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Best Netflix series you can watch right now (20+1list)

Best Netflix series you can watch right now

written by Souranath Banerjee

In 1997 a new company by the name of Netflix was founded by  Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in California with the idea of providing subscription-based streaming service from its library of Best-Netflix-seriesfilms and television programs. By 2012 they started their content-production of both films and television series under the name ‘Netflix Original‘. And at present they are the largest streaming service with 125 million total subscribers worldwide, operating over 190 countries across the globe!

Needless to say most of the top notch films and series of recent times are available only on Netflix, and don’t know about you but I often get damn confused while choosing from their vast library of awesome content.

And thus to simplify our search for quality binge watching here is a list of some of the Best Netflix series you can watch right now!

P.S – The Golden rule of watching any TV series is to remember that the 1st Season is always the best!

20. 13 Reasons Why (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JebwYGn5Z3E

Best-Netflix-seriesA teenager going through high school is never been easy and this is one show that dares to speak up about the pressure, the temptations, the torments of a young mind and seeks answers to the brutally honest vulnerabilities of today’s youth.

Created by Brian Yorkey, this is about a guy who needs to backtrack in the past and connect the dots in order to know the cause of his friend’s suicide.

19. Dexter (2006) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQeUmSD1c3g

Best-Netflix-seriesA blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police has a secret life of his own – at night he hunts down murderers and kill them!

Created by James Manos Jr., a crime mystery with a twist where you want the serial killer to succeed in his missions.

Awesome performances by Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter. Highly addictive!

18. Sacred Games (2018) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j8h0RRov4

Best-Netflix-seriesCreated/directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, this is the first Indian Netflix Original TV Series.

(Click for Review)

The story of the intertwined lives of a mafia don (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) nearing the twilight of his life and the struggles of an honest cop (Saif Ali Khan) trying to do right amidst a corrupt system.

17. Gotham (2014) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d1zpt6k5OI

Best-Netflix-seriesSet on the backdrop of the most dangerous city – Gotham, this series tells the story of a young Detective James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and his rise through the police force to greatness.

Created by Bruno Heller, this is such an unique show where Batman (only a child) plays  the  second fiddle and you get to watch the beginnings of some of the greatest villain characters like the Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), The Riddler (Cory Michael Smith), Fish Moony (Jada Pinkett Smith) and even The Catwoman (Camren Bicondova).

16. Arrested Development (2003) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXg2_yExgVY

Best-Netflix-seriesA refreshing comedy drama that enfolds the humorous tensions and conflicts within a so-called dysfunctional family.

Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, and Jason Bateman taking the lead – this is one of the very few witty laugh riots that perfectly fits the limited comedy options in Netflix.

Won multiple Emmies and still one of the highest rated TV series ever made!

15. Fauda (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5zcu25_IG0

Best-Netflix-seriesThe Israeli Special Forces tries to take down the Palestinian Jihad organisation – the only series that narrates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and brilliantly weaves the issue into a thrilling tale of action, violence and emotional loss for both sides.

Created by Avi Issacharoff and Lior Raz, an underrated show yet highly addictive, brilliant performances and an intense storyline.

14. Ozark (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hAXVqrljbs

Best-Netflix-series‘Most people just have a fundamentally flawed view of money’

A financial advisor gets in trouble with a drug cartel and is forced to relocate his family and come up with innovative schemes to make money.

Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams, and starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in the lead – an intense drama with multiple thrilling plot twists.

13. The Punisher (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIY6zFL95hE

Best-Netflix-seriesA Marine veteran (Jon Bernthal) whose family been murdered turns into a vigilante and all he wants is vengeance!

‘Those who do evil to others – the killers, the rapists, psychos, sadists – you will come to know me well. Frank Castle is dead. Call me… The Punisher.’

Created by Steve Lightfoot, an action packed crime drama that promises to engage you till the end!

12. Bloodline (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRnS8FkcXNk

Best-Netflix-seriesAs the black sheep of the family returns home many past family secrets are to be spilled along with a bit of bad blood!

Created by Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler and Daniel Zelman, probably the only 100% family drama available in Netflix which completely engages you through its brilliant characters and unique storytelling. Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn gives amazing performances!

