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 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 failing late-night host grappling with grief who attempts a comeback with an 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. Facing a dangerous crime syndicate and internal corruption, they find themselves operating outside the law. This action-comedy thriller delivers high-octane action, humor, and a compelling storyline for fans of the franchise. The film's success has sparked 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 life of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to recent real-life controversies, although no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in Monkey Man blends action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story follows Kid ("Monkey Man"), an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. Critics praise its dynamic action sequences and powerful social message.

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 responsible for his friend's suicide. Filmed in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham performs many of the stunts himself.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. A firefighter takes his daughter to a concert where he discovers a larger operation to capture a dangerous criminal, "The Butcher." The film is lauded for its original story and intense atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller centered on Justin Kemp, a juror who realizes he's responsible for the crime the defendant is accused of. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess his own guilt.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife, exploring themes of technological advancement and nature's harmony. The film's unique animation style is a highlight, blending futuristic design with stunning natural landscapes.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, combines comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding uses a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences. The film explores themes of 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 surrealism. The three interwoven stories follow an office worker who breaks free from his boss's control, a man whose wife returns as a changed person, and members of a sex cult searching for a girl who can resurrect the dead.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than simple entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives and unexpected twists. They explore familiar themes with fresh perspectives, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond mainstream releases.