brutal backdrop

Movies with brutal vibe

Dead for a Dollar

1. Dead for a Dollar

Western Thriller Action Revisionist Western Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller
5.4
20221h 47min

Overview

In 1897, veteran bounty hunter Max Borlund is deep into Mexico where he encounters professional gambler and outlaw Joe Cribbens — a sworn enemy he sent to prison years before. Max is on a mission to find and return Rachel Kidd, the wife of a wealthy businessman, who as the story is told to Max, has been abducted by Buffalo Soldier Elijah Jones. Max is ultimately faced with a showdown to save honor.

Themes

"movie: dead for a dollar. genres: western, Thriller, Action, Western, Thriller, Action main themes:, Full keywords list: . concept analysis: the film explores the complexities of personal freedom and the moral ambiguities of loyalty and betrayal. it highlights the struggle for autonomy against oppressive societal norms and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of love and honor."

Available on

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

Pearl

2. Pearl

Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Domestic Thriller
7.0
20221h 42min

Overview

Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother. Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions, temptations, and repressions collide.

Themes

Ambition vs duty, Isolation on a farm, Religious fundamentalism pressure, Desire vs repression, Family control dynamics, Fragile mental health

Available on

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

Athena

3. Athena

Action Adventure Thriller Drama Domestic Thriller
6.8
20221h 37min

Overview

Hours after the tragic death of their youngest brother in unexplained circumstances, three siblings have their lives thrown into chaos.

Themes

Institutional deception, Policing and civil unrest, Urban marginalization under pressure, Youth-led uprising, Racialized power dynamics, Media amplification of violence

Available on

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

Barbarian

4. Barbarian

Horror Thriller Home Invasion Horror Domestic Thriller
7.0
20221h 43min

Overview

In town for a job interview, a young woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that it has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to stay the night anyway.

Themes

Deception and misdirection, Trauma and memory, Cycle of abuse, Survival under danger, Ostracism and stigma, Dangerous spaces

Available on

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

Overview

After the collapse of Earth's ecosystem, Vesper, a 13-year-old girl struggling to survive with her paralyzed Father, meets a mysterious Woman with a secret that forces Vesper to use her wits, strength and bio-hacking abilities to fight for the possibility of a future.

Themes

Resource scarcity and survival, Oligarchic control, Biotech ethics and crime, Exploitation of children, Human-artificial boundary, Outsiders versus citadels

Available on

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

Day Shift

6. Day Shift

Action Fantasy Horror Comedy Thriller
6.1
20221h 53min

Overview

An LA vampire hunter has a week to come up with the cash to pay for his kid's tuition and braces. Trying to make a living these days just might kill him.

Themes

Loyalty vs obligation, Institutional power vs individuals, Economic pressure on families, Protecting loved ones under threat, Violence as survival, Manipulation of rules

Available on

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

Overview

When danger threatens her camp, the fierce and highly skilled Comanche warrior Naru sets out to protect her people. But the prey she stalks turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal.

Themes

Survival under threat, Gendered expectations, Leadership legitimacy, Indigenous resilience, Alien life-form dynamics, Bear attack consequences

Available on

Hulu
Tubi TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Orphan: First Kill

8. Orphan: First Kill

Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller
5.9
20221h 39min

Overview

After escaping from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Leena Klammer travels to America by impersonating Esther, the missing daughter of a wealthy family. But when her mask starts to slip, she is put against a mother who will protect her family from the murderous “child” at any cost.

Themes

"movie: orphan: first kill. genres: horror, Thriller, Horror, Thriller main themes: psychopath, Family secrets, Prequel, Psychopath, Family secrets, Prequel full keywords list: psychopath, Family secrets, Prequel, Murder, Impersonator, Mental patient, Psycho killer, Escaped mental patient, Evil child, Missing daughter, Estonia, Female psychopath, Evil little girl. concept analysis: the film explores themes of identity and deception, Highlighting the lengths to which one might go to escape their past. it also examines the complexities of familial love and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives."

Available on

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

Rise

9. Rise

Drama Family Drama
7.0
20221h 53min

Overview

After emigrating to Greece from Nigeria, Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. Desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn, the family's vision, determination and faith lifted them out of obscurity to launch the careers of three NBA champions.

Themes

Immigrant struggle and citizenship, Legal precarity and residency barriers, Family resilience under hardship, Sport as social ascent, Institutional bias and gatekeeping, Dreams vs logistical constraints

Available on

Disney Plus
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Overview

A young single mother is held captive along with her two children by a violent ex and must plot their escape before it’s too late.

Themes

"movie: shut in. genres: thriller, Horror, Drama, Thriller, Horror, Drama main themes:, Full keywords list: . concept analysis: the film explores the themes of survival and maternal instinct in the face of overwhelming danger. it also examines the destructive nature of addiction and the struggle for redemption amidst chaos."

Available on

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