Unseen Cinematic Gems: Catch Up on Missed Movie Treasures from 2024

2024 delivered a cinematic bounty, but beyond the blockbusters, some hidden gems shone brightly. Here are ten 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 See These Films

Late Night with the Devil

This horror film, directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, is a stylistic masterpiece. Inspired by 1970s talk shows, it transcends genre conventions, exploring fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of media. The narrative centers on a struggling late-night host who, grappling with grief, stages an occult-themed episode with unforeseen consequences.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. Facing a city-threatening crime syndicate and internal police corruption, they're forced to operate outside the law. The film delivers signature action, humor, and the enduring charm of its iconic characters. Speculation of a fifth film is rife, though unconfirmed.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut is a gripping psychological thriller. Frida, a waitress, aims to win over tech mogul Slater King, infiltrating his world and uncovering dangerous secrets on his private island. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to real-life events, though these remain unsubstantiated.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial and starring debut is a dynamic action thriller set in the fictional Indian city of Yatan (reminiscent of Mumbai). Kid, nicknamed Monkey Man, fights in the city's underground arena until his mother's murder at the hands of corrupt leaders ignites a mission to dismantle the criminal underworld. The film blends thrilling action with potent social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Former secret agent Adam Clay (Jason Statham) finds his peaceful beekeeping life shattered when a friend's suicide, caused by online scammers, compels him back into his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime ring. Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and boasting a $40 million budget, the film showcases Statham's commitment with his own stunt work.

Trap

M. Night Shyamalan delivers another suspenseful thriller starring Josh Hartnett. Firefighter Cooper takes his daughter to a concert, only to discover it's a trap set by law enforcement to capture "The Butcher," a dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature visual style, storytelling prowess, and sound design create a gripping atmosphere.

Juror No. 2

Justin Kemp, an ordinary family man, serves on a murder jury. As the trial unfolds, he realizes he's responsible for the victim's death, facing a moral dilemma: expose himself or let an innocent person be convicted. Starring Nicholas Hoult and directed by Clint Eastwood, this legal thriller boasts a compelling plot.

The Wild Robot

This animated film, based on Peter Brown's novel, follows Roz, a robot stranded on a deserted island. Roz learns to survive and interact with the island's wildlife, eventually becoming part of the ecosystem. The film beautifully contrasts technology and nature, prompting reflection on humanity's definition. The animation style is visually striking, transforming each frame into a living painting.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror, exploring identity and relationships in the digital age. A group of friends at a wedding uses a device that allows consciousness swapping, leading to unpredictable and perilous consequences.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos's triptych film explores human relationships, morality, and surrealism through three interwoven stories. The narratives involve an office worker gaining control after his boss's death, a man's reunion with a changed wife, and a sex cult searching for a girl to resurrect the dead.

Why These Films Matter

These films offer more than entertainment; they provide insightful explorations of human emotion and unexpected twists, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes. They are proof that cinematic gems often lie beyond the mainstream spotlight.