layered backdrop

Movies with layered vibe

Syriana

1. Syriana

Drama Thriller Political Drama Political Thriller
6.9
20052h 8min

Overview

The Middle Eastern oil industry is the backdrop of this tense drama, which weaves together numerous story lines. Bennett Holiday is an American lawyer in charge of facilitating a dubious merger of oil companies, while Bryan Woodman, a Switzerland-based energy analyst, experiences both personal tragedy and opportunity during a visit with Arabian royalty. Meanwhile, veteran CIA agent Bob Barnes uncovers an assassination plot with unsettling origins.

Themes

Oil geopolitics, Deception and influence, State power and policy, Diversification vs dependency, Corporate manipulation, Global energy markets

Available on

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

The Lost City

2. The Lost City

Drama Romance History Historical Drama Bittersweet Romance
6.5
20052h 24min

Overview

In Havana, Cuba in the late 1950's, a wealthy family, one of whose sons is a prominent nightclub owner, is caught in the violent transition from the oppressive regime of Batista to the Marxist government of Fidel Castro. Castro's regime ultimately leads the nightclub owner to flee to New York.

Themes

Class inequality, Loyalty under duress, Political pressure under regime, Art versus state control, Exile and adaptation, Revolution and social change

Available on

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

Happy Endings

3. Happy Endings

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
6.3
20052h 8min

Overview

Filmmaker Nicky offers to track down the son that Mamie gave up for adoption nearly two decades before. Meanwhile, Mamie's stepbrother (and the father of her child), Charley, along with his boyfriend, Gil, try to find out what became of the sperm Gil donated to a lesbian couple. Finally, singer Jude becomes entangled in a love triangle with androgynous drummer Otis and his conservative father.

Themes

Nontraditional family dynamics, Hidden parental ties, Infidelity consequences, Reputation versus affection, Complex romantic networks, Secret histories and loyalties

Available on

Apple TV
Starz Apple TV Channel
Starz Roku Premium Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Drumline

4. Drumline

Drama Romance Comedy Music Coming-of-Age Drama
6.0
20021h 58min

Overview

A talented street drummer from Harlem enrolls in a Southern university, expecting to lead its marching band's drumline to victory. He initially flounders in his new world, before realizing that it takes more than talent to reach the top.

Themes

Class inequality, Talent versus discipline, Institutional pressure, Teamwork and unity, Mentorship and growth, Competition culture, Honor and loyalty

Available on

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

Love & Basketball

5. Love & Basketball

Comedy Drama Romance Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
7.2
20002h 5min

Overview

Monica Wright and Quincy McCall grew up in the same neighborhood and have known each other since childhood. As they grow into adulthood, they fall in love, but they also share another all-consuming passion: basketball. As Quincy and Monica struggle to make their relationship work, they follow separate career paths though high school and college basketball and, they hope, into stardom in big-league professional ball.

Themes

Romance under pressure, Athletic ambition vs relationship, Career vs love, Public scrutiny and expectations, Identity through sport, Early mentorship obstacles

Available on

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