As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that the year has offered an impressive array of films. From high-budget blockbusters to intimate indie gems, the diversity in cinema has been remarkable.
However, with so much to choose from, some fantastic titles have slipped under the radar, overshadowed by the mainstream hype. While the big films dominate the conversation, several lesser-known releases deserve far more attention.
This article explores seven exceptional films from a variety of genres that didn’t receive the spotlight they truly deserve.
Whether you’re in the mood for drama, thriller, or documentary, these underrated gems will not disappoint.
Love Lies Bleeding: A Dark Love Story
Where to Stream: Max (US), Prime Video (UK, AUS)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Runtime: 104 minutes
Director: Rose Glass
Kristen Stewart continues to challenge her acting range with Love Lies Bleeding. In this gripping drama, Stewart plays a reclusive gym manager who becomes entangled with a determined bodybuilder.
Their passionate yet destructive relationship spirals into dangerous territory, where they both get involved in organized crime. Directed by Rose Glass, known for her breakout hit Saint Maud, this slow-burn thriller delivers an atmospheric narrative filled with tension.
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The film explores themes of obsession and identity, making it a must-watch for those looking for something off the beaten path.
Juror #2: A Gripping Legal Thriller
Where to Stream: Max (US), Apple TV (UK), Amazon Video (AU)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Runtime: 114 minutes
Director: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 is a quietly powerful legal drama that blends suspense and moral dilemmas. The story centers on a journalist, played by Nicholas Hoult, who serves on a jury and soon realizes that his actions may have unintentionally contributed to the victim’s death.
The film delves into the complexity of guilt, responsibility, and justice.
With a strong supporting cast including Toni Collette and JK Simmons, this film takes the viewer on a tense emotional journey, leaving you questioning the limits of personal accountability.
I Saw The TV Glow: A Horror Masterpiece
Where to Stream: Max (US), Fetch (AUS)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
Runtime: 100 minutes
Director: Jane Schoenbrun
For horror fans, I Saw The TV Glow is an absolute must-see. Set against the backdrop of a nostalgic 90s TV show, two teens become obsessed with a mysterious supernatural series called The Pink Opaque. As they dig deeper, they uncover chilling truths about the show that bleed into their own lives.
This A24 film plays with reality and fantasy in a way that leaves you unnerved, making it one of the standout horror films of 2024.
If you’re looking for something that blends supernatural thrills with coming-of-age themes, this one will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Joy: The Story of a Groundbreaking Birth
Where to Stream: Netflix (Worldwide)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Runtime: 115 minutes
Director: Ben Taylor
Joy tells the extraordinary real-life story behind the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first test-tube baby. The film focuses on the pioneering efforts of the team that made this medical miracle possible, highlighting the emotional and ethical challenges they faced along the way.
With Bill Nighy and Thomasin McKenzie delivering standout performances, Joy provides an intimate, deeply human portrayal of a scientific breakthrough that changed the world.
While it flew under the radar on Netflix, this film is an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and human emotion.
Will & Harper: A Heartfelt Documentary
Where to Stream: Netflix (Worldwide)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Runtime: 114 minutes
Director: Josh Greenbaum
Will & Harper is a touching documentary that follows actor Will Ferrell and his close friend Harper Steele, a trans woman, as they embark on a road trip to reconnect.
The film captures their deep friendship and Steele’s journey as she comes out and navigates her identity. By focusing on the bond between Ferrell and Steele, the documentary explores themes of acceptance, love, and the struggles of the transgender community.
Honest and heartfelt, this documentary offers a refreshing perspective on a sensitive subject, proving that true friendships can be a powerful catalyst for change and understanding.
La Chimera: A Beautifully Crafted Drama
Where to Stream: Hulu (US), Mubi (UK), Stan (AUS)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Runtime: 133 minutes
Director: Alice Rohrwacher
Set in the 1980s, La Chimera is a visually striking drama about a British looter, played by Josh O’Connor, who becomes involved in the international trade of stolen artifacts.
After being released from prison, he returns to Italy, where he faces the fallout of his past choices, including the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend and strained relationships with her family.
The film beautifully weaves together themes of loss, regret, and the ethical implications of his actions.
La Chimera is a cinematic masterpiece that not only tells a compelling story but also offers stunning cinematography that will captivate viewers from start to finish.
Daughters: An Emotional Documentary About Family and Incarceration
Where to Stream: Netflix (Worldwide)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Runtime: 107 minutes
Directors: Natalie Rae, Angela Patton
Daughters is a moving documentary that follows the lives of four young girls who are preparing for a special Daddy-Daughter Dance at a Washington, DC prison.
Their fathers are incarcerated, and the film explores the emotional toll of their absence on both the fathers and the daughters.
This deeply personal documentary shines a light on the often-overlooked impact of incarceration on families. With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, Daughters is a film that highlights the resilience of these young girls and the complexities of fatherhood in the context of the prison system.
Conclusion
2024 has given us a plethora of cinematic experiences, but not all of them have garnered the attention they deserve. These seven films, ranging from gripping thrillers to powerful documentaries, offer something unique and thought-provoking.
Whether you’re in the mood for a slow-burn crime drama, an emotional exploration of identity, or a visually stunning period piece, these hidden gems are worth your time. Don’t let them slip under your radar; these films deserve to be seen.
People May Ask
1. Where can I stream these movies?
Each film is available on different streaming platforms. For example, Love Lies Bleeding can be streamed on Max and Prime Video, while Juror #2 is available on Max and Apple TV.
2. What makes these films unique?
These films stand out for their deep emotional storytelling, strong performances, and unique narratives that tackle complex themes such as identity, guilt, and family dynamics. They offer a refreshing break from the typical blockbuster fare.
3. Which movie should I watch first?
If you enjoy intense legal dramas, Juror #2 is a great pick. For fans of heartfelt documentaries, Will & Harper is deeply moving. If you’re a horror enthusiast, I Saw The TV Glow is an unsettling experience.
4. Are these movies suitable for all audiences?
Some of these films, particularly I Saw The TV Glow and Will & Harper, may be better suited for mature audiences due to their sensitive topics and mature themes.
5. Why haven’t these films been more widely recognized?
While these films have received critical acclaim, they may not have had the same level of promotion as blockbuster films, causing them to fly under the radar. Nonetheless, they offer rich, rewarding viewing experiences for those who seek out more nuanced, thought-provoking cinema.
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