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 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 visual style. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends the typical horror genre, offering a sophisticated exploration of fear, group dynamics, and the influence of mass media. The film masterfully illustrates how modern technology and entertainment can manipulate human consciousness.

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-packed adventure sees them battling a dangerous criminal organization and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. The film's success has sparked rumors of a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Marking 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 perilous secrets. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment.

Monkey Man

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

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars in The Beekeeper, a thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium). The film follows Adam Clay, a former agent who is drawn back into his dangerous past after a friend's suicide. Statham performs many of his own stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a carefully orchestrated trap to capture a notorious criminal.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller stars Nicholas Hoult and is directed by Clint Eastwood. It follows Justin Kemp, a juror who grapples with a devastating secret from his past that directly relates to the case. He must decide between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing to his own crime.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot is an animated film about Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. The film explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the relationship between technology and nature. Its unique animation style is a highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin directs this sci-fi thriller blending comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends 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 (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents a triptych film exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. The film comprises three distinct stories, each offering a unique perspective on the human condition.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than simple entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are a testament to the fact that cinematic gems often exist beyond the mainstream.