institutional backdrop

Movies with institutional vibe

The Trial of the Chicago 7

1. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Drama History Legal Drama
7.7
20202h 10min

Overview

What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police. What followed was one of the most notorious trials in history.

Themes

Political activism under scrutiny, State power and dissent, Legal drama and justice, Collective action consequences, Public order vs rights, Protest to riot dynamics

Available on

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

System Crasher

2. System Crasher

Drama Family Drama
7.8
20191h 58min

Overview

Wherever 9-year-old Benni ends up, she is expelled. She has become what child protection services call a “system crasher.” But she is not looking to change her ways, and has one goal: go back home to her mother. When anger management trainer Micha is hired to help, suddenly there is hope.

Themes

Anger management demands, Care system pressure, Family stability fragility, Trauma imprint effects, Foster care fragility, Protection system friction

Available on

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

Official Secrets

3. Official Secrets

Thriller History Drama Political Thriller Historical Event
7.3
20191h 52min

Overview

The true story of British intelligence whistleblower Katharine Gun who—prior to the 2003 Iraq invasion—leaked a top-secret NSA memo exposing a joint US-UK illegal spying operation against members of the UN Security Council. The memo proposed blackmailing member states into voting for war.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Whistleblower consequences, Legal process under secrecy, State secrecy vs accountability, War legitimation and manipulation, Media exposure and public scrutiny

Available on

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

Race

4. Race

Drama History Historical Drama
7.1
20162h 14min

Overview

Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy.

Themes

Ambition under scrutiny, Sport as political stage, Mentorship and upward mobility, Achievement under segregation, Racial discrimination limits opportunities, Public recognition vs privacy

Available on

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

Wild Child

5. Wild Child

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.1
20081h 38min

Overview

Sixteen-year-old Poppy has everything her unlimited credit cards can buy, and a spoiled attitude to match. After a final thoughtless prank, her exasperated father ships her off to boarding school in England. There, Poppy meets her match in a stern headmistress and a class full of girls who will not tolerate her selfishness.

Themes

Personal growth under pressure, Search for belonging, Authority and autonomy, Class expectations vs rebellion, Peer influence and friendship, Conformity under surveillance

Available on

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

Annapolis

6. Annapolis

Drama Action Coming-of-Age Drama Military Action
5.8
20061h 48min

Overview

Jake Huard, from a shipbuilders family, promised his dying mother he'ld make it to Anapolis Naval Academy. Thanks to tenaciously bugging a Congressman, he's selected despite dubious grades. Once inside, Jake soon proves sub-standard academically. Constantly challenged to his limits, repeatedly made the 'over-cocky' reason for the entire class to suffer, Jake nearly quits, but after facing his utterly un-supportive father's gloating returns just in time. Stubborn Jake finds support withs mates as well as Senor Ali, his lover-to-be, and a discipline he may excel in: the 'brigade' boxing tournament, open to all ranks.

Themes

Discipline under pressure, Class mobility tensions, Institutional hazing norms, Loyalty vs authority, Academic struggle dynamics, Peer support networks

Available on

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

Inside I'm Dancing

7. Inside I'm Dancing

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.7
20041h 44min

Overview

Michael is a 24-year-old who has cerebral palsy and long-term resident of the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, run by the formidable Eileen. His life is transformed when the maverick Rory O'Shea moves in.

Themes

Agency within care, Caregiver search and loyalty, Disability and autonomy, Rebellion as catalyst, Independence within constraints, Economic and housing pressures

Available on

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