understated backdrop

Movies with understated vibe

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

1. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Drama History Comedy Historical Drama Biographical History
6.8
20211h 51min

Overview

The extraordinary true story of eccentric British artist Louis Wain, whose playful, sometimes even psychedelic pictures helped to transform the public's perception of cats forever.

Themes

Creativity under constraint, Caregiving and loss, Economic precarity and debt, Illness and institutionalization, Public fame through art, Class bias and scandal

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Petite Maman

2. Petite Maman

Drama Fantasy Family Family Drama Parent-Child Family
7.4
20211h 12min

Overview

After the death of her beloved grandmother, eight-year-old Nelly meets a strangely familiar girl her own age in the woods. Instantly forming a connection with this mysterious new friend, Nelly embarks on a fantastical journey of discovery which helps her come to terms with this newfound loss.

Themes

Grief and memory, Magic realism, Intergenerational bonds, Mother daughter relationship, Childhood perspective, Female creative aspiration

Available on

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

Chemical Hearts

3. Chemical Hearts

Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Passionate Romance
6.3
20201h 33min

Overview

When a hopelessly romantic high school senior falls for a mysterious new classmate, it sets them both on an unexpected journey that teaches them about love, loss, and most importantly themselves.

Themes

Communication under pressure, Grief and longing, Disability and perception, Trauma shaping romance, Self discovery through writing, High school romance expectations

Available on

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

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

4. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.4
20201h 41min

Overview

A pair of teenage girls in rural Pennsylvania travel to New York City to seek out medical help after an unintended pregnancy.

Themes

Teenage pregnancy stigma, Abortion access barriers, Rural pennsylvania tension, Misinformation by clinics, Economic precarity during crisis, Bus ride to city

Available on

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

The Endless Trench

5. The Endless Trench

Drama History Thriller Historical Drama Historical Event
7.2
20192h 28min

Overview

A small village in Huelva, Andalusia, Spain, 1936. Higinio and Rosa have been married only for a few months when the Civil War breaks out. Higinio, being afraid of possible reprisals from the rebel faction, decides to use a hole dug in his own house as a temporary hideout.

Themes

Political repression, Family resilience, Isolation in hiding, Wartime uncertainty, Neighbor betrayal, Confinement spaces

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Matthias & Maxime

6. Matthias & Maxime

Drama Romance Relationship Drama Passionate Romance
6.8
20192h

Overview

Two childhood best friends are asked to share a kiss for the purposes of a student short film. Soon, a lingering doubt sets in, confronting both men with their preferences, threatening the brotherhood of their social circle, and, eventually, changing their lives.

Themes

Loyalty under strain, Friendship under pressure, Public performance pressure, Sexual identity tension, Caregiving burdens, Romantic boundaries, Career vs life choices

Available on

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

Live Twice, Love Once

7. Live Twice, Love Once

Comedy Drama Psychological Drama
7.2
20191h 41min

Overview

A retired academic teacher tries to find the love of his youth after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Themes

Memory as identity anchor, Ageing and memory, Pursuit of childhood dreams, Family dynamics under stress, Caregiver burdens and resilience, Stable relationships amid ageing

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Brian Banks

8. Brian Banks

Drama Legal Drama
7.2
20191h 39min

Overview

An All-American football player's dreams to play in the NFL are halted when he is falsely accused of rape and sent to prison.

Themes

False accusation impact, Parole system stigma, Evidence standards pressure, Legal advocacy pressure, Media backlash response, Public accountability demand

Available on

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

After the Wedding

9. After the Wedding

Drama Relationship Drama
6.3
20191h 50min

Overview

Seeking funds for her orphanage in India, Isabelle travels to New York to meet Theresa, a wealthy benefactor. An invitation to attend a wedding ignites a series of events in which the past collides with the present while mysteries unravel.

Themes

Trust and betrayal, Charitable deception, Wealth and obligation, Birth family awareness, Mother figure dynamics, Reunion pressures

Available on

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

Tell It to the Bees

10. Tell It to the Bees

Romance Drama Passionate Romance Family Drama
6.5
20191h 46min

Overview

Dr. Jean Markham returns to the town she left as a teenager to take over her late father's medical practice. When a school-yard scuffle lands Charlie in her surgery, she invites him to visit the hives in her garden and tell his secrets to the bees, as she once did. The new friendship between the boy and the bee keeper brings his mother Lydia into Jean's world.

Themes

Forbidden romance, Public scrutiny, Unconventional motherhood, Class constraints, Nontraditional family, Lgbt relationship, Beekeeping motif

Available on

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