sober backdrop

Movies with sober vibe

Balloon

1. Balloon

Thriller Drama History Political Thriller Historical Drama
7.5
20182h 5min

Overview

Two families attempt a daredevil plan to escape the GDR with a homemade hot air balloon, but it crashes just before the border. The Stasi finds traces of this attempt to escape and immediately starts investigations, while the two families are forced to build a new escape balloon. With each passing day the Stasi is closer on their heels – a nerve-wracking race against time begins.

Themes

Resourcefulness under constraint, State coercion and control, Coordinated risk taking, Escape under surveillance, Fear and paranoia, Interfamily solidarity under pressure

Available on

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

Boy Erased

2. Boy Erased

Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
6.9
20181h 55min

Overview

Jared, the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, is outed to his parents at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a gay conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith.

Themes

Secrecy and exposure, Coming of age under pressure, Religious authority vs personal identity, Social stigma and exclusion, Family duty vs individual welfare, Coercive treatment ethics

Available on

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

On My Skin

3. On My Skin

Drama Legal Drama
7.3
20181h 40min

Overview

The incredible true story behind the most controversial Italian court cases in recent years. Stefano Cucchi was arrested for a minor crime and mysteriously found dead during his detention. In one week's time, a family is changed forever.

Themes

Police brutality, Police accountability, Justice under scrutiny, Family pursuit of truth, Legal process pressure, Death in custody

Available on

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

City of Lies

4. City of Lies

Crime Thriller Drama Detective Mystery Crime Investigation Suspense
6.5
20181h 52min

Overview

Los Angeles Police Department detective Russell Poole has spent years trying to solve his biggest case -- the murders of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur -- but after two decades, the investigation remains open. Jack Jackson, a reporter desperate to save his reputation and career, is determined to find out why. In search of the truth, the two team up and unravel a growing web of institutional corruption and lies.

Themes

Racial tensions in policing, Collaboration under pressure, Legal battles and settlements, Deception and cover-ups, Media frenzy manipulation, Institutional pressure from leadership

Available on

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

Loving Vincent

5. Loving Vincent

Animation Drama Mystery History Adult Animation
7.8
20171h 35min

Overview

A young man arrives at the last hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist's final letter and ends up investigating his final days there.

Themes

Bullying dynamics, Investigation pressure, Adult animation, Final letter, Mysterious death, Melancholy mood

Available on

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

Jackie

6. Jackie

Drama Historical Drama
6.6
20161h 40min

Overview

An account of the days of First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the immediate aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963.

Themes

Grief under public scrutiny, Family duty vs personal healing, Legacy versus memory, Coping through substances, Ritual mourning and ceremony, Media control and release

Available on

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

Zero Days

7. Zero Days

Documentary Social & Political Documentary
7.7
20161h 56min

Overview

Alex Gibney explores the phenomenon of Stuxnet, a self-replicating computer virus discovered in 2010 by international IT experts. Evidently commissioned by the US and Israeli governments, this malware was designed to specifically sabotage Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the complex computer worm ended up not only infecting its intended target but also spreading uncontrollably.

Themes

Secrecy vs transparency, State sponsored cyber operation, Investigation under uncertainty, Governance of cyber tools, Collateral disruption risk, Lifecycle of malware

Available on

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

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

8. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

Action Adventure Science Fiction Epic Action Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.6
20152h 17min

Overview

As the war between the Capitol and the districts reaches its peak, Katniss Everdeen embarks on a perilous mission to liberate Panem and confront President Snow. Joined by a team of trusted allies, she navigates deadly traps, shifting loyalties, and the heavy cost of rebellion, determined to bring freedom to her people and end the Hunger Games once and for all.

Themes

Propaganda and manipulation, Cost of rebellion, Strong female leadership, Oppression and rebellion, Ambiguous loyalties, Sacrifice and survival

Available on

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

Ronaldo

9. Ronaldo

Documentary History Biographical Documentary
6.3
20151h 32min

Overview

Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.

Themes

Family influence on career, Pressures of public life, Training discipline and dedication, Private life in the spotlight, Mindset under scrutiny, Mentorship and support networks

Available on

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

Legend

10. Legend

Crime Thriller Organized Crime Modern Noir Thriller
6.9
20152h 12min

Overview

Suave, charming and volatile, Reggie Kray and his unstable twin brother Ronnie start to leave their mark on the London underworld in the 1960s. Using violence to get what they want, the siblings orchestrate robberies and murders while running nightclubs and protection rackets. With police Detective Leonard "Nipper" Read hot on their heels, the brothers continue their rapid rise to power and achieve tabloid notoriety.

Themes

External alliances and profits, Paranoia and violence, Legal risk and exposure, Marital strain under crime, Power dynamics in the criminal underworld, Betrayal through testimony

Available on

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