2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several exceptional films flew under the radar. This curated list highlights ten 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, drawing inspiration from 1970s talk shows. It transcends typical horror tropes, exploring themes of fear, collective psychology, and the manipulative power of mass media. The filmmakers masterfully illustrate how modern technology and entertainment can be wielded to influence human consciousness.
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-packed adventure sees the duo battling a dangerous crime syndicate and navigating internal corruption within the Miami police department. The film delivers the signature blend of high-octane action, humor, and compelling character dynamics that define the series. Speculation of a fifth film continues to swirl.
Blink Twice
Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut is a psychological thriller starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. The narrative follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle of tech mogul Slater King, uncovering dangerous secrets on his private island. While comparisons to real-life controversies have been made, the film stands on its own as a suspenseful and intriguing piece.
Monkey Man
Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role in this American action thriller delivers a potent combination of classic action sequences and modern thriller elements. Set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (reminiscent of Mumbai), the story follows "Kid," aka Monkey Man, an underground fighter seeking revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is lauded for its dynamic action and insightful sociopolitical commentary.
The Beekeeper
Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper follows Adam Clay, a former agent of a secretive organization, who is drawn back into his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime network responsible for his friend's suicide. Filmed in the UK and US with a $40 million budget, Statham's commitment to performing many of the stunts himself adds to the film's authenticity.
Trap
M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller, starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a trap set to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature masterful cinematography, intricate plot, and immersive sound design create a truly gripping cinematic experience.
Juror No. 2
This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, follows Justin Kemp, a juror in a murder trial who is forced to confront a devastating secret from his past. His moral dilemma—allowing an innocent person to be convicted or confessing to his own crime—drives the intense narrative. The film is praised for its gripping plot and Eastwood's masterful direction.
The Wild Robot
This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, tells the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island who learns to survive and interact with the local wildlife. The film beautifully explores the relationship between technology and nature, prompting reflection on what defines humanity. Its unique animation style, blending futuristic design with natural landscapes, is a visual highlight.
It's What's Inside
Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror, exploring themes of identity and relationships in the digital age. A group of friends at a wedding uses a consciousness-swapping device, leading to unpredictable and dangerous consequences.
Kinds of Kindness
Yorgos Lanthimos's triptych film explores human relationships, morality, and the surreal aspects of everyday life through three interconnected stories. The film's distinct style and exploration of complex themes make it a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Why You Should Watch These Films
These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide insightful explorations of human emotions and unexpected twists. They showcase fresh perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic gems can be found beyond the mainstream.
