oppressive backdrop

Movies with oppressive vibe

The Wizard of Lies

681. The Wizard of Lies

Crime Drama History Thriller TV Movie
6.8

20172h 13min

United States

Director: Barry Levinson

A look behind the scenes at Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, how it was perpetrated on the public and the trail of destruction it left in its wake, both for the victims and Madoff's family.

Themes

Family strain under crime, Fraud and accountability, Financial deception and collapse, Public trust under deception, Regulatory scrutiny and consequences, Losses and restitution dynamics

Available on

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

Message from the King

682. Message from the King

Action Mystery Thriller One-Person Army Investigation Mystery
6.4

20171h 42min

Belgium, Canada

Director: Fabrice Du Welz

On a relentless quest to avenge his sister's murder, a man from Cape Town infiltrates a sprawling network of lowlifes and elites in Los Angeles.

Themes

Power and influence, Moral compromise under pressure, Vengeance as motive, Money drives crime, Corruption across networks, Exploitation of youth

Available on

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

Take Me

683. Take Me

Comedy Crime Dark Comedy Con Artist Crime
6.1

20171h 23min

United States

Director: Pat Healy

Ray is a fledgling entrepreneur who specializes in high-end simulated abductions. He jumps at the chance when a mysterious client contracts him for a weekend kidnapping with a handsome payday at the end. But the job isn't all that it seems.

Themes

Family loyalty under strain, Financial desperation, Deception and performance, Consent and coercion, Risk and boundary testing, Power dynamics in business

Available on

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

Voice from the Stone

684. Voice from the Stone

Mystery Thriller Drama Romance Investigation Mystery
5.2

20171h 31min

United States, Italy

Director: Eric D. Howell

Verena is a nurse who arrives at an old mansion in Italy to help a young boy who has fallen silent since the sudden passing of his mother.

Themes

Caregiving under pressure, Grief and memory, Family fragility, Art as lifeline, Heritage and decay, Silence as communication

Available on

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

Stephanie

685. Stephanie

Horror Mystery Supernatural Horror Whodunit
5.8

20171h 26min

United States

Director: Akiva Goldsman

After a mysterious global crisis, a young girl is left alone to hide from a malevolent power that stalks her home. Her parents eventually return and the struggle begins to save their daughter.

Themes

Power redefining family roles, Domestic isolation danger, Parental abandonment risk, Science against suppression, Apocalyptic outbreak anxiety, Uncontrollable power emergence

Available on

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

The Circle

686. The Circle

Drama Thriller Science Fiction Computer Threat Thriller Professional Drama
5.4

20171h 50min

United Arab Emirates, United States

Director: James Ponsoldt

A young tech worker takes a job at a powerful Internet corporation, quickly rises up the company's ranks, and soon finds herself in a perilous situation concerning privacy, surveillance and freedom. She comes to learn that her decisions and actions will determine the future of humanity.

Themes

Surveillance culture, Social validation pressure, Public accountability pressures, Privacy vs transparency, Tech power dynamics, Digital reputation risk

Available on

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

The Crucifixion

687. The Crucifixion

Horror Mystery Thriller Supernatural Horror Investigation Mystery
5.1

20171h 30min

Romania, United Kingdom

Director: Xavier Gens

When a priest is jailed for the murder of a nun on whom he was performing an exorcism, an investigative journalist strives to determine whether he in fact murdered a mentally ill person, or if he lost the battle with a demonic presence.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Science vs faith, Faith vs doubt, Institutional authority, Moral ambiguity in exorcism, Investigative duty

Available on

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

A Ghost Story

688. A Ghost Story

Drama Fantasy Mystery Romance Supernatural Fantasy
6.8

20171h 33min

United States

Director: David Lowery

Recently deceased, a white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife, only to find that in his spectral state he has become unstuck in time, forced to watch passively as the life he knew and the woman he loves slowly slip away.

Themes

Grief and memory, Death and ghost, Loss and morality, Unreliable reality, House as memory, Piano as presence

Available on

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

Sand Castle

689. Sand Castle

War Action Drama Modern Conflicts Military Action
6.3

20171h 53min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Fernando Coimbra

Set during the occupation of Iraq, a squad of U.S. soldiers try to protect a small village.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Resource scarcity, Duty under danger, Occupation strain, Civilian collaboration under fire, Local power dynamics

Available on

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

Berlin Syndrome

690. Berlin Syndrome

Drama Horror Mystery Thriller Psychological Horror
6.3

20171h 56min

Australia

Director: Cate Shortland

A passionate holiday romance leads to an obsessive relationship when an Australian photojournalist wakes one morning in an abandoned Berlin apartment and is unable to leave.

Themes

Manipulation and control, Obsessive attachment, Power imbalance, Coercive relationship, Captivity and isolation, Stockholm syndrome

Available on

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