oppressive backdrop

Movies with oppressive vibe

The Assessment

1. The Assessment

Science Fiction Drama Thriller Dystopian Sci-Fi Psychological Drama
6.6
20251h 54min

Overview

In a climate change-ravaged world, a utopian society optimizes life, including parenthood assessments. A successful couple faces scrutiny by an evaluator over seven days to determine their fitness for childbearing.

Themes

Trust under pressure, State control of reproduction, Surveillance during assessment, Deception as policy tool, Hope as social instrument, Autonomy vs collective welfare

Available on

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

Locked

2. Locked

Horror Thriller Home Invasion Horror Survival Thriller
5.8
20251h 35min

Overview

When Eddie breaks into a luxury SUV, he steps into a deadly trap set by William, a self-proclaimed vigilante delivering his own brand of twisted justice. With no means of escape, Eddie must fight to survive in a ride where escape is an illusion, survival is a nightmare, and justice shifts into high gear.

Themes

Deception and coercion, Survival under pressure, Vigilante justice dynamics, Power and control dynamics, Confinement in a vehicle, Parental risk and protection

Available on

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

Overview

After escaping from a mental hospital, a violent sociopath named Paul begins a dangerous rampage targeting Sofia, a world-famous pop star. Obsessed with her, he takes Sofia hostage in her own home, acting under the delusional belief that they are getting married. Paul is desperate to prove his devotion, leading to a tense and unpredictable situation.

Themes

Psychological manipulation, Home invasion threat, Fake wedding pressures, Obsession and fame, Obsessive fan dynamics, Protective power dynamics

Available on

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

Opus

4. Opus

Horror Mystery Thriller Psychological Horror Whodunit
5.7
20251h 44min

Overview

A young writer is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Surrounded by the star's cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.

Themes

Social climbing pressure, Performative violence, Mysterious disappearance, Psychological thriller, Pop star obsession, Cult of celebrity

Available on

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

The Ugly Stepsister

5. The Ugly Stepsister

Horror Comedy Fantasy Drama Parody
7.0
20251h 49min

Overview

In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira battles to compete with her incredibly beautiful stepsister, and she will go to any length to catch the prince’s eye.

Themes

Beauty standards pressure, Class inequality tensions, Social climbing via marriage, Deception through appearances, Body modification pressure, Family rivalry and resentment

Available on

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

The Rule of Jenny Pen

6. The Rule of Jenny Pen

Horror Thriller Mystery Psychological Horror Investigation Suspense
6.2
20251h 44min

Overview

Confined to a secluded rest home and trapped within his stroke-ridden body, a former Judge must stop an elderly psychopath who employs a child's puppet to abuse the home's residents with deadly consequences.

Themes

Deception and framing, Collective resistance, Confinement and escape, Vulnerability and exploitation, Care-home power dynamics, Longstanding abuse in institutions

Available on

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

The Monkey

7. The Monkey

Horror Comedy Slasher Horror Dark Comedy
5.9
20251h 37min

Overview

When twin brothers find a mysterious wind-up monkey, a series of outrageous deaths tear their family apart. Twenty-five years later, the monkey begins a new killing spree forcing the estranged brothers to confront the cursed toy.

Themes

Intergenerational trauma, Paranoia and control, Family estrangement and loyalty, Grief and reconciliation, Curse-bearing object, Violence permeating community

Available on

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

My Fault: London

8. My Fault: London

Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Passionate Romance
6.2
20251h 58min

Overview

18-year-old Noah moves from America to London, with her mother who's recently fallen in love with William, a wealthy British businessman. Noah meets William’s son, bad-boy Nick, and soon discovers there is an attraction between them neither can avoid. As Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, her devastating past will catch up with her while falling in love for the first time.

Themes

Relocation and belonging, Wealth and social distance, Deception and trust testing, Estranged father dynamics, Trauma and panic responses, Parental influence and control

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

9. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

Animation Fantasy Action Animated Fantasy Adventure Dark Fantasy
6.1
20251h 32min

Overview

When human sailors are attacked by mysterious creatures of the deep, only one person can stop the war between land and sea: the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia.

Themes

Deception and disguise, Loyalty under pressure, Forbidden romance, Royal manipulation, Merfolk human alliance, Land sea conflict

Available on

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

Companion

10. Companion

Horror Science Fiction Thriller Psychological Horror AI Sci-Fi
6.9
20251h 37min

Overview

During a weekend getaway at a secluded lakeside estate, a group of friends finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets, deception, and advanced technology. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, they uncover unsettling truths about themselves and the world around them.

Themes

Manipulation and control, Deception within groups, Human android relationship, Toxic relationship dynamics, Privacy invasion by machines, Human vs machines

Available on

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