10 Best Underrated Movies of 2024

As a film critic with decades of experience under my belt, I have seen it all – from the grandiose spectacles of Hollywood to the intimate, heartfelt tales that resonate deeply within us. This year, I had the immense pleasure of watching a plethora of films that truly stood out, each one showcasing the depth and diversity of human experience.

2024 has been an intriguing year in cinema, offering both captivating successes such as “Inside Out 2”, “Anora”, and “Challengers”, along with a few letdowns like “Borderlands”, “Madame Web”, and “Red One”. The variety this year has been remarkable, with moviegoers eagerly exploring a diverse range of films. While big hits like “Dune: Part Two”, “Wicked”, and “Twisters” met their marks, lesser-known movies such as “It Ends with Us”, “Conclave”, and “We Live in Time” also garnered significant attention. Martin Scorsese singled out “I Saw the TV Glow”, while “The Substance” is quickly gaining a devoted following. As the Academy Awards approach, many more films are poised to receive their due recognition.

Just like every other year, many exceptional films often go unnoticed by some. The year 2024 was no exception, with numerous outstanding movies receiving less attention than they should have. Below, you’ll find a list of the top ten underrated films from 2024.

10 ‘Turtles All the Way Down’

Turtles All the Way Down is a story based on the 2017 young adult novel, following the journey of Aza Holmes (played by Isabela Merced), a 16-year-old girl dealing with obsessive–compulsive disorder. As she reconnects with her old crush, Davis (Felix Mallard), whose father has mysteriously vanished, Aza finds herself torn between the allure of a new relationship and the challenges posed by managing her mental health issues.

The movie adaptation of “Turtles All the Way Down” had quite a journey before reaching our screens. Initially conceived at Fox 2000, it was moved during Disney’s takeover of 20th Century Fox, and subsequently picked up for development by New Line Cinema. Unlike previous John Green adaptations such as “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Paper Towns,” which had the advantage of being released when young adult films could secure a theatrical release, “Turtles All the Way Down” was discreetly released on a streaming platform on May 2, 2024.

The YA Genre Still Has a Place in the 2020s

Turtles All the Way Down is an engaging and genuine teen drama that sensitively explores mental health issues and social class distinctions. Similar to other adaptations of John Green’s stories, Turtles All the Way Down presents authentic and realistic settings that capture the intense emotions experienced during adolescence. Isabela Merced delivers a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of OCD, challenging conventional media depictions of the condition. Cree Cicchino, who plays the character Daisy, brings radiance to each scene she appears in, while director Hannah Marks offers a fresh take on the genre.

In the very same year that “Uglies” couldn’t rekindle the youthful charm of the 2010s, “Turtles All the Way” demonstrated the evolution of the YA genre and its contemporary significance.

9 ‘Música’

As a music-loving film aficionado, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on “Música,” the directorial debut by musician Rudy Mancuso. This captivating production offers a fictionalized glimpse into Mancuso’s life, weaving a heartfelt coming-of-age love story around its core.

A Stand-Out Musical in a Year Filled With Them

2024 has been quite diverse when it comes to musicals, with blockbusters like “Wicked” and “Emilia Perez”, as well as controversial productions such as “Joker: Folie à Deux”. However, among this rich tapestry of offerings, the original piece “Música” stands out. Director Rudy Mancuso masterfully blends the real with the highly stylized, portraying the intense emotion that arises when a tune resonates within us and we are able to bring it to life. What sets this musical apart is Mancuso’s willingness to depict his characters as flawed individuals who make mistakes, often questionable ones, but their motivations remain clear. This thoughtful approach adds depth and authenticity to the production.

As a cinephile, I must say, Música, with its rhythmic flair and masterful pacing, marks a stunning entrance onto the big screen for director Mancuso – a man already making waves in the music world. Meanwhile, Mendes’ performance in this film is nothing short of captivating, adding another notch to an exceptional year for her. It’s clear that she’s a rising star whose talent we should all keep our eyes on.

8 ‘My Old Ass’

Under the direction of Megan Park, My Old Self presents an imaginative science fiction concept with a cost-effective approach: imagine encountering your future self, and ponder, what advice or wisdom would you share with your past self?

The film revolves around Elliot (Maisy Stella), a girl savoring her last summer before college. On her birthday evening, she and her friends venture into the woods to pick mushrooms, leading Elliot to encounter her older self (Aubrey Plaza). Initially thinking it’s a dream, when she finds her older self’s number in her phone and communicates with her, she ponders whether she can alter her future without sacrificing her present enjoyment.

What Would You Do if Confronted With Your Past?

Justin Bieber’s song alone would earn my old self some points for its creative use in the movie, but there’s so much more to appreciate. Maisy Stella truly sparkles on screen, emitting a star-born radiance that guides this coming-of-age tale. She does this with great finesse, skillfully portraying a harmonious blend of self-assurance and doubt.

Throughout the movie, Aubrey Plaza’s role is mainly confined to the opening and closing scenes, but her impact on the film is significant and pervasive. This is due in part to the way the producers strategically chose her for the part, playing on the audience’s lingering memories of her earlier roles such as those in “Parks and Recreation” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”.

