual Roosevelt homes, lending authenticity to the period details. Additionally, the production team had access to Eleanor’s personal letters and diaries, allowing them to incorporate her own words into the script. The costume designers recreated her iconic outfits with meticulous attention to detail, down to the last pearl and hat.
“Beyond the Clouds”
Is it a true story? Yes. This inspirational film follows the life of Saroo Brierley, who used Google Earth to find his long-lost family in India after being separated from them as a child.
Dev Patel, who previously portrayed Saroo in “Lion,” serves as an executive producer, ensuring continuity and authenticity in this next chapter of Saroo’s life. The production team even traveled to the exact locations where Saroo’s journey took place to capture the essence of his story. They also used cutting-edge technology to recreate the original Google Earth searches that led Saroo to his family, giving viewers a firsthand look at his remarkable journey.
Summary: Lights, Camera, Reality!
2024 is shaping up to be a stellar year for true-story adaptations, proving once again that the best stories come from real life. Whether you’re into thrilling rescues, sports triumphs, financial mysteries, historical dramas, or heartwarming reunions, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your tickets and get ready to be amazed by the incredible true stories hitting the big screen this year!
