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

2024 delivered a cinematic bounty, but beyond the blockbusters, some hidden gems deserve recognition. This list showcases 10 underrated films that deserve 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 Watch These Films?

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 media, showcasing how modern technology and entertainment can influence our consciousness. The plot centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, stages an occult-themed episode to boost ratings.

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 them against a dangerous syndicate, leading to an investigation that exposes corruption within the Miami police force and forces them to operate outside the law. The film’s success has sparked talk of a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the world 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, although no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role delivers a dynamic action thriller set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai). Kid, nicknamed "Monkey Man," fights in underground arenas, his mission fueled by the brutal murder of his mother at the hands of corrupt officials. The film blends action with sharp social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Former agent Adam Clay (Jason Statham), now a beekeeper, is pulled back into his dangerous past when a friend's suicide is linked to online scammers. Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and boasting a $40 million budget, this action film features Statham performing many of his own stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller starring Josh Hartnett. Firefighter Cooper takes his daughter to a concert, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan’s signature style shines through in the cinematography, storytelling, and sound design.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller stars Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who harbors a devastating secret: he’s responsible for the victim's death. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess his own crime. The film is praised for its gripping narrative and Clint Eastwood’s direction.

The Wild Robot

This animated adaptation of Peter Brown's novel follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. As Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife, the film explores the relationship between technology and nature, prompting reflection on what it means to be human. The film's unique animation style is a highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin’s sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding celebration discovers a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The film delves into 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 aspects of everyday life. The three narratives follow an office worker who breaks free from his controlling boss, a man whose wife returns as a changed person, and a sex cult searching for a girl with resurrection powers.

Why Watch These Films?

These films transcend simple entertainment, offering insightful explorations of human emotion and unexpected twists. They provide fresh perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic gems often lie beyond the mainstream spotlight.