Buckle up and hold on tight because if you thought “Chokehold” was a wild ride, you haven’t seen anything yet. This Netflix thriller tells the story of a couple who move to a tranquil village in the Aegean region, only to be met with hostility from their new neighbors. With its pulse-pounding suspense and mind-bending twists, “Chokehold” is the kind of movie that keeps you guessing until the very end. But, if you’re craving more suspense, we’ve handpicked a list of movies that are just as thrilling and unpredictable as “Chokehold.”
Once Upon A Time In Anatolia (2011)
“Once Upon a Time In Anatolia,” helmed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and starring Muhammet Uzuner, Yilmaz Erdogan, and Taner Birsel, takes us on a gripping ride over the span of a single day and night as a group of friends crisscrosses the city, relentlessly questioning potential witnesses in a desperate attempt to locate a missing body. But their mission is fraught with difficulties, from communication breakdowns among the group to uncooperative witnesses who refuse to lend a hand. As the friends delve deeper into the search, tensions simmer just beneath the surface, revealing the deeper social and political rifts that plague the area. Against this backdrop of turmoil, the breathtaking beauty of the Anatolian landscapes serves as a striking contrast to the grim task at hand.
It is a quiet, reflective movie that probes questions of death, ethics, as well as human nature. The camerawork is breathtaking, showcasing the natural grandeur of the Anatolian terrain, while the stagings are subtle yet effective. The movie’s study of the inconsistencies that accompany the pursuit of truth and the intricacies of human nature makes for an engaging and unforgettable 157-minute watch.
The Impossible (2011)
“The Impossible,” directed by J. A Bayona, starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, takes us on a heart-wrenching journey with the Bennet family, comprising Maria, Henry, and their three children, as they excitedly anticipate the start of a new year in Thailand. However, their idyllic paradise quickly transforms into a nightmare when a catastrophic wave crashes onto the shore, tearing the family apart and plunging them into a harrowing fight for survival. At the heart of the film lies Maria’s unwavering determination to find her son, Lucas, amidst the chaos and destruction caused by the devastating wave. Her relentless search for her child serves as a reminder of a mother’s unbreakable bond with her kids.
“The Impossible” is a movie that highlights the power of natural disasters and the impact they can have on families. The visuals are incredibly powerful and convey the destruction of the tsunami with shocking realism. The actors in the movie deliver incredible performances, especially Naomi Watts, who plays Maria. She is able to connect with the audience and make us feel her pain as she struggles to survive and reunite with her family. The film also touches on the importance of family and how hope and love can give people the strength to endure even the toughest challenges.
The Platform (2019)
“The Platform,” helmed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, starring Ivan Massagué in the lead role, puts the audience into the shoes of Goreng, a man who enters prison willingly for half a year in return for a university degree. Assigned to a random level, he befriends Trimagasi, who unveils to him the brutal and unforgiving reality of life behind bars. In this prison, food is the only source of sustenance, provided by a platform that descends through each floor for a meager 70-80 seconds, just enough for all prisoners to feed. However, as the lift descends, less and less food is available, and people on the lowest stories eventually starve to death; meanwhile, others on top drown themselves in wines and steaks.
“The Platform” is a riveting film that tackles questions of discrimination, power, and human nature. The film’s fundamental idea is a potent metaphor for the imbalance of wealth in the world today and for the egocentric nature of its human protagonists. The camerawork captures the oppressive atmosphere well, adding to the film’s overall sense of hopelessness. All in all, “The Platform” is a movie that challenges the audience’s perceptions of what it means to be a decent human being.
Eden Lake (2008)
“Eden Lake” is a 2008 release helmed by James Watkins and stars Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly in the lead role.
Jenny and Steve, two lovers seeking a tranquil escape from city life, embark on a weekend getaway to a secluded lake nestled in the tranquil English countryside. Their romantic getaway is tragically cut short when they discover that they are not alone in their serene paradise. A group of unruly and belligerent teens, also camping by the lake, begin to disrupt their peace and quiet. The couple soon learns that the aggressive teenagers aren’t interested in compromise, notwithstanding their best attempts at negotiation. The thugs soon turn their vicious attention on them, and they must battle desperately to stay alive.
The film’s camerawork excels in capturing the peacefulness and loneliness of the English landscape, which is a stark contrast to the evils that lie beneath. The utilization of closeups and camera shake gives the audience a thrill of being right there with the actors, sharing their dread and despair. Reilly’s portrayal of Jenny is nothing short of remarkable, embodying the character’s strength, intelligence, and indomitable spirit with a sense of raw realism that will leave you breathless.
The Village (2004)
“The Village,” directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bryce Dallas Howard, and Joaquin Phoenix, centers on the villagers’ irrational dread of the unknown beings that make their homes in the forests outside of town. Ivy Walker, a brave and resourceful blind teenager, finds herself drawn to the quiet and enigmatic Lucius Hunt, who embodies the adventurous spirit that stirs within her. But their budding love is put to the ultimate test when Lucius is brutally attacked by one of the mysterious beasts. As Ivy struggles to come to terms with the unthinkable, whispers begin to circulate that the monsters may not actually exist and are instead a fabrication of the village elders, used to maintain a tight grip on the people’s fears and prevent them from venturing beyond the confines of their sheltered world.
The plot of the film holds our interest since we can’t help but wonder what’s real and what’s not. The unexpected conclusion, which neatly wraps up all the story threads, is also worth mentioning. The turn of events is surprising and makes the fans relive the plot in new ways.