New Movies Missed in '24: Your Guide to Backlog Bliss

2024 delivered a diverse cinematic landscape, but some hidden gems deserve recognition beyond the blockbuster buzz. Here are 10 underrated films 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. It's not just a scare-fest; it's a thoughtful exploration of fear, group psychology, and the manipulative power of media. The story centers on a struggling late-night host who delves into the occult for a ratings boost, with chilling consequences.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

The fourth installment of the beloved Bad Boys franchise sees Will Smith and Martin Lawrence back in action. Facing a dangerous syndicate and internal corruption, Mike and Marcus must operate outside the law to save Miami. Expect the signature blend of action, humor, and compelling characters that made the series a classic. A possible fifth film is rumored, but nothing's official yet.

Blink Twice

Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut is a psychological thriller. Frida, a waitress, infiltrates the world of tech mogul Slater King, only to uncover dangerous secrets. Starring Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, and Haley Joel Osment, the film has drawn comparisons to recent real-life controversies, though no direct connection has been confirmed.

Monkey Man

Dev Patel's directorial debut and starring role deliver a thrilling action film set in a Mumbai-inspired city. Kid, nicknamed Monkey Man, fights in the city's underground arena until his mother's murder forces him to take down India's criminal underworld. The film blends action with powerful social commentary.

The Beekeeper

Jason Statham stars as Adam Clay, a former agent of the secretive "Beekeepers" organization, now a beekeeper. When a friend's suicide is linked to online scammers, Adam is drawn back into his dangerous past to dismantle a cybercrime ring. Written by Kurt Wimmer (Equilibrium) and boasting a $40 million budget, Statham performs many of his own stunts.

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 dangerous criminal. Shyamalan's signature masterful 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 harbors a devastating secret: he's responsible for the victim's death. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film explores the moral dilemma faced by Justin as he must choose between letting an innocent person be convicted or confessing his own crime.

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, exploring the themes of technological advancement and nature's harmony. The film's unique animation style is a visual treat.

It's What's Inside

Greg Jardin's sci-fi thriller blends comedy, mystery, and horror. A group of friends uses a consciousness-swapping device at a wedding, leading to unexpected and dangerous consequences. The film explores identity and relationships in the digital age.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Poor Things) presents a triptych of interconnected stories exploring human relationships, morality, and the surreal. The film features three distinct narratives, each exploring different facets of the human condition.

Why You Should Watch These Films

These films offer more than just entertainment; they provide insightful explorations of human nature and unexpected twists. They challenge conventions and offer unique perspectives on familiar themes, proving that cinematic brilliance can be found beyond the mainstream.