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

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbusters dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list highlights ten 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, drawing inspiration from 1970s talk show aesthetics. It's not just a scare-fest; it's a thoughtful exploration of fear, group psychology, and the influence of mass media, showcasing how entertainment and technology can manipulate human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, attempts a risky occult-themed episode to boost ratings.

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 features the duo battling a formidable crime syndicate while navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. The film's success has sparked speculation about a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Marking Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, this psychological thriller follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King. Her pursuit of King leads her to his private island and a web of dangerous secrets. The film stars Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. While some have noted thematic similarities to recent P. Diddy controversies, no direct connection has been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut is a gripping action thriller. Patel also stars as Kid, nicknamed "Monkey Man," who participates in underground fighting and seeks vengeance against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai), the film blends high-octane action with pointed social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows former agent Adam Clay, who is forced to confront his past when a friend's suicide is linked to an online scam operation. Shot in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham performs many of his own stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, starring Josh Hartnett. The story centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, known for its masterful cinematography and sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, this legal thriller follows Justin Kemp, a juror who discovers he's responsible for the crime the defendant is accused of. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must choose between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing his own guilt.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, this animated film tells the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz's journey of survival and integration into the island's ecosystem explores themes of technology, nature, and the definition of humanity. The film's unique animation style is a visual highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding uses a device that allows them to swap consciousnesses, leading to unexpected and perilous 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 of interconnected stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. The three narratives follow an office worker who breaks free from his oppressive boss, a man whose wife returns transformed, and a sex cult searching for a girl with resurrection powers.

Why You Should See These Films

These films offer more than entertainment; they provide insightful explorations of human nature, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are a reminder that cinematic gems often exist beyond the mainstream spotlight.