11. Fargo (2014) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKs8DzjPDMU

Best-Netflix-seriesThis show is as popular as the Oscar winning film by the same name from the Coen brothers on which it is based on, maintaining similar storyline but with a fresh star-cast – Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Kirsten Dunst and Ewan McGregor among others. 

Created by Noah Hawley, definitely the best black comedy TV series ever made. Totally worth your time!

10. Stranger Things (2016) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY

Best-Netflix-seriesThe sudden disappearance of a young boy in a small town begins a hunt which eventually leads to dark government agencies and their rogue experiments that will turn the otherwise peaceful town upside down and put everyone’s life in danger!

Created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (the Duffer brothers), a dark and twisted tale of horror that you can’t miss. Millie Bobby Brown shines as a child actor.

9. House of Cards (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULwUzF1q5w4

Best-Netflix-seriesA cunning and vicious Congressman (Kevin Spacey) and his ever-supporting wife (Robin Wright) makes their way to the top of the political ladder while taking revenge on people who betrayed him in the past.

Created by Beau Willimon and directed by a series of acclaimed directors like David FincherJames FoleyJoel Schumacher and John Dahl – one of the best series ever made!

8. Daredevil (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAy6NJ_D5vU

Best-Netflix-seriesA blind lawyer who transforms into a vigilante by night – this is the story of an unlikely superhero (Charlie Cox) with superhuman senses that allows him to see the world in an entirely unique manner.

Dark and violent, yet highly captivating with a terrific storyline.

Created by Drew Goddard, this Marvel series has some of the best fighting sequences ever!

7. Peaky Blinders (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwXfVGjSz-4

Best-Netflix-seriesSet in 1919 Birmingham, England -this is one brilliant Gangster saga that has become one of the most popular shows in Netflix and rightly so.

Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sam Neill and Tom Hardy among other in the acting department, top class story telling and brilliant cinematography! Created by Steven Knight, this is The Sopranos of our time!

6. Homeland (2011) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyFmS3wRPCQ

Best-Netflix-seriesA bipolar CIA operative becomes suspicious to the point of conviction that a war prisoner who is being treated as a war hero is actually been turned into an al-Qaeda spy.

Starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin and Damian Lewis and created by Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon, this is a perfect example of a high class espionage drama, thrilling and emotionally captivating at the same time!

5. Orange Is the New Black (2013) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLyUlTu4KbI

Best-Netflix-seriesPrison can be a life changing experience and who knows it better than the lead character of this show, a married woman (Taylor Schilling) who is convicted of a decade old crime of transporting drug money to an ex-girlfriend!

Created by Jenji Kohan, quick paced and quirky, and dealing with LGBT themes, this is one show which manages to be both emotional and funny at the same time.

4. Sherlock (2010) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK7S9mrFWL4

Best-Netflix-seriesOriginally created by Conan Doyle, the ever popular sleuth and his assistant are back and this time Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) are transported to our modern world where they solve unique crimes by the help of Sherlock’s ‘Deductive logic’ of course.

Created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, a thrilling, superbly edited show that guarantees your attention.

3. Narcos (2015) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7elNhHwgBU

Best-Netflix-seriesA series based on the real story of the rise and expansion of the Colombian drug cartels spearheaded by the cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). And also about the brilliant effort made by a joint team of Colombian and US forces to eradicate the cartel.

Created by Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato and Doug Miro, this is one of the most addictive series I have ever watched in my life! 

2. Breaking Bad (2008) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhesaQXLuRY

Best-Netflix-seriesA chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer decides to break bad and starts cooking and dealing drugs.

Bryan Cranston in his legendary performance and such an exceptional storyline – this dark comedy series is as addictive as any drug ever existed. 

Created by Vince Gilligan, this is one show that changed the whole game for the future of TV series!

1. Mindhunter (2017) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gZCfRD_zWE

Best-Netflix-seriesLate 1970s, in order to delve into the psychology of serial murderers two FBI agents (Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany) while researching on criminal behaviour interview some of the most prolific murderers of the time!

Created by Joe Penhall and some episodes directed by acclaimed David Fincher – this is at present the most exciting and dramatic crime thriller series to watch!

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Black Mirror (2011) (TV Series)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jROLrhQkK78

Best-Netflix-seriesA British Sci Fi anthology series, each episode a new story mostly based on futuristic worlds where technology have evolved into extreme advanced dimensions and we humans are trying our best to coup up with it.

