unsettling backdrop

Movies with unsettling vibe

The Possession of Michael King

251. The Possession of Michael King

Horror Supernatural Horror
5.7

20141h 23min

United States

Director: David Jung

The film tells the story of documentary filmmaker Michael King (Shane Johnson), who doesn’t believe in God or the Devil. Following the sudden death of his wife, Michael decides to make his next film about the search for the existence of the supernatural, making himself the center of the experiment – allowing demonologists, necromancers, and various practitioners of the occult to try the deepest and darkest spells and rituals they can find on him – in the hopes that when they fail, he’ll once and for all have proof that religion, spiritualism, and the paranormal are nothing more than myth. But something does happen. An evil and horrifying force has taken over Michael King. And it will not let him go.

Themes

Isolation under scrutiny, Occult ritual ethics, Doubt about the supernatural, Obsessive documentary pursuit, Self-destructive behavior, Found footage aesthetic

Available on

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

The Calling

252. The Calling

Thriller Investigation Suspense
5.9

20141h 48min

Canada, United States

Director: Jason Stone

Detective Hazel Micallef hasn't had much to worry about in the sleepy town of Port Dundas until a string of gruesome murders in the surrounding countryside brings her face to face with a serial killer driven by a higher calling.

Themes

Deception in appearances, Caregiver duty conflict, Obsession with resurrection, Small-town justice, Terminal illness ethics

Available on

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

Creep

253. Creep

Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Kidnapping & Captivity Thriller
6.3

20141h 22min

United States

Director: Patrick Brice

Looking for work, Aaron comes across a cryptic online ad: “$1,000 for the day. Filming service. Discretion is appreciated.” Low on cash and full of naiveté, he decides to go for it. He drives to a cabin in a remote mountain town where he meets Josef, his cinematic subject for the day. Josef is sincere and the project seems heartfelt, so Aaron begins to film. But as the day goes on, it becomes clear that Josef is not who he says, and his intentions are not at all pure.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Power and control, Sexual violence, Isolation under threat, Surveillance intrusion, Unreliable narration

Available on

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

Time Lapse

254. Time Lapse

Thriller Science Fiction Mystery Horror Mind Game Thriller
6.5

20141h 44min

United States

Director: Bradley King

Three friends discover a mysterious machine that takes pictures 24 hours into the future and conspire to use it for personal gain, until disturbing and dangerous images begin to develop.

Themes

Deception under pressure, Love triangle tension, Time lapse photography leverage, Time travel manipulation, Timeline control pressure, Gambling debt coercion

Available on

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

The Babadook

255. The Babadook

Drama Horror Psychological Horror Tragic Drama
6.8

20141h 34min

Australia, Canada

Director: Jennifer Kent

A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.

Themes

Imagination vs reality, Grief and maternal responsibility, Isolation of caregiving, Unseen threats at home, Psychological distress under pressure, Rituals of care and safety

Available on

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

The Sacrament

256. The Sacrament

Horror Thriller Folk Horror Survival Thriller
6.1

20141h 39min

United States

Director: Ti West

Two journalists set out to document their friend's journey to reunite with his estranged sister. They track her to an undisclosed location where they are welcomed into the remote world of "Eden Parish," a self-sustained rural utopia composed of nearly two hundred members and overseen by a mysterious leader known only as "Father." It quickly becomes evident to the newcomers that this paradise may not be as it seems. Eden Parish harbors a twisted secret. What started as just another documentary shoot soon becomes a fight for survival.

Themes

Found footage realism, Interview tension, Massacre violence, Cult dynamics, Brainwashing influence, Dissident danger

Available on

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

Every Secret Thing

257. Every Secret Thing

Thriller Crime Mystery Investigation Suspense Detective Mystery Crime
6.1

20141h 33min

United States

Director: Amy J. Berg

One clear summer day in a Baltimore suburb, a baby goes missing from her front porch. Two young girls serve seven years for the crime and are released into a town that hasn't fully forgiven or forgotten. Soon, another child is missing, and two detectives are called in to investigate the mystery in a community where everyone seems to have a secret.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Race and lineage tensions, Community secrets and scrutiny, Parental guilt and ambition, Media influence and public perception, Juvenile confinement impact

Available on

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

Tom at the Farm

258. Tom at the Farm

Drama Thriller Mystery Erotic Thriller Relationship Drama
6.9

20141h 45min

Canada, France

Director: Xavier Dolan

A young man travels to an isolated farm for his lover's funeral where he's quickly drawn into a twisted, sexually charged game by his lover's aggressive brother.

Themes

In the closet pressure, Sadistic psychopath manipulation, Death of lover consequences, Gay theme stigma, Rural setting menace, Criminal threat exposure

Available on

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

Perfect Sisters

259. Perfect Sisters

Thriller Drama Crime Domestic Thriller Family Drama
5.6

20141h 40min

Canada

Director: Stanley M. Brooks

Tired of their mother's alcoholism and a string of her abusive boyfriends, two sisters plot to kill her.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Consequences of crime, Life insurance motive, Peer pressure and secrecy, Family dysfunction under addiction, Pursuit of social image

Available on

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

Oculus

260. Oculus

Horror Supernatural Horror
6.5

20141h 44min

United States

Director: Mike Flanagan

A woman tries to exonerate her brother's murder conviction by proving that the crime was committed by a supernatural phenomenon.

Themes

Haunted house atmosphere, Family relationships pressure, Artifact power danger, Fear of mirrors, Mirror perception reality, Ghost presence pressure

Available on

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