Time to return to the screen: Movies you missed in 2024

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list spotlights 10 underrated movies deserving of your attention.

Table of Contents

• Late Night with the Devil
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Blink Twice
• Monkey Man
• The Beekeeper
• Trap
• Juror No. 2
• The Wild Robot
• It's What's Inside
• Kinds of Kindness
• Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, boasts a unique premise and striking 1970s talk show aesthetic. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media, showcasing how entertainment can shape human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, attempts a ratings-boosting occult-themed episode.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-comedy thriller pits the duo against a formidable crime syndicate, leading them into a web of police corruption and forcing them to operate outside the law. The film's success has fueled speculation about a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets on his private island. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to real-life controversies, though no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role delivers a potent blend of action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story follows "Kid," aka Monkey Man, an underground fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. Critics lauded its dynamic action sequences and insightful social critique.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former agent who returns to his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime ring after a friend's suicide. The film, shot in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, features Statham performing many of his own stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's Trap showcases his signature suspenseful storytelling and masterful visuals. Josh Hartnett stars as a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a dangerous criminal. The film is praised for its originality and intense atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, centers on Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who discovers he's responsible for the victim's death. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing his own crime. The film is acclaimed for its gripping narrative.

The Wild Robot

An animated adaptation of Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. The film beautifully portrays Roz's journey of adaptation, survival, and integration into the island's ecosystem. Its unique animation style and exploration of the relationship between technology and nature have earned critical acclaim.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller It's What's Inside blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding uses a consciousness-swapping device, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The film explores identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos's (The Lobster, Poor Things) triptych film explores human relationships and morality through three interconnected stories. These narratives delve into themes of obedience, loss, and the surreal aspects of daily life within a cult setting.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films transcend simple entertainment, offering profound explorations of human emotion and unexpected narrative twists. They provide fresh perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.