Created by Charlie Brooker, brilliantly imaginative, often dark and satirical but thoroughly engaging. Even frightening to some extent as most of the episodes are uniquely scary and believable too.

Similar Interest: Sacred Games Review

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

In conversation with Pulkit – the young and talented director of Maroon!

In Conversation with Pulkit – the young and talented director of Maroon!

interviewed by Souranath Banerjee

Nowadays it’s difficult to find the right combination of talent, determination and humility all in one person. And Pulkit, the young and gifted filmmaker have all these qualities and that too with a great sense of humour!

In Conversation with Pulkit as he talks about his journey as a filmmaker!

Hi Pulkit welcome to Cinema Forensic! 

Thank you.

How does it feel to watch your first feature film Maroon on the big screen at the prestigious Mumbai Film Festival?

It’s Great! It’s also a very weird kind of feeling I must tell you. You know when your film gets selected in the film festival they do a technical check, so they called me for that. On 24th morning I was sitting alone in the theatre and they played my film. Suddenly I started crying you know – what was happening! Something that I always dreamt about – I felt my career, my schooling, my college, pulkitcame to Bombay, just being 5 years in Bombay and now watching my own film in the big screen – it was a superb kick!

And then I was very nervous on how people will react, because you always love your baby, but the film is not for you na? So during the actual screening I couldn’t watch the film with the audience. I left the theatre. I came down, had coffee, cigarettes; and my assistant who was there in the theatre, she kept messaging me – like people are smiling, giggling, how they are reacting and all that.

Even after the screening, the question answers and all, I met the audience – ya it was superb. I know I will make another film but this thing won’t happen again – the first time experience – it was like pehli baar apko pyaar ho gaya‘. Very beautiful feeling!

Congratulations again Pulkit! Now let’s begin from the beginning. Tell me something about yourself, your background.

I was born in Bihar, Muzaffarpur. My parents still live there.

As a kid I was never good in studies (laughs). Actually my father being a businessman in Bihar I had so many restrictions – because at that time in Bihar children of businessmen used to get kidnapped a lot. So I wasn’t allowed to play with other kids, it was just going to school and back to home. I didn’t have any friends. I didn’t know what was happening around the world. Even in the newspapers it was always stories about crimes and murders. May be that’s why I am so keen in making dark films (laughs).

But the best thing happened to me in Bihar was music.  Since I wasn’t allowed to play I got interested into Indian classical music – I played pulkitTabla for thirteen years!

And so I asked my father to get me out of Bihar. And after 10th my dad got me admission into a boarding school in Haryana and I passed my 12th from there and that too with superb grades!

Then I took admission in Amity university Lucknow but I never wanted to be a graduate. So I didn’t attend any classes and just before my final exams I shifted to Mumbai!

It was May 2011. I got admission in Barry John Acting Studio but then again I realised i am too shy to be an actor. Then I tried assisting few people, some of the big shots in this industry. And within two years I became an associate and made good money but still there was no satisfaction. Night after night all you had to do was watch pulkitforeign films and copy references from them. I don’t believe in this module.

So, then me and Jyotsana (Jyotsana Nath is the current producer of Maroon), we both decided to quit our jobs and start something of our own.

And soon I wrote my first short film Bombay 1992, but that time we went over budget on the film. So I had to sell my car, ask money from my dad and finally the film got made. This short film taught me how important it is to control your budget.

And then how did the journey of Maroon got started? 

Actually before Maroon I wrote another script in 2014 and one of pulkitthe big studios was backing it at the time but due to their interference in the casting I had to take leave from the project.

Then it was very difficult, people here in Bombay they don’t entertain you, don’t trust you – why will they talk to me, why will they listen to my script? You go to a producer and they ask who is the actor? Then if you go to the actor he asks who is the producer? So independent directors are always in trouble.

So after writing the script of Maroon I narrated it to so many people, everyone loved it and they said ‘you should make it’ but no one actually stood by me. That’s the sad part.

But then Jyotsana was brave enough to come as producer and make this film happen because it was very important for me and Jyotsana to set an example – and we really did it without any compromise!

So after you wrote the screenplay of Maroon you were sure of Manav Kaul as the lead?

I approached Manav in 2014 with a different script of mine, a satire – controversial and dark. Manav said it will be difficult to get this film pulkitfunded and even released and asked me to write something else instead. He even assured me that he won’t charge a single penny from me!

