lingering backdrop

Movies with lingering vibe

Behind the Candelabra

1. Behind the Candelabra

Drama Romance Entertainment Industry Drama Passionate Romance
7.0
20131h 58min

Overview

Based on the autobiographical novel, the tempestuous 6-year relationship between Liberace and his (much younger) lover, Scott Thorson, is recounted.

Themes

Legal battles and settlements, Based on novel dynamics, Celebrity influence and control, In the closet pressures, Drug dependency erosion, Memoir-driven image preservation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Blue Valentine

2. Blue Valentine

Drama Romance Relationship Drama Bittersweet Romance
7.3
20101h 52min

Overview

Dean and Cindy live a quiet life in a modest neighborhood. They appear to have the world at their feet at the outset of the relationship. However, his lack of ambition and her retreat into self-absorption cause potentially irreversible cracks in their marriage.

Themes

Dysfunctional marriage dynamics, Nonlinear narrative structure, Alcoholism and instability, Parental conflict and distance, Unfulfilled ambitions and drift, Caregiver roles under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Hoopla
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

3. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

Drama Fantasy Supernatural Fantasy Family Drama
6.7
20101h 54min

Overview

Suffering from acute kidney failure, Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave—the birthplace of his first life.

Themes

Karma and illness, Mortality and caregiving, Nonhuman transformation, Reincarnation and longing, Spirits and human bonds, Ritual memory

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Crazy Heart

4. Crazy Heart

Drama Music Romance Entertainment Industry Drama Narrative Musical
7.2
20091h 52min

Overview

When reporter Jean Craddock interviews Bad Blake—an alcoholic, seen-better-days country music legend—they connect, and the hard-living crooner sees a possible saving grace in a life with Jean and her young son.

Themes

Alcoholism and sobriety, Fame versus family, Creative partnership vs solo career, Relational tension with journalist

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Memoirs of a Geisha

5. Memoirs of a Geisha

Drama Romance History Historical Drama Historical Event
7.3
20052h 26min

Overview

In the years before World War II, a penniless Japanese child is torn from her family to work as a maid in a geisha house.

Themes

Class inequality, Social mobility, Exploitation and debt, Performance and reputation, Mentorship dynamics, Wartime disruption

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

My Summer of Love

6. My Summer of Love

Drama Romance Passionate Romance Coming-of-Age Drama
6.7
20051h 27min

Overview

In the Yorkshire countryside, working-class tomboy Mona meets the exotic, pampered Tamsin. To seal their friendship, Mona introduces Tamsin to her born-again Christian brother and helps her spy on her adulterous father. Bound together by their secrets, the two girls see their friendship deepen and enter into dangerous waters.

Themes

Class inequality, Coming of age, Lesbian relationship dynamics, Regional pressures england, Sibling relationship tension, Northern england pressures

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Lila Says

7. Lila Says

Crime Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Dark Romance
6.9
20051h 29min

Overview

Chimo develops a crush on the pretty, blond Lila, a girl who recently moved into his Arab ghetto with her aunt. When the leader of a rival gang also falls for Lila, the ensuing love triangle initiates a journey of sexual discovery -- and sets off a chain of devastating events.

Themes

Urban violence, Economic disparity, Sexual exploitation, Power and coercion, Education as escape, Romantic obsession

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Being Julia

8. Being Julia

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Entertainment Industry Drama
7.0
20041h 44min

Overview

Julia Lambert is a true diva: beautiful, talented, weathly and famous. She has it all - including a devoted husband who has mastermined her brilliant career - but after years of shining in the spotlight she begins to suffer from a severe case of boredom and longs for something new and exciting to put the twinkle back in her eye. Julia finds exactly what she's looking for in a handsome young American fan, but it isn't long before the novelty fling adds a few more sparks than she was hoping for. Fortuately for her, this surprise twist in the plot will thrust her back into the greatest role of her life.

Themes

Creative reinvention, Mentorship and influence, Aging ambition vs fame, Illusion and performance, Power in relationships, Desire and risk

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Before Sunset

9. Before Sunset

Drama Romance Relationship Drama Passionate Romance
8.1
20041h 20min

Overview

Nine years later, Jesse travels across Europe giving readings from a book he wrote about the night he spent in Vienna with Celine. After his reading in Paris, Celine finds him, and they spend part of the day together before Jesse has to again leave for a flight. They are both in relationships now, and Jesse has a son, but as their strong feelings for each other start to return, both confess a longing for more.

Themes

Enduring longing across years, Memory shaping relationships, Private longing in public life, Commitments vs possibilities, Life-path divergence, Past encounters influence present

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Something's Gotta Give

10. Something's Gotta Give

Drama Comedy Romance Romantic Comedy Awkward Comedy
6.7
20032h 8min

Overview

When perpetually single, aging music industry exec Harry Sanborn, and his latest trophy girlfriend, Marin, arrive at her mother's beach house in the Hamptons, they find that her mother, playwright Erica Barry, also plans to stay for the weekend. Erica is scandalized by the relationship and Harry's sexist ways. But when Harry has a heart attack while there, and the doctor prescribes bedrest, his only option is to stay at the Barry home. Left in the care of Erica and his doctor, a love triangle starts to take shape.

Themes

Illness as catalyst, Power dynamics in dating, Age difference romance, Mother daughter relationship, Professional life vs romance, Theater as coping outlet

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.