2024 has gifted us an impressive lineup of films, but while you might be familiar with the major releases, there are several hidden gems that deserve your attention. Below is a curated list of 10 underrated movies from 2024 that you should definitely check out.
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 Are These Films Worth Watching?
Late Night with the Devil
This horror film is a standout due to its unique concept and stylistic approach. Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil draws inspiration from the atmosphere of 1970s talk shows, making it not just a horror movie but a true work of art. The story centers on a cult late-night show experiencing plummeting ratings while its host grieves the loss of his wife. In a desperate move, he hosts a special episode focused on the occult, exploring themes of fear, collective psychology, and the power of mass media. The directors use this setting to vividly illustrate how modern technology and show business can manipulate human consciousness.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
The fourth installment in the beloved franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues the adventures of detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. This time, they confront a dangerous crime syndicate threatening their city. The plot involves investigating corruption within the Miami police department, which leads to the duo being framed and forced to operate outside the law. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return to their iconic roles, and the film's success has sparked rumors of a potential fifth installment, though nothing has been confirmed yet. This movie blends dynamic action, humor, and a compelling storyline, further cementing the legacy of these fan-favorite characters.
Blink Twice
Marking actress Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut, Blink Twice is a psychological thriller that follows Frida, a waitress determined to win over tech mogul Slater King. She infiltrates his inner circle and gains access to his private island, only to uncover disturbing truths that threaten her life. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment. While some viewers have noted similarities to recent controversies involving P. Diddy, no direct references have been confirmed. This film promises a gripping narrative with unexpected twists.
Monkey Man
Directed by and starring Dev Patel, Monkey Man is an American action thriller that combines classic action with modern storytelling. Set in the fictional city of Yatan, reminiscent of Mumbai, the plot follows Kid, known as Monkey Man, who participates in underground fights. After his mother's brutal murder by corrupt leaders, he embarks on a mission to dismantle India's criminal underworld. Critics have hailed the film as a bold work, praised for its action-packed sequences and meaningful sociopolitical commentary.
The Beekeeper
In The Beekeeper, Adam Clay, a former agent of the secretive organization The Beekeepers, leads a quiet life until his friend Eloiza falls victim to online scammers, leading to her tragic death. Driven by vengeance, Adam returns to his past to dismantle the cybercrime network responsible. Written by Kurt Wimmer, known for Equilibrium, and starring Jason Statham, who performs most of his stunts, this film was shot on a $40 million budget in both the UK and the US. It's a testament to Statham's dedication to the action genre.
Trap
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, known for The Sixth Sense, Trap is a thriller that showcases Shyamalan's signature style of masterful cinematography, intriguing storylines, and outstanding sound design. The story follows Cooper, a firefighter, who takes his daughter to a concert by her favorite performer, Lady Raven. At the event, he notices a heavy police presence and learns that the concert is a trap set to capture a dangerous criminal, "The Butcher." Viewers have praised Shyamalan for delivering an original and intense narrative.
Juror No. 2
In this legal thriller, ordinary family man Justin Kemp becomes a juror in a murder trial. The defendant is accused of killing his girlfriend, but as the trial progresses, Justin realizes he is the true culprit, having hit someone with his car and mistakenly thought it was a deer. Faced with a moral dilemma, he must decide whether to let an innocent person be convicted or confess his crime. Starring Nicholas Hoult and directed by Clint Eastwood, the film has been praised for its gripping plot and masterful direction.
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. Initially feared by the local wildlife, Roz learns to adapt, survive, and communicate with the animals, eventually becoming part of the ecosystem. The film explores the harmony between technological progress and nature, challenging viewers to reflect on what defines humanity. Critics have praised its visuals, which blend Roz's futuristic design with natural landscapes, creating frames that resemble living paintings.
It's What's Inside
Directed by Greg Jardin, It's What's Inside is a sci-fi thriller that combines comedy, mystery, and horror. The story revolves around a group of friends at a country house for a wedding, where an unexpected guest arrives with a device that allows people to swap consciousnesses. Initially used for fun, the device soon leads to dangerous and unpredictable consequences, delving into themes of identity and human relationships in the digital age.
Kinds of Kindness
A triptych film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for The Lobster and Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness explores human relationships, morality, and the surrealism of everyday life through three independent stories. The first follows Robert, an office worker who takes control of his life after his boss's death. The second involves a man whose wife returns as a different person. The third focuses on a cult searching for a girl to resurrect the dead. This film offers a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Why Are These Films Worth Watching?
These films are more than just entertainment; they offer profound insights into human emotions and feature unexpected plot twists. They provide fresh perspectives on familiar themes, reminding us that true cinematic gems often lie outside the mainstream. Watching these underrated movies can enrich your understanding of storytelling and the diverse ways in which filmmakers can explore the human condition.