And then I wrote Maroon. The idea was there with me for some time and I wrote the full screenplay in just thirteen days! I was assisting a friend of mine who was in the hospital and there only I wrote my first draft. And on the 14th day I went back to Manav, narrated the script and he said ‘let’s do it’!

How difficult was it to shoot the entire film within the specific time and budget constraints?

We started preproduction in June and we finally shot Maroon in October 2015.

We didn’t have any production team and we didn’t even know much about production. So a friend of ours, Vivek Kajaria who is a well known Marathi film producer – I asked him for guidance and he came on-board. So we took an estimation of how much money we have in our hands and how many exact days can we shoot without compromising the film.

The good part was all my actors, be it Manav Kaul or Sumeet Vyas didn’t take any money from us. They just loved the script and said pulkit‘we will make it’!

So we shot the entire film in 15 days without a break!

Everybody got so tired. And then again I wanted the film to be handheld and the Alexa camera is very heavy – so my DOP Soumik Mukherjee was drained and frustrated. For actors also, specially for Manav – what did go in favour of his performance was the actual lack of sleep which his character did require!

Three months of preproduction, fifteen days shoot, three months for sound and for music another four months!

Wow! So how did you plan out the sound design and music for Maroon?

The basic sound design of the film was there in my very first draft. Sound plays such a important role and I always wanted that sound should be the hero of my film. So yes Mandar Kulkarni did a great job.

And for the music Sagar Desai came on-board only after pulkitthe edit of the film. When I met Sagar I asked him to see the rough cut without sound, without music and asked for his suggestions. And he was so excited and came up with so many ideas – I really liked his excitement.

And lastly Pulkit, now that you have made your film and I am sure you will keep making many more and keep inspiring us, which are the directors who inspired you?   

Till 10th, 12th standard I didn’t have much exposure to films. While in Lucknow I started watching a bit of Hollywood films for the first time.

And then of course after coming to Bombay I started watching the so called classics. The first film that really inspired me was A Short Film About Killing by Krzysztof Kieslowski. Then I watched films of David Fincher, David Lynch and Hitchcock. I am always attracted towards dark kind of cinema because I really feel we all have a dark side that we tend to hide from everybody. And I know every one loves to watch dark films.

Thank you so much Pulkit for sharing your journey with us!

Most welcome (smiles). Will you have some tea?

Of course!

Serial Killer films – based on true stories (10+1list)

Serial Killer films – based on true stories.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Serial killers are extremely intelligent individuals, most often masked by a superficial friendly and charming personality but deep inside they are sadistic psychopaths who murders randomly without any personal motives.

Cold blooded killers who simply cannot resist the urge to take someone’s life.

But these serial murderers have always been given enough media coverage and some of the most spine chilling films are made, based on their deranged lives (fictions, nonfictions and docu-dramas).

Here is a list of films dramatized on the real lives of some of the most notorious serial killers ever existed!

1. Jack the Ripper (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJSpZT8IjE0

jack-the-ripper-poster

Direccted by David Wickes, in this film Michael Caine is in search of the infamous Jack the ripper

In 1888, in the Whitechapel district of London several prostitutes were ripped open by a vicious serial killer, their throats cut open and internal organs removed.

One of the most gruesome killers of all time, never been caught!

Some other films based on Jack the ripper are From Hell (2001) starring Johnny DeppThe Lodger (1927), Murder by Decree (1979).

2. To Catch a Killer (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv-j1K4n-4Q

To-Catch-a-Killer-Poster

Directed by Eric TillBrian Dennehy plays the notorious American killer John Wayne Gacy.

He would either lure his victims or kidnap them by force into his Chicago home, then would rape/sexually assault and murder them.

Convicted of 33 murders (all teenage boys and young men) in between a period of 6 years.

3. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3P6WXzvXU

Henryportrait-poster

Michael Rooker plays the ruthless serial killer Henry Lee Lucas in this film directed by John McNaughton.

Regarded as one of America’s most prolific murderer, Henry was finally convicted of killing 11 people but it was believe that he killed many others.

At a very young age he murdered his own Mom and went on killing whenever he felt like it!

