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

2024 delivered a cinematic bounty! While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. Here are ten underrated movies deserving 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 a Watch

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 consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, stages an occult-themed episode in a desperate bid for higher ratings.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett return in the fourth installment of this action-comedy franchise. Facing a city-threatening crime syndicate and internal police corruption, the duo finds themselves operating outside the law. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles, fueling speculation about a fifth film. This entry delivers the expected blend of thrilling action, humor, and compelling character arcs.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut is a psychological thriller. Frida, a waitress, aims to win over tech magnate Slater King, infiltrating his world and uncovering dangerous secrets on his private island. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to real-life controversies, though no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role combine action thrills with sharp social commentary. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai), the story follows "Kid," a.k.a. Monkey Man, an underground fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt officials after his mother's murder. Critics lauded the film's powerful blend of action and sociopolitical themes.

The Beekeeper

Former agent Adam Clay (Jason Statham) finds his quiet life shattered when a friend's suicide, caused by online scammers, forces him back into the world of espionage to dismantle a cybercrime ring. Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and filmed in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, the film showcases Statham's commitment to the action genre through his performance of many of the 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 dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature cinematography, storytelling, and sound design create a gripping atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

Justin Kemp, an ordinary man serving on a murder jury, faces a devastating moral dilemma when he realizes he's responsible for the victim's death. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, this legal thriller explores guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of past actions.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz's journey of survival and interaction with the island's wildlife explores the relationship between technology and nature. The film's unique animation style transforms each frame into a breathtaking work of art.

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 consciousness-swapping device, leading to chaotic 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 of interconnected stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the absurdity of life. The film weaves together tales of an office worker, a man reunited with a changed wife, and a sex cult searching for a miracle worker.

Why You Should Watch Them

These films offer more than entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are cinematic gems that deserve to be seen.