minimalist backdrop

Movies with minimalist vibe

Pain and Glory

1. Pain and Glory

Drama Psychological Drama
7.5
20191h 54min

Overview

Salvador Mallo, a filmmaker in the twilight of his career, remembers his life: his mother, his lovers, the actors he worked with. The sixties in a small village in Valencia, the eighties in Madrid, the present, when he feels an immeasurable emptiness, facing his mortality, the incapability of continuing filming, the impossibility of separating creation from his own life. The need of narrating his past can be his salvation.

Themes

Addiction and coping, Aging creative crisis, Art as salvation, Mother-child memory, Memory as art material, Professional relationships across decades

Available on

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

The Highwaymen

2. The Highwaymen

Crime Drama Thriller Organized Crime Historical Drama
6.9
20192h 13min

Overview

In 1934, Frank Hamer and Manny Gault, two former Texas Rangers, are commissioned to put an end to the wave of vicious crimes perpetrated by Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, a notorious duo of infamous robbers and cold-blooded killers who nevertheless are worshiped by the public.

Themes

Public admiration of criminals, Retired lawman duty, Tracker led pursuit, Manhunt driven pursuit, Bank robber mythmaking, Forensic science guidance

Available on

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

The Professor and the Madman

3. The Professor and the Madman

History Drama Mystery Thriller Biographical History
7.2
20192h 4min

Overview

Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.

Themes

Public contribution to knowledge, Institutional gatekeeping of progress, Madness and intellect tension, Hidden contributions to language, Power dynamics in scholarly work, Care versus control in therapy

Available on

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

The Wolf's Call

4. The Wolf's Call

Thriller Action Adventure Investigation Suspense Military Action
6.9
20191h 56min

Overview

Shown from the perspective of a young submariner with unusually sensitive hearing and uncannily precise sound recognition. The fate of many often depends on his ability, and one time, whilst highly stressed, he makes a incorrect call which put his entire crew in mortal danger. Trying to regain the confidence of his comrades, he conducts an unauthorised investigation of an apparent plot which, it turns out, risks escalating into a nuclear apocalypse. Suddenly working under pressure with the fleet admiral, they must do whatever is necessary, even the unthinkable, to prevent a nuclear war, since a confirmed nuclear strike order cannot be countermanded.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Crisis decision making, Institutional mistrust, Duty versus legality, Escalation through miscommunication, Pressure on individuals

Available on

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

Vice

5. Vice

Drama Comedy Political Drama Satire
7.2
20182h 12min

Overview

George W. Bush picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and Defense Secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.

Themes

Political ascent under pressure, War on terror power, Unitary executive theory influence, White house power, Iraq war policy control, Gulf war diplomacy, Plame affair exposure

Available on

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

Bird Box

6. Bird Box

Horror Thriller Drama Supernatural Horror Survival Thriller
6.6
20182h 4min

Overview

Five years after an ominous unseen presence drives most of society to suicide, a survivor and her two children make a desperate bid to reach safety.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Group cohesion under stress, Survival under unseen threat, Blindfolded vulnerability, Coercion under threat, Hope amid catastrophe

Available on

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

Mary Queen of Scots

7. Mary Queen of Scots

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.3
20182h 4min

Overview

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

Themes

Royal lineage pressure, Factional betrayal and deception, Confinement and exile dynamics, Gendered power politics, Dynastic legitimacy stakes, Rival court maneuvering

Available on

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

The Keeper

8. The Keeper

Drama War History Biographical History Historical Drama
7.3
20181h 54min

Overview

The story of a man whose love for football, for England and for the love of his life, Margaret, saw him rise from Nazi 'villain' to British hero. Bert Trautmann, the German goalkeeper won over even his harshest opponents by winning the FA Cup Final for Manchester City in 1956 - playing on with a broken neck to secure victory.

Themes

Romance under social glare, Public prejudice testing loyalty, War as identity test, Injury shaping resilience, Sporting merit beyond past, Parental tragedy and resolve

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
The Roku Channel
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Ben Is Back

9. Ben Is Back

Drama Family Drama
6.7
20181h 43min

Overview

19-year-old Ben Burns unexpectedly returns home to his family's suburban home on Christmas Eve morning. Ben's mother, Holly, is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed, and a mother's undying love for her son is tested as she does everything in her power to keep him safe.

Themes

Protective parenting under threat, Blame and accountability in families, Faith and care in crisis, Addiction and family duty, Relapse risk and consequences, Community support versus stigma

Available on

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

Overview

An astronomer becomes obsessed with searching the cosmos for signs of life beyond Earth which leads to a shocking discovery.

Themes

Trust and manipulation, Ethics in research, Loss shaping motive, Obsession vs personal life, Science vs emotion, Interpersonal strain under pressure

Available on

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