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

2024 delivered a cinematic bounty! While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several underrated gems slipped under the radar. This list highlights 10 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 You Should Watch These Films

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, is a stylistic triumph. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends the genre, offering a deeper exploration of fear, group dynamics, and media's influence on consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, 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-comedy thriller pits the iconic duo against a powerful crime syndicate, leading them on a thrilling ride filled with corruption, betrayal, and over-the-top action sequences. The film's success has sparked talk of a fifth installment.

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. The film boasts a strong cast including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in Monkey Man delivers a potent blend of action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the film follows "Kid," a participant in underground fights who seeks revenge after his mother's murder at the hands of corrupt officials.

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars in The Beekeeper, a thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and directed by a yet-to-be-named director. The film follows Adam Clay, a former agent of a secretive organization, who is drawn back into the world of espionage after his friend falls victim to online scammers. Statham reportedly performed many of his own stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The story revolves around a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, marked by masterful cinematography and sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, starring Nicholas Hoult and directed by Clint Eastwood, centers on Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who harbors a dark secret connected to the crime. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to allow an innocent person to be convicted or confess to his own involvement.

The Wild Robot

Based on Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot is an animated film about Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. This visually stunning film explores themes of adaptation, survival, and the relationship between technology and nature. The animation style is praised for its unique blend of futuristic design and natural beauty.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, combines elements of comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends at a wedding uses a device that allows them to swap consciousnesses, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents Kinds of Kindness, a triptych film exploring human relationships and the surreal aspects of life through three interconnected stories. The film delves into themes of obedience, loss, and the complexities of human connection.

Why Watch These Films?

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are a testament to the fact that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.