During the time when the nationwide lockdown was in full swing, we all had no other option but to stay holed up in our home and isolate ourselves from the rest of humanity for quite a long while. Growing feelings of paranoia and claustrophobia were all but natural. Well if you are the sort of person who revels in that feeling and wants to relive it through the medium of film, then this list is perfect for helping you do just that!
1.) The Lighthouse
Starring Willem Dafoe and (soon to be Batman on the big screen) Robert Pattinson in the role of two sailors who go to a remote island for lighthouse duty but eventually get stranded there, thanks to an ugly storm. You really get to feel the isolation that these two characters are experiencing along with their spiralling sanity. The stellar performances, twisted humour, impeccable directing and unique storytelling make this a must-watch for any film fan.
2.) 127 Hours
What according to you would be the worst possible situation to get stuck in? How about going on an adventure hiking in the beautiful canyons of Utha, enjoying the open scenery and before you know it, you fall through a small hole in the ground and your hand gets stuck under a giant rock. You can’t move, no one can listen to your cries for help and worst of all, your resources are extremely limited. Join Aron Ralston (James Franco), in this deeply disturbing and intimate film that reduces a man to his most primal instincts as he struggles to survive for 127 hours. The worst (or best) part about this movie is that it is based off of a real person’s experience. Which means, that he actually suffered through pretty much everything shown here. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
3.) Old Boy (2003)
Speaking of disturbing. This Korean film from 2003 still holds up as one of the most unnerving pieces of art I have ever seen in my life. Though it has been remade in different languages for different countries over the years, the original Korean version still stands to be the rawest and the most horrific version of this story. Full warning though, only watch it if you are ready for your mind to be messed with in ways you have never even thought of. I can guarantee you will be thinking about it for 2 weeks straight.
4.) The Shining
I wouldn’t be doing this list justice if I didn’t put The Shining on here. Adapted by the disturbing novel written by Steven King and visualized by the master of dark arts, Stanley Kubrick, this film perfectly captures, defines and redefines the term “cabin fever”. Experience the terror of being alone as Jack and his family are stranded in a huge vaccination resort with a violent past. The film is an exhibition of revolutionary filmmaking in the horror genre, coupling up with an ending which is sure to drop some jaws on the floor.
5.) Ex Machina
A film that has been praised ever since it came out but doesn’t get talked about nearly enough, would be Ex Machina. The entire movie takes place on an offshore island owned by a millionaire inventor who invites a young scientist to assess his latest creation, a female robot. Being stranded on an island with a sentient technology sounds bad enough; pair that up with the eerie visuals and creepy motifs and this film is all set to haunt you in your dreams.
With the advent of AI technology, the film has never been more relevant and will continue to grow in relevance. I just hope that by the time we understand the message, it’s not too late course correct.
So, what do you think about the list? Was it the first time you had heard of these films or you had seen these before? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below and if you have any movies to add to this list, I would love to add them here as well!
Also, If you like how I think or my opinion just matches with yours, then check out all my reviews for some of the best movies and TV shows right here.
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