4. The Stoneman Murders (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNj4SxVqdag

The-Stoneman-Murders-poster

In the year 1985 (Mumbai) and then in1989 (Kolkata) some unidentified Indian serial killer(s) murdered at least 13 homeless people in their sleep.

The killer would crush the head of his victim with a stone weighing as much as 30 kg!

Directed by Manish Gupta, starring Kay Kay Menon and Arbaaz Khan the film dramatizes these killings.

5. Zodiac (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6q_MfcDEEE

zodiac-posterJake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo starring in this tensed mystery-drama directed by David Fincher.

A serial killer from California who named himself ‘zodiac’ and boasted to have killed 37 people in his open letters written to the newspapers!

Confirmed to kill 4 men and 3 women, the killer’s identity still remains unknown.

6. Citizen X (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYtvCXrVsrM

Citizen-X-poster

The infamous Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, who committed sexual assault, mutilation and murder of 56 women (mostly under the age of 17)! 

Probably the most vicious killer who was convicted to 52 murders.

Directed by Chris Gerolmo, playing Stephen ReaDonald Sutherland and Max von Sydow the film depicts the difficulties of catching a murderer in the-then communist Russia.  

7. Summer of Sam (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-E4Q9CHSk

summer-of-sam-poster

David Richard Berkowitz also nown as the ‘Son of Sam’ and the ‘.44 Caliber Killer’ who began a shooting spree in New York on the summer of 1977.

He killed 6 victims and wounded 7 and also used to sent mocking letters to the police boasting about his misdeeds. 

Spike Lee‘s thriller is a superb dramatization of that era.

8. M (1931)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIj3Bk0bhL8

M-poster

Fritz Lang directed film starring Peter Lorre as the notorious child murderer (probably the first film shot on such a sensitive topic).

The film is based on the 1920’s German serial killer named Peter Kürten (also known as ‘The Vampire of Düsseldorf’) who molested and murdered young children.

Confessed of 79 offenses, Kürten also admitted to drinking blood of at least one of his victims!

9. The Deliberate Stranger (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaoBDMyo98M

deliberate-stranger-poster

Ted Bundy, the most charismatic serial killer ever! A kidnapper, rapist, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered more than 30 young women in America. 

He would gain trust of his young female victims, trick them to his car and then kidnap them for his sadistic motives.

Directed by Marvin J. ChomskyMark Harmon plays the deceptive Bundy in the film. 

10. Vengeance is Mine (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk81j7Sm5IY

Vengeance-is-Mine-poster

Directed by Shôhei Imamura, the film is based on the life of Akira Nishiguchi, the legendary Japanese serial killer played by Ken Ogata.

A middle-aged man who was a clever con artist and a cold blooded murderer.

He killed 2 people and became the most wanted criminal, then he murdered another 3 while escaping from the police!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique one. A must watch).

+1. Psycho (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3-GlvKPcg

psycho-posterAlfred Hitchcock‘s most talked-about film starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh was developed on serial killer Ed Gein‘s mysterious life.

The secluded man who not only murdered woman but also kept their skulls, bones and skins as trophies and made bowls, lamp-sheds, belts, baskets and masks out of them.

After his mother’s death, Gein began to create a ‘woman suit’ (stitching dead woman’s skin) so that he could become his mother!

Some other films based on Ed Gein are The Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Ed Gein (2000) and Deranged: Confessions of a Necrophile (1974).

Best Psychological Thrillers of all times (20+1list)

Best Psychological Thrillers of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Before we hunt down the Best Psychological Thrillers of our times, let’s find out what exactly do we mean by a ‘psychological’ thriller? And how is it different from a regular suspense thriller?

Well, in any ordinary thriller, you either have to guess the killer or Psychological-Thrillersexperience a tense cat and mouse chase sequence, or reveal a conspiracy – but whatever excitement happens, it happen in real time, with real people in real situations.

But in case of the twisted genre of psychological thrillers, these films maneuver the facts in such a way that they make you believe into something/someone that/who actually may not exist at all! These movies deliberately play tricks with the audience’s imagination and successfully blurs their perception of reality.

And finally, here are some of the Best Psychological Thrillers ever made in the history of Cinema.

Let the countdown begin!

20. Frailty (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6TlPMHXgk

Psychological-ThrillersThis film is all about a man’s confession of a series of murders that his religious fanatic father forced him and his brother to be a part of.

