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

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several underappreciated films deserve recognition. This list highlights 10 underrated movies you shouldn't miss.

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 Your Attention

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 typical horror tropes, offering a sophisticated exploration of fear, group psychology, and media's influence on consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, stages an occult-themed episode with unforeseen consequences.

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 finds the duo battling a powerful crime syndicate and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police force. The film's success has fueled speculation about a fifth installment.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller featuring a stellar cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. The plot follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King, uncovering dangerous secrets on his private island. The film's narrative has drawn comparisons to real-life events, though no direct connections have been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in this American action thriller seamlessly blends classic action with contemporary suspense and poignant social commentary. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai), the story centers on "Kid," aka Monkey Man, an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows Adam Clay, a former agent of the secretive organization "The Beekeepers," who is forced to confront his past when a friend's suicide is linked to online scammers. Filmed in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham's commitment to the role is evident in his performance of many of the stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's Trap showcases his signature masterful cinematography and suspenseful storytelling. Josh Hartnett leads the cast in this thriller that unfolds during a concert by the singer Lady Raven, revealing a hidden operation to capture a dangerous criminal.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller centered on Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who discovers a shocking truth about his own involvement in the crime. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess to his 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 themes of technological advancement, nature, and the definition of humanity. The film's stunning visuals are a highlight, blending animation styles to create a unique aesthetic.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, blends comedy, mystery, and horror to explore identity and relationships in the digital age. A group of friends uses a consciousness-swapping device with unpredictable and dangerous results.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents Kinds of Kindness, a triptych film exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal through three interconnected stories: an office worker's liberation after his boss's death; a man's reunion with his mysteriously transformed wife; and a sex cult's search for a girl with resurrection powers.

Why You Should See These Films

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They represent the cinematic gems often overlooked amidst the mainstream hype.