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 You Should Watch These Films
Late Night with the Devil
This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, stands apart with its innovative concept and distinctive style. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends typical horror, achieving artistic merit. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, stages an occult-themed episode with unforeseen consequences. The film masterfully explores fear, group dynamics, and the manipulative power of media, showcasing how entertainment can profoundly impact human consciousness.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This action-packed chapter sees them battling a formidable criminal organization while navigating internal corruption within the Miami police force. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles, delivering a thrilling mix of action, humor, and compelling character development. The film's success has fueled speculation about a fifth installment.
Blink Twice
Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a gripping psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who insinuates herself into the life of tech magnate Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets on his private island. The all-star cast includes Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. While comparisons to real-life controversies have been made, the film stands on its own merits as a suspenseful and intriguing narrative.
Monkey Man
Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, is an American action thriller blending classic action with modern suspense and thought-provoking social commentary. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (evoking Mumbai), the story follows Kid, a.k.a. Monkey Man, an underground fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt officials after his mother's murder. The film's blend of high-octane action and impactful social themes has garnered critical acclaim.
The Beekeeper
This action thriller, penned by Kurt Wimmer (known for Equilibrium), follows Adam Clay, a former agent of the clandestine organization "The Beekeepers." His peaceful life raising bees is disrupted when a friend's suicide is linked to online scammers. Driven by vengeance, Adam re-enters his dangerous past to dismantle the cybercrime network. Starring Jason Statham, who performed many of his own stunts, the film boasts a $40 million budget and was filmed in the UK and US.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, Trap, showcasing his signature cinematography, compelling storytelling, and exceptional sound design. Josh Hartnett stars as Cooper, a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to apprehend a notorious criminal. The film is praised for its inventive plot and intense atmosphere.
Juror No. 2
This legal thriller stars Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who discovers a devastating secret: he's responsible for the victim's death. Faced with a moral dilemma, Justin must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess his own crime. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film is lauded for its gripping narrative and masterful direction.
The Wild Robot
An animated adaptation of Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. The film beautifully portrays Roz's journey of adaptation, survival, and unlikely friendships with the island's wildlife. It explores the delicate balance between technology and nature, prompting reflection on humanity's definition. The film's unique animation style, blending futuristic design with natural beauty, has received significant praise.
It's What's Inside
Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller, It's What's Inside, blends comedy, mystery, and horror to explore identity and relationships in the digital age. A group of friends at a wedding encounter a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unpredictable and perilous consequences.
Kinds of Kindness
Yorgos Lanthimos (known for The Lobster and Poor Things) presents this triptych film exploring human connection, morality, and the surreal aspects of daily life. The three interwoven stories delve into themes of obedience, loss, and the complexities of human relationships 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 present fresh perspectives on familiar themes, highlighting the often-overlooked gems beyond mainstream releases.
