oppressive backdrop

Movies with oppressive vibe

321. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Horror Mystery Thriller Supernatural Horror Investigation Mystery
6.2
20211h 51minUnited States
Director: Michael Chaves

Overview

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren encounter what would become one of the most sensational cases from their files. The fight for the soul of a young boy takes them beyond anything they'd ever seen before, to mark the first time in U.S. history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a defense.

Themes

Family under threat, Possession and agency, Belief under pressure, Possession as defense, Ritual power and consequence, Occult influence

Available on

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

322. A Quiet Place Part II

A Quiet Place Part II
Science Fiction Thriller Horror Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Monster Horror
7.2
20211h 36minUnited States
Director: John Krasinski

Overview

Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

Themes

Family bonds under pressure, Communication as lifeline, Survival under sound threat, Technology as lifeline, Isolation vs cooperation, Disability as difference

Available on

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

323. Oxygen

Oxygen
Science Fiction Thriller Horror Bio-Genetic Sci-Fi Survival Thriller
6.5
20211h 40minUnited States, France
Director: Alexandre Aja

Overview

A woman wakes in a cryogenic chamber with no recollection of how she got there, and must find a way out before running out of air.

Themes

Survival under pressure, Isolation and confinement, Deception and secrecy, Memory loss and reconstruction, Cloning ethics and identity, Technology driven control

Available on

Netflix
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

324. Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat
Action Fantasy Adventure Martial Arts Action Mythological Fantasy
6.1
20211h 50minUnited States
Director: Simon McQuoid

Overview

Washed-up MMA fighter Cole Young, unaware of his heritage, and hunted by Emperor Shang Tsung's best warrior, Sub-Zero, seeks out and trains with Earth's greatest champions as he prepares to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.

Themes

Betrayal and alliance, Guardianship under pressure, Destiny vs agency, Competition as trial, Training as weapon, Lineage and legacy

Available on

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

325. The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Music Drama History Music Biopic Historical Drama
6.3
20212h 11minUnited States
Director: Lee Daniels

Overview

Billie Holiday spent much of her career being adored by fans. In the 1940s, the government targeted Holiday in a growing effort to racialize the war on drugs, ultimately aiming to stop her from singing her controversial ballad, "Strange Fruit."

Themes

Surveillance pressures, Fbi agent dynamics, War on drugs crackdown, Ban from profession consequences, Heroin addiction toll, Betrayal within industry

Available on

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

326. The Fallout

The Fallout
Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
7.0
20211h 36minUnited States
Director: Megan Park

Overview

In the wake of a school tragedy, Vada, Mia and Quinton form a unique and dynamic bond as they navigate the never linear, often confusing journey to heal in a world that feels forever changed.

Themes

Therapy as processing mechanism, Peer bonds amidst tragedy, Family reconciliation after loss, Romantic relationships under stress, Trauma and coping under pressure, Generation z trauma experiences

Available on

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

327. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
Animation Action Science Fiction Drama Anime
8.0
20212h 35minJapan
Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki

Overview

In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka and Rei find refuge in one of the rare pockets of humanity that still exist on the ruined planet Earth. There, each lives a life far different from their days as an Evangelion pilot. However, the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.

Themes

Leadership under pressure, Technology as salvation, Survival under ruin, Defense systems under strain, Family conflict under crisis, Rebuilding civilization after catastrophe

Available on

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

328. Quo Vadis, Aida?

Quo Vadis, Aida?
War Drama History Modern Conflicts Historical Drama
8.0
20211h 44minAustria, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Director: Jasmila Žbanić

Overview

Bosnia, July 1995. Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. As an insider to the negotiations Aida has access to crucial information that she needs to interpret. What is at the horizon for her family and people – rescue or death? Which move should she take?

Themes

Survival under duress, Genocide memory, Translator as information conduit, Human costs of conflict, 1990s context, Bosnian war tension

Available on

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

329. Cherry

Cherry
Drama Crime Tragic Drama Narcotics Crime
6.6
20212h 22minUnited States
Director: Joe Russo

Overview

Cherry drifts from college dropout to army medic in Iraq—anchored only by his one true love, Emily. But after returning from the war with PTSD, his life spirals into drugs and crime as he struggles to find his place in the world.

Themes

Ptsd and addiction, Bank crime spiral, Relationship strain under addiction, War veteran adjustment, Debt and violence, Prison parole reality

Available on

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

330. Crisis

Crisis
Thriller Crime Drama Political Thriller Narcotics Crime
6.2
20211h 58minBelgium, Canada
Director: Nicholas Jarecki

Overview

Three stories about the world of opioids collide: a drug trafficker arranges a multi-cartel Fentanyl smuggling operation between Canada and the U.S., an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction tracks down the truth behind her son's involvement with narcotics, and a university professor battles unexpected revelations about his research employer, a drug company with deep government influence bringing a new "non-addictive" painkiller to market.

Themes

Corporate pressure on research, Drug trade power struggles, Illusory non-addictive promise, Public health versus profits, Donor influence on tenure

Available on

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