deliberate backdrop

Movies with deliberate vibe

271. The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

The Death & Life of John F. Donovan
Drama Entertainment Industry Drama
6.1
20192h 3minCanada, United Kingdom
Director: Xavier Dolan

Overview

A decade after the death of an American TV star, a young actor reminisces about the written correspondence he once shared with the former, as well as the impact those letters had on both their lives.

Themes

Memory and legacy, Privacy vs celebrity, Media intrusion and reputation, Homophobia and stigma, Idolization and exploitation, Emotional abuse and fame

Available on

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

272. Gloria Bell

Gloria Bell
Drama Romance Relationship Drama Bittersweet Romance
6.3
20191h 42minChile, United States
Director: Sebastián Lelio

Overview

Gloria is a free-spirited divorcée who spends her days at a straight-laced office job and her nights on the dance floor, joyfully letting loose at clubs around Los Angeles. After meeting Arnold on a night out, she finds herself thrust into an unexpected new romance, filled with both the joys of budding love and the complications of dating, identity, and family.

Themes

Social performance pressure, Freedom vs obligation, Identity through reinvention, Self-expression through nightlife, Romantic pursuit vs stability, Emotional volatility

Available on

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

273. The Aftermath

The Aftermath
War Drama Romance World War II Historical Drama
6.4
20191h 48minUnited States, United Kingdom
Director: James Kent

Overview

In the aftermath of World War II, a British colonel and his wife are assigned to live in Hamburg during the post-war reconstruction, but tensions arise with the German widower who lives with them.

Themes

Grief and memory, Forbidden romance, Postwar occupation tensions, Suspicion and distrust, Precarious domestic arrangements, Loyalty conflicts

Available on

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

274. Dragged Across Concrete

Dragged Across Concrete
Crime Action Thriller Heist Modern Noir Thriller
6.9
20192h 39minCanada, United Kingdom
Director: S. Craig Zahler

Overview

Two policemen, one an old-timer, the other his volatile younger partner, find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics becomes the media's cause du jour. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to gain their just due, but instead find far more than they wanted awaiting them in the shadows.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Greed and consequence, Violence as currency, Corruption and leverage, Desperation driving crime, Law vs vigilantism

Available on

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

275. Paddleton

Paddleton
Comedy Drama Tragic Drama Buddy Comedy
7.2
20191h 29minUnited States
Director: Alexandre Lehmann

Overview

An unlikely friendship between two neighbors becomes an unexpectedly emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Themes

Friendship under pressure, Caregiving boundaries, Terminal illness autonomy, Shared vulnerability, Quiet rituals and meaning, Loneliness after loss

Available on

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

276. Aniara

Aniara
Science Fiction Drama Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Psychological Drama
6.3
20191h 46minDenmark, Sweden
Director: Hugo Lilja

Overview

A ship carrying settlers to a new home on Mars after Earth is rendered uninhabitable is knocked off-course, causing the passengers to consider their place in the universe.

Themes

Survival under isolation, Education as escape, Memory technology dependency, Cult formation under despair, Social order collapse, Hope amid deception

Available on

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

277. The First King

The First King
History Drama Historical Event Tragic Drama
6.5
20192h 3minBelgium, Italy
Director: Matteo Rovere

Overview

Romulus and Remus, two shepherds and loyal brothers, end up taking part to a journey that will lead one of them to be the founder of the greatest nation ever seen. However, the fate of the chosen one will pass from killing his own brother.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Power under pressure, Political maneuvering, Loyalty and dissent, Public legitimacy under threat, War as diplomacy

Available on

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

278. Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots
Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.3
20182h 4minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Josie Rourke

Overview

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

Themes

Royal lineage pressure, Factional betrayal and deception, Confinement and exile dynamics, Gendered power politics, Dynastic legitimacy stakes, Rival court maneuvering

Available on

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

279. In Fabric

In Fabric
Horror Fantasy Comedy Mystery Haunting Horror
6.2
20181h 58minUnited Kingdom
Director: Peter Strickland

Overview

A haunting ghost story set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period in a department store, following the life of a cursed dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences.

Themes

Department store pressures, Absurd fashion objects, Workplace scrutiny, Gossip and exclusion, Consumption under duress, Material consequences of fashion

Available on

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

280. Then Came You

Then Came You
Comedy Drama Buddy Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.9
20181h 37minUnited States
Director: Peter Hutchings

Overview

An American hypochondriac who is working as a baggage handler is forced to confront his fears when a British teenager with a terminal illness enlists him to help her carry out her eccentric bucket list.

Themes

Caregiving under pressure, Coming of age, Grief and resilience, Fear of mortality, Deception for connection, Bonding under hardship

Available on

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