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

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several underrated films deserve recognition. This list highlights ten such movies, each offering unique storytelling and artistic merit.

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

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, reimagines the 1970s talk show format. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of media, showcasing how technology and entertainment can influence human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, stages an occult-themed episode with unsettling results.

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. Facing a powerful crime syndicate and internal corruption within the Miami police department, they find themselves framed and operating outside the law. This action-comedy delivers thrilling sequences and a compelling storyline, fueling speculation about a fifth film.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets on his private island. Featuring a strong cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to real-life controversies, adding another layer of intrigue.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel’s directorial debut, Monkey Man, is an action thriller set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai. Patel stars as Kid, a fighter involved in underground combat who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film blends action with sociopolitical commentary, earning critical acclaim for its bold approach.

The Beekeeper

Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows a former agent who returns to his dangerous past to take down a cybercrime ring responsible for his friend's suicide. Shot in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham's commitment to performing his own stunts enhances the action.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. A firefighter takes his daughter to a concert, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, known for its masterful cinematography, intriguing plot, and immersive sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller centered on Justin Kemp, a juror who realizes he's responsible for the crime the defendant is accused of. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing his own guilt.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife, exploring themes of technological advancement and nature's harmony. The film's unique animation style, blending futuristic design with natural landscapes, is visually stunning.

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 at a wedding uses a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unpredictable 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 film exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. Three interconnected stories examine an office worker taking control of his life after his boss's death, a man whose wife returns as a changed person, and a sex cult searching for a girl to resurrect the dead.

Why Are These Films Worth Watching?

These films offer more than entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives and unexpected twists. They explore familiar themes from fresh perspectives, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.