cynical backdrop

Movies with cynical vibe

Captive State

191. Captive State

Science Fiction Action Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Political Thriller
6.0

20191h 50min

United States

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system -- and dissent among the populace.

Themes

Class inequality, Surveillance state, Civil rights suppression, Resistance under occupation, Loyalty and betrayal, Alien occupation and resistance

Available on

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

The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

192. The Death & Life of John F. Donovan

Drama Entertainment Industry Drama
6.1

20192h 3min

Canada, United Kingdom

Director: Xavier Dolan

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.

The Golden Glove

193. The Golden Glove

Crime Thriller Horror Comedy Serial Killer Crime
6.7

20191h 50min

Germany, France

Director: Fatih Akin

A serial killer strikes fear in the hearts of residents of Hamburg during the early 1970s.

Themes

Cycle of abuse, Economic desperation and crime, Violence against sex workers, Addiction fueled violence, Exploitation in nightlife, Objectification and coercion

Available on

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

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

194. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Action Adventure Animation Comedy Family
6.5

20191h 47min

Canada, Denmark

Director: Mike Mitchell

It's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.

Themes

Family conflict and reconciliation, Time travel consequences, Interworld cooperation and deception, Enduring invasion threat, City rebuilding under pressure, False front ceremonies

Available on

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

City Hunter

195. City Hunter

Action Comedy Adventure Buddy Action Parody
6.5

20191h 31min

France

Director: Philippe Lacheau

Nicky Larson is tasked to recover the perfume of Cupid, a perfume that would make anyone who uses it irresistible.

Themes

Romantic tension, Unconventional partnership, Duty and loyalty, Underworld teamwork, Secretive collaboration, Protective duty

Available on

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

Late Night

196. Late Night

Comedy Drama Workplace Comedy
6.5

20191h 42min

United States

Director: Nisha Ganatra

A legendary late-night talk show host's world is turned upside down when she hires her only female staff writer. Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision has unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women separated by culture and generation are united by their love of a biting punchline.

Themes

Public image management, Ratings pressure, Diversity in media, Authenticity vs branding, Intergenerational clash, Workplace transformation

Available on

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

The Emperor of Paris

197. The Emperor of Paris

Drama Crime Thriller Historical Drama Organized Crime
6.3

20182h 1min

Belgium, France

Director: Jean-François Richet

Paris, France, early 19th century. The legendary convict François Vidocq lives in disguise trying to escape from a tragic past that torments him. When, after an unfortunate event, he crosses paths with the police chief, he makes a bold decision that will turn the ruthless mastermind of the Parisian underworld against him.

Themes

Deception and loyalty, Haunted past, Law versus underworld, Reinvention under pressure, Public service identity, Craft and reputation

Available on

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

The Favourite

198. The Favourite

History Comedy Drama Satire Relationship Drama
7.5

20182h

Ireland, United Kingdom

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

This historical drama follows court intrigue in England, where two servants of the ailing Queen Anne compete to become her chief favourite, seeking power, access to money, and influence over politics.

Themes

Class inequality, Deception and manipulation, Social climbing, Power and influence, Palace intrigue, Gender dynamics

Available on

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

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

199. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Fantasy Adventure Epic Fantasy Adventure Epic
6.5

20182h 14min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: David Yates

Gellert Grindelwald has escaped imprisonment and has begun gathering followers to his cause—elevating wizards above all non-magical beings. The only one capable of putting a stop to him is the wizard he once called his closest friend, Albus Dumbledore. However, Dumbledore will need to seek help from the wizard who had thwarted Grindelwald once before, his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

Themes

Loyalty under strain, Deception and manipulation, Forbidden alliances, Power over non-magical beings, Division within magical society, Bloodline anxieties

Available on

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

Widows

200. Widows

Crime Thriller Drama Heist Psychological Drama
6.8

20182h 9min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Steve McQueen

A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, they join forces to pull off a heist.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Economic desperation, Political influence and crime, Dynastic power dynamics, Solidarity under danger, Empowerment through collaboration

Available on

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