The silver screen beckons: Rediscover cinematic gems overlooked in 2024

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits 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 visual style. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends the typical horror genre, offering a sophisticated exploration of fear, group dynamics, and the influence of mass media. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, incorporates the occult into his show 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-comedy thriller finds the duo battling a formidable crime syndicate and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. 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 a waitress who infiltrates the world of a tech mogul, only to uncover dangerous secrets. While some viewers have noted thematic similarities to real-life events, 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 film follows an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt officials after his mother's murder. The film is lauded for its thrilling action sequences and poignant social critique.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former secret agent who returns to his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime ring responsible for his friend's suicide. Shot in the UK and US with a significant budget, Statham's commitment to performing many of his own stunts is noteworthy.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's Trap, starring Josh Hartnett, maintains the director's signature style: masterful visuals, a compelling narrative, and exceptional sound design. The story centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set for a notorious criminal. The film is praised for its originality and suspenseful atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller exploring a juror's moral dilemma. Justin Kemp, an ordinary man, realizes he's responsible for the crime the defendant is accused of committing, forcing him to choose between justice and confession.

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 adaptation and integration into the island's ecosystem explores the relationship between technology and nature. The film’s unique animation style, blending futuristic design with natural beauty, is a highlight.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a consciousness-swapping device at a wedding, leading to unforeseen and perilous consequences, exploring 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 the surreal. The film comprises three distinct stories examining themes of control, loss, and the complexities of human connection within unconventional settings.

Why You Should Watch These Films

These films offer more than entertainment; they provide insightful explorations of human emotion and unexpected narrative twists. They represent a departure from mainstream cinema, showcasing the diverse and often overlooked talent within the film industry.