2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list highlights 10 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 the aesthetic of 1970s talk shows, it transcends the typical horror genre, offering a deeper exploration of fear, collective psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media. 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-comedy thriller sees the dynamic 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
Marking Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice is a psychological thriller. The plot follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle 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 events, though no direct connections have been confirmed.
Monkey Man
Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, is an American action thriller starring Patel himself. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai), the film blends classic action sequences with contemporary thriller elements and poignant social commentary. The story centers on "Kid," a participant in underground fights, who seeks revenge after his mother's murder at the hands of corrupt officials.
The Beekeeper
Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows Adam Clay, a former agent of the secretive "Beekeepers" organization. His quiet life is disrupted when a friend's suicide, caused by online scammers, compels him to re-engage his past to dismantle the cybercrime network responsible. The film boasts a $40 million budget and was shot in the UK and US.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan delivers another gripping thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who takes his daughter to a concert, only to discover it's a carefully orchestrated trap to apprehend a dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, marked by masterful cinematography, suspenseful storytelling, and impactful sound design, is evident throughout.
Juror No. 2
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, Juror No. 2 is a legal thriller. Justin Kemp, an ordinary juror in a murder trial, grapples with a devastating secret: he is responsible for the victim's death. He faces a moral dilemma, choosing between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing to his own crime.
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 integration into the island's ecosystem explores themes of technological advancement and nature's harmony. The film's unique animation style, blending Roz's futuristic design with realistic natural landscapes, is a visual 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 at a wedding uses a consciousness-swapping device, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences. The film explores 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 aspects of daily life. The three interwoven stories delve into themes of control, loss, and the complexities of human connection within unconventional settings.
Why These Films Matter
These films offer more than entertainment; they provide thought-provoking narratives, unexpected twists, and fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They demonstrate that cinematic excellence can be found beyond the mainstream.