7 ‘Fly Me to the Moon’

The film titled “Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic romantic comedy driven by star charm, but unfortunately, it seemed like it was released two decades too late for many viewers. The story unfolds during the time of the Apollo 11 mission. It centers around Kelly Jones (played by Scarlett Johansson), a marketing specialist tasked with revamping the space program’s image for the American public. This role places her at odds with Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), the NASA launch director.

As their feelings for each other grow stronger, they uncover a troubling secret: The government is considering staging a fake moon landing if the real mission encounters problems. Davis, worried about the mission’s credibility and people’s trust in achieving the seemingly impossible, finds this plan deeply concerning.

A Throwback to When Stars Sold Big Concept Movie

2024 saw “Fly Me to the Moon” flop at the box office, yet those who caught a glimpse of it seemed to appreciate it quite a bit. This film harks back to the grand romance epics of the 90s, blending historical fiction and fact seamlessly. Admittedly, the notion that “the moon landing was faked” may appear as an overused trope, but this movie cleverly portrays it as the sinister twist in history’s tale. It subtly undermines the genuine brilliance that drove people to achieve something humanity had always dreamed of from the start. I, for one, am eager to see how this story unfolds on the silver screen!

Featuring a 1960s-inspired setting, two endearing protagonists, and a stellar cast including Ray Ramano, Woody Harrelson, Jim Rash, and Anna Garcia, the film Fly Me to the Moon offered a charming summer escapade that unfortunately went unnoticed by many. However, viewers will soon get another chance to enjoy this delightful movie on AppleTV+.

6 ‘In a Violent Nature’

The movie “In a Violent Nature” challenges the typical conventions of slasher films by presenting the story from the perspective of the killer. The plot revolves around an undead murderer who rises from the dead, seeking to slaughter a group of young adults in the Ontario wilderness. This film offers a unique experience that resembles the closest thing to a “Friday the 13th” movie for some time. Moreover, the combination of atmospheric sounds and extended shots reminiscent of Terrence Malick’s work, contrasted with the gruesome, intense kill scenes common in horror films, makes “In a Violent Nature” feel like the most innovative slasher film since “Scream.

Inside the Mind of the Killer

In A Violent Nature presents an unusual blend, with serene forest scenery and characters strolling through it seeming incongruous against the backdrop of intense, imaginative slayings typical of the genre. The “yoga kill,” as viewers have dubbed it, is not only the film’s highlight but also one of the most inventive kills in horror cinema. While In a Violent Nature took a slightly lesser role compared to IFC Films’ other 2020 throwback horror offering, Late Night with the Devil, it managed to cultivate a dedicated following and sequel plans are now underway, hinting that, like the Terrifier series, In a Violent Nature could emerge as a major breakout horror movie franchise.

5 ‘Problemista’

The film Problemista is helmed by and features Julio Torres in both directorial and acting roles. The plot revolves around Alejandro (portrayed by Torres), a struggling toy designer from El Salvador who finds himself jobless and in need of a new employer to sponsor his work visa. He seeks employment with an eccentric, reclusive figure in the art world named Elizabeth (played by Tilda Swinton), hoping she will sponsor his visa. Alejandro encounters not only Elizabeth’s capricious behavior and outlandish requests but also the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, which appears to be a challenge for him and countless others.

A Relevant Movie

1) Originally slated for a 2023 release, “Problemista” has been pushed back to 2024 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. The movie, directed by Torres, boasts surrealist imagery and absurd humor, creating a film that mirrors the art world in its representation and aesthetic style. Swinton delivers a remarkably funny performance, although it may be undervalued by award-season voters, it stands out as one of her finest works in her distinguished career.

The movie titled “Problemista” serves as a revealing critique of the complex, impractical, and expensive nature of the U.S. immigration system, making it seem illogical from an outsider’s perspective. Regrettably, this film may become increasingly pertinent for some viewers. This movie could shed light on the seemingly insurmountable challenge that is the immigration process. Moreover, one of the most hilarious scenes of the year involves personifying the struggle against unreasonable bank overdraft fees, a situation many people have probably found themselves in at least once.

4 ‘I Used to Be Funny’

As a film aficionado, I recently found myself captivated by the intriguing debut of Ally Pankiw, titled “I Used to Be Funny.” This unique production seamlessly blends humor and drama, offering an insightful look into the life of Sam, a stand-up comedian residing in Toronto. Struggling with depression that has taken a toll on her career, Sam’s world takes an unexpected turn when she learns that Brooke, a young girl she once cared for as a nanny, has gone missing. In an effort to find Brooke and confront the ghosts of her past, Sam embarks on a journey that forces her to address the trauma stemming from Brooke’s father, Cameron.

Initially shown at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2023, “I Used to Be Funny” didn’t hit the big screens until June 2024. Not long after its theater release, it became accessible for streaming.

