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

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape. While blockbuster hits dominated headlines, several underrated gems deserve recognition. This list showcases 10 films that offer unique storytelling and compelling narratives.

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 Matter

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, reimagines the 1970s talk show format. It's not just a scare-fest; it's a thoughtful exploration of fear, group psychology, and the influence of mass media, showcasing how entertainment can manipulate human consciousness. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with personal loss, attempts a ratings-boosting occult-themed episode.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment in the beloved Bad Boys franchise reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Detectives Lowrey and Burnett. This action-comedy thriller finds the iconic 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

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice, is a psychological thriller. It follows Frida, a waitress who infiltrates the inner circle 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 blends action and social commentary. Set in a fictional Indian city reminiscent of Mumbai, the story follows "Kid," a fighter who seeks revenge against corrupt leaders after his mother's murder. The film is lauded for its blend of thrilling action and impactful social critique.

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars in The Beekeeper, a thriller written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium). The film follows a former agent of a secretive organization who is drawn back into the world of espionage when a friend falls victim to online scammers. Statham's commitment to the role is evident in his performance of many of the stunts.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another twisty thriller, Trap, starring Josh Hartnett. The film centers on a firefighter who attends a concert with his daughter, only to discover it's a carefully orchestrated trap to capture a notorious criminal. Shyamalan's signature style, including masterful cinematography and sound design, is on full display.

Juror No. 2

This legal thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Nicholas Hoult, follows Justin Kemp, a juror who grapples with a devastating secret from his past. As the trial unfolds, he realizes his connection to the crime, forcing him to confront a difficult moral dilemma.

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. The film beautifully portrays Roz's journey of adaptation and integration into the island's ecosystem, exploring themes of technology, nature, and what defines humanity.

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 uses a device to swap consciousnesses, leading to unforeseen and perilous consequences. The film explores identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos's Kinds of Kindness is a triptych film exploring human relationships and the surreal aspects of everyday life. The three interwoven stories delve into themes of obedience, loss, and the complexities of human connection.

Why These Films Are Worth Watching

These films transcend simple entertainment, offering insightful explorations of human emotion and unexpected narrative turns. They provide fresh perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic treasures often reside beyond the mainstream spotlight.