Missed Movie Gems: Rediscover Cinematic Treasures from 2024

2024 delivered a cinematic bounty, but some hidden gems escaped widespread notice. Here are 10 underrated movies you shouldn't miss.

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, boasts a unique 1970s talk show aesthetic. More than just scares, it explores fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of media. The filmmakers cleverly depict how modern technology and entertainment can shape human consciousness.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth Bad Boys adventure reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as they battle a dangerous Miami crime syndicate. Facing internal corruption and framed for crimes they didn't commit, they must operate outside the law. This action-packed installment, fueling rumors of a fifth film, delivers familiar humor and thrilling action sequences.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, this psychological thriller follows Frida as she infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King, uncovering dangerous secrets on his private island. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to recent real-life controversies.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role blends action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city (reminiscent of Mumbai), the story follows "Monkey Man," who fights in underground arenas and seeks revenge after his mother's murder. Critics lauded its dynamic action and thought-provoking social themes.

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars in this action thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium). A former agent of a secretive organization, Adam Clay's peaceful life is disrupted when a friend's suicide is linked to online scammers. He's forced to return to his dangerous past to take down a cybercrime ring. Statham performs many of the stunts himself.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another twisty thriller 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 cinematography and sound design create a gripping atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller stars Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who discovers he's responsible for the victim's death. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must choose between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing his own crime. Clint Eastwood's direction is praised for its gripping narrative.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. It explores the relationship between technology and nature, as Roz adapts to the wild and learns to coexist with the island's animals. The animation style is praised for its unique blend of futuristic and natural elements.

It's What's Inside

A sci-fi thriller from director Greg Jardin, blending 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 of stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. The film features three distinct narratives, each examining different aspects of human experience.

Why You Should Watch These Films

These films offer more than simple entertainment, providing insightful explorations of human nature and unexpected plot twists. They offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.