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 highlights 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 These Films Deserve Recognition

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, boasts a unique premise and striking visuals. Inspired by 1970s talk show aesthetics, it transcends the typical horror genre, offering a sophisticated exploration of fear, group dynamics, and media influence. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, incorporates the occult into his show with unsettling consequences.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment in the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-comedy sees the dynamic duo confronting a powerful crime syndicate while navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. The film’s success has fueled speculation about a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Marking Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice is a psychological thriller. The film follows a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of a tech mogul, only to uncover dangerous secrets. Featuring a strong ensemble cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film’s plot has drawn comparisons to real-life events, though no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, is an action thriller set in a fictional Indian city. Patel stars as "Kid," a participant in underground fights who seeks revenge after his mother's murder at the hands of corrupt officials. The film blends high-octane action with poignant social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former agent who is forced to confront his past when a friend's suicide is linked to a cybercrime ring. Statham's commitment to the role is evident in his performance of many of the film's stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The story centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a cleverly orchestrated trap to apprehend a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, marked by masterful cinematography and sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller exploring a juror's moral dilemma. Justin Kemp, an ordinary man, finds himself on a jury for a murder trial, only to realize he is connected to the crime. The film's gripping narrative and strong performances have garnered critical acclaim.

The Wild Robot

This animated adaptation of Peter Brown's novel follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz's journey of survival and integration into the island's ecosystem explores themes of technological advancement and the natural world. The film's stunning visuals, blending animation styles, are a highlight.

It's What's Inside

A sci-fi thriller directed by Greg Jardin, It's What's Inside blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a consciousness-swapping device with unpredictable consequences, exploring themes of identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents a triptych of interconnected stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. The three narratives offer distinct yet thematically linked explorations of everyday life's complexities.

Why You Should Watch These Films

These films offer more than simple entertainment; they provoke thought, explore complex emotions, and deliver unexpected plot twists. They represent a diverse range of genres and styles, showcasing the cinematic richness often overlooked amidst the mainstream hype.