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

2024 has been a remarkable year for cinema, with a diverse range of films hitting the screens. While many have celebrated the most talked-about releases, there are several hidden gems that deserve your attention. Here's a curated list of 10 underrated movies from 2024 that 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 Are These Films Worth Watching?

Late Night with the Devil

Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, this unique horror film stands out with its unconventional concept and stylistic approach. Drawing inspiration from the atmosphere of 1970s talk shows, Late Night with the Devil is not just a horror movie but a true work of art. The story revolves around a cult late-night show facing plummeting ratings, with the host grappling with personal loss. In a bid to revive the show, he hosts a special episode centered on the occult. This film delves into the nature of fear, collective psychology, and the power of mass media, illustrating how modern technology and show business can manipulate human consciousness.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment in the beloved franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, sees detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, tackling a dangerous crime syndicate threatening their city. The plot involves investigating corruption within the Miami police department, leading to the duo being framed and forced to operate outside the law. This film continues the legacy with dynamic action, humor, and a gripping storyline, sparking rumors of a potential fifth film.

Blink Twice

Marking actress Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice is a psychological thriller that follows Frida, a waitress determined to win over tech mogul Slater King. Her infiltration of his inner circle and access to his private island uncovers harrowing truths that endanger her life. The film features a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. Some viewers have noted similarities to recent controversies involving P. Diddy, though no direct references are confirmed.

Monkey Man

Actor Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, is an American action thriller set in the fictional city of Yatan, reminiscent of Mumbai. Patel stars as Kid, nicknamed Monkey Man, who participates in underground fights. After his mother's brutal murder by corrupt leaders, Kid's mission becomes clear: to dismantle India's criminal underworld. Critics have praised the film for its action-packed sequences and meaningful sociopolitical commentary.

The Beekeeper

In The Beekeeper, Adam Clay, a former agent of the secretive organization The Beekeepers, leads a quiet life until his friend Eloiza falls victim to online scammers, leading to her tragic end. Compelled to return to his dark past, Adam seeks to dismantle the cybercrime network responsible. Written by Kurt Wimmer and starring Jason Statham, who performs most of his stunts, this film was shot in both the UK and the US on a $40 million budget.

Trap

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, known for The Sixth Sense, Trap follows firefighter Cooper as he takes his daughter to a concert by her favorite performer, Lady Raven. The event turns out to be a trap set to capture a dangerous criminal known as "The Butcher." Shyamalan's mastery in cinematography, intriguing storylines, and sound design shines through, delivering an original story with an intense atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

In this legal thriller, ordinary family man Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, becomes a juror in a murder trial. As the plot unfolds, Justin realizes he is responsible for the incident, having hit someone with his car and mistakenly thinking it was a deer. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to allow an innocent person to be convicted or confess to his crime. Critics have praised the film for its gripping plot and Clint Eastwood's masterful direction.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot is the first animated film on our list. It follows Roz, a programmed robot stranded on a deserted island, who must adapt to the wild. Roz learns to survive and communicate with the local animals, eventually becoming part of the ecosystem. The film explores the harmony between technological progress and nature, challenging viewers to reflect on what defines humanity. Its unique animation blends Roz's futuristic design with natural landscapes, creating living paintings that highlight the film's themes.

It's What's Inside

Directed by Greg Jardin, It's What's Inside is a sci-fi thriller that combines comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of young friends gathers at a country house for a wedding, joined by an unexpected guest with a device that allows consciousness swapping. Initially used for fun, the device leads to dangerous consequences, exploring themes of identity and human relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for The Lobster and Poor Things, presents Kinds of Kindness, a triptych film that unites three independent stories. The first follows Robert, an office worker who takes control of his life after his boss's death. The second story involves a man whose wife returns as a different person. The third focuses on a cult searching for a girl to resurrect the dead. The film explores human relationships, morality, and the surrealism of everyday life.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide profound insights into human emotions and feature unexpected plot twists. They offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes, reminding us that true cinematic gems often lie outside the mainstream. Whether you're looking for horror, action, thriller, or animation, these underrated movies of 2024 are definitely worth your time.