Living with Comedy and Tragedy

Over the last three years, Rachel Sennott has emerged as a compelling figure on-screen, with films such as “Shiva Baby”, “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, and “Bottoms” under her belt. Her latest project, “I Used to Be Funny“, signifies a significant milestone in her career. While she is known for her humor, this role provides an opportunity for her to demonstrate her dramatic prowess and deliver a poignant portrayal.

Although arranging events out of order might appear as an excessive trick, it actually lends a dry humor and dramatic atmosphere to the film that wouldn’t be achieved if the start or end were overloaded. I Used to Be Funny is definitely worth watching, not just for another impressive performance by Sennott, but also to appreciate Pankiw’s talent as one of the most promising new directors in the industry.

3 ‘Love Lies Bleeding’

1989 serves as the backdrop for the romantic crime thriller, Love Lies Bleeding. This captivating tale revolves around a lesbian romance between Louise “Lou” Langston, a reclusive gym manager (portrayed by Kristen Stewart), and Jacqueline “Jackie” Cleaver, an ambitious bodybuilder (Katy O’Brien). As their feelings deepen, it becomes evident that Jackie is secretly working for crime boss Lou Langston Sr., the father of Louise. When Louise’s sister Beth (Jenna Malone) suffers abuse at the hands of her husband J.J. (Dave Franco), Jackie takes matters into her own hands to protect Louise. However, this act of vengeance places both women in danger as the authorities close in on Lou Sr.’s criminal organization.

Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien Should Be in the Oscar Race

Although Academy Awards may not be the defining factor for a movie’s prosperity, it seems unfair that neither Stewart nor O’Brien are being discussed as potential Best Actress nominees. Both deliver mesmerizing, intricate performances, with O’Brien showcasing an incredible display of power through her physical transformation.

If Saint Maud didn’t make Rose Glass stand out as a visionary filmmaker, Love Lies Bleeding certainly will. This neo-noir thriller shares similarities with early Coen Brothers films such as Blood Simple or Miller’s Crossing. With its compelling characters and crime genre elements, it had the potential to be a blockbuster. However, surprisingly, many viewers overlooked this film.

2 ‘Young Woman and the Sea’

The film titled “Young Woman and the Sea” features Daisy Ridley portraying the role of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, a true-life Olympic swimmer. Young Woman and the Sea delves into her life experiences, particularly highlighting the instance when she became the first woman to conquer the English Channel. Initially slated for streaming on Disney+, this movie was unexpectedly moved to a theatrical release, albeit on very few screens; even the box office figures for its theatrical run were not disclosed by Disney. Following a low-key release, it was subsequently made available on Disney+ a few weeks later with minimal promotion.

An Old-Fashioned Disney Movie That the Studio No Longer Makes

The film titled “Young Woman and the Sea” was seemingly overlooked by Disney, yet its reason remains unknown. However, Producer Jerry Bruckheimer mentioned that it received the highest audience ratings from any movie he’s ever test-screened. Given his track record with films like Top Gun: Maverick and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, this is quite significant. The film manages to deliver the same level of excitement and audience appeal as those movies did.

The film “Young Woman and the Sea” recalls the style of Disney films from the 2000s, with narratives based on sports designed for family viewing and potentially used in educational settings, similar to movies such as “Remember the Titans” or “Secretariat.” However, it appears that such a film may no longer fit within the current direction of Disney productions.

1 ‘Thelma’

“Thelma” is an appealing film that appeals to everyone, and if justice prevailed, it would have been a box office sensation. June Squibb delivers one of the year’s top performances as Thelma Post, a 93-year-old woman who shares a strong bond with her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger). Fraudsters deceive Thelma into giving them $10,000 by claiming that her grandson is in trouble. When the authorities and her family appear unresponsive to returning her money, Thelma decides to hunt down the con artists on her own.

Throughout the journey, she encounters an old friend named Ben (played by Richard Roundtree in his final role). Thelma finds herself needing to demonstrate to her family that she is not as helpless as they believe, and more importantly, she needs to convince herself that her best days are still ahead.

June Squibb Gives One of 2024‘s Best Performances

In mere moments, Thelma manages to be both uproariously funny and deeply touching. Initially, viewers find themselves laughing at the absurdity of a scooter cruising through Los Angeles. Yet, only a few minutes pass before two old friends engage in a conversation about their impending mortality and the emotional burden they feel towards their loved ones. June Squibb, an exceptional character actress, is finally given a role that truly showcases her talents with Thelma.

Richard Roundtree delivers a poignant, tender, and heart-wrenching swan song as Ben in his final role, showcasing the greatness of an iconic actor. Following his portrayal of antagonists in “Pam & Tommy,” “Gladiator II,” and the upcoming “Kraven the Hunter,” Fred Hechinger’s performance as Daniel takes us by surprise with its remarkable sweetness. Together with June Squibb, their characters Thelma and grandson form one of the most heartwarming on-screen grandparent-grandchild relationships.

Thelma effectively balances humor and seriousness, delivering an impactful emotional resonance that encourages viewers to reach out and spend time with their grandparents.

2024-12-01 01:04