high-pressure backdrop

Movies with high-pressure vibe

The Many Saints of Newark

1. The Many Saints of Newark

Crime Drama Organized Crime Coming-of-Age Drama
6.3
20212h

Overview

Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark, N.J., history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters start to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, whose influence over his nephew will help shape the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss, Tony Soprano.

Themes

Power dynamics in crime, Family loyalty vs independence, Ethnic identity pressure, Mob loyalties under strain, Intergenerational ambition, Street violence normalization

Available on

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

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

2. The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.6
20212h 6min

Overview

From the 1960s to the 1980s, evangelist Jim Baker and his ambitious wife, Tammy Faye, rose from humble beginnings to build an empire based on big-time evangelical Christianity--only for the couple to fall from grace because of some all-too-human sins.

Themes

Public scrutiny and accountability, Power struggles within institutions, Wealth and faith merging, Addiction and vulnerability, Relationships under fame, Media influence and religious branding

Available on

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

The Starling

3. The Starling

Drama Relationship Drama
6.4
20211h 42min

Overview

A woman adjusting to life after a loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden — and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward.

Themes

Marriage resilience, Grief and caregiving strain, Marriage under loss, Isolation versus connection, Friendship during hardship, Loss and memory shaping

Available on

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

Spoiled Brats

4. Spoiled Brats

Comedy Satire
6.1
20211h 35min

Overview

The billionaire is tired of the whims of his own children and decides to teach them a lesson. He announces to them that he has become bankrupt. Now spoiled teenagers will have to do what they have never done: go to work, learn to love and value life.

Themes

Family relationships, Sibling dynamics, Working field pressure, Bankrupt pivot, Millionaire tricked, Hardness of life

Available on

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

The Protégé

5. The Protégé

Action Thriller One-Person Army Revenge Thriller
6.1
20211h 49min

Overview

Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. When Moody, the man who was like a father to her and taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival, is brutally killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer whose attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of a life spent killing will weave themselves ever tighter.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Loyalty vs autonomy, Revenge and duty, Mentor protege relationship, Traumatic childhood, Power structures within criminal networks

Available on

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

The Stronghold

6. The Stronghold

Thriller Action Crime Police Procedural Political Thriller
6.9
20211h 45min

Overview

A police brigade works in the dangerous northern neighborhoods of Marseille, where the level of crime is higher than anywhere else in France.

Themes

Informant dynamics, Police under pressure, Corruption and coverups, Procedural detention and due process, Northern neighborhoods tension, Interagency scrutiny

Available on

Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Canal VOD
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Bergman Island

7. Bergman Island

Drama Romance Entertainment Industry Drama Passionate Romance
6.6
20211h 53min

Overview

An English-German filmmaking couple retreat to Fårö for the summer to each write screenplays for their upcoming films in an act of pilgrimage to the place that inspired Ingmar Bergman. As the summer and their screenplays advance, the lines between reality and fiction start to blur against the backdrop of the Island's wild landscape.

Themes

Romantic tension under artistry, Isolation amplifies collaboration pressure, Creative pilgrimage and ambition, Legacy and influence on craft, Blurred reality and fiction, Perception versus truth in storytelling

Available on

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

Run Hide Fight

8. Run Hide Fight

Action Crime Thriller Survival Thriller One-Person Army
6.3
20211h 49min

Overview

A 17-year-old girl uses her wits, survival skills, and compassion to fight for her life, and those of her fellow classmates, against a group of live-streaming school shooters.

Themes

Trauma and resilience, Survival under siege, Media sensationalism, Bullying retaliation, Live-streamed violence, Crisis-driven decision making

Available on

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

Baggio: The Divine Ponytail

9. Baggio: The Divine Ponytail

Drama Sports Biography
6.1
20211h 31min

Overview

A chronicle biopic of the 22-year career of soccer star Roberto Baggio, including depictions of his difficult debut as a player, his deep rifts with some of his coaches, his triumph over injuries and personal discovery of Buddism.

Themes

Public scrutiny and expectations, Injury and resilience, Ambition vs discipline, Tensions with coaches, Spiritual discipline in sport, Family support under pressure

Available on

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

The Vault

10. The Vault

Drama Action Thriller Epic Action Investigation Suspense
6.4
20211h 54min

Overview

Madrid, Spain, 2010. While the whole city follows the national team's successful participation in the World Cup, a group of daring thieves look for a way into one of the most secure and guarded places on the planet.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Engineering under constraint, Deception within crews, Crime versus legality, Time pressure improvisation, Crowd-based distraction

Available on

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