Directed by Bill Paxton, a thriller at its best, with a few unexpected plot twists.

Superb performances, specially by the child actors, Bill Paxton himself and Matthew McConaughey.

19. The Skin I Live In (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EolQSTTTpI4

Psychological-ThrillersA weird tale of a plastic surgeon and his muse, a scientist and his experiment, an inventor and his creation.

Brilliant performances by Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya and a twisted tale of passion and revenge.

Directed by renowned Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, this is one of the best psychological thrillers that will keep you guessing till the end.

18. Goodnight Mommy (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hisSd7qyY40

Psychological-ThrillersIn an isolated countryside, nine-year-old twins wait for their mother’s return, but when she finally comes back she seems to be a completely different person.

Her face bandaged due to some surgery, it’s hard to tell if she is indeed their mother or are they both really her children!

Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, this is one disturbing thriller for sure.

17. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9AGf66tXM

Psychological-ThrillersA child psychologist (Bruce Willis) meets a boy (Haley Joel Osment) who has a sixth sense, who can communicate with spirits and claims to ‘see dead people’ all around him!

A film that is as impressive as the twist in the plot.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, a film that successfully fools the audience from the very beginning!

16. Lost Highway (1997) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nKjO9QCSic

Psychological-ThrillersA world owned by David Lynch, who is the master of psychological thrillers.

Framed for the murder of his wife a man mysteriously escapes from the jail being morphed into another person – yes, one of the most weird story plot ever in film history.

And the best part is that the film (according to me) has no specific ending that explains it all!

15. Angel Heart (1987)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp0LXxkx7yA

Psychological-Thrillers

Alan Parker directed this intense thriller starring Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro.

A private investigator is hired by a mysterious man who wants him to track down a particular singer.

Though at first it all seemed like regular business but soon things turn nasty and people keep dying in strange circumstances. A mystery that holds up till the end.

14. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anF5XiN8QY8

Psychological-Thrillers

As the title suggests, it’s the story of two sisters who returns home from the mental institution and desperately struggles to cope up with their lives.

A superbly intense film by Kim Jee-woon – suspense, horror or simply a nail-biting thriller, this one serves all your cravings.

This South Korean film will creep you out for sure.

13. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PewtQsgN5uo

Psychological-Thrillers

Be aware: a new apartment always comes with mysterious neighbors.

A young couple moves to a new place and soon the wife becomes pregnant. Though the neighbors seem to be too caring, but the mother (Mia Farrow) fears about the safety of her unborn child.

Extreme paranoia that only a director of Roman Polanski‘s calibre can deliver!

12. Hour of the Wolf (1968)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7PWFiLkKG4

Psychological-ThrillersIngmar Bergman‘s one and only psychological horror film, and undoubtedly a classic.

An artist shares his deepest desires and the most painful nightmares with his wife at the darkest hours of the night – ‘the hour of the wolf’.

His life turns out to be drowning in the very brink of dreams and reality, a state so surreal and dangerous and bizarre. A must watch.

11. The Shining (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cb3ik6zP2I

Psychological-Thrillers

Welcome Stanley Kubrick and that too on the first spot!

A film that set new bar in this genre, the chilling transformation of a hotel-caretaker (Jack Nicholson‘s character), the haunting isolation of the palatial hotel and the eerie never-ending maze. And also a kid who has the special talent of ‘Shining’!

Unique and scary, psychotic and intense, a film you will never forget.

10. Videodrome (1983)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFHey3utk0I

Psychological-Thrillers

One sleazy cable-TV programmer (James Woods) discovers a sick TV show and soon enough his life turns upside down.

He soon finds out that the show may look like an ordinary one but it is a clue to some sinister global conspiracy.

Director David Cronenberg is the master of psychologically twisted films but this particular one really takes the cake!

9. The Wicker Man (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FdV-O8o7ok

Psychological-Thrillers

The story revolves around a police sergeant (Edward Woodward) who lands on a Scottish Island village in search of a missing girl.

He soon realizes that the village people doesn’t want him to investigate and more to his surprise they deny the very existence of such a missing girl!

Directed by Robin Hardy, a superb psychological thriller.

8. The Machinist (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRoYCwUvBPc

Psychological-ThrillersArguably Christian Bale‘s best performance and undoubtedly his best physical transformation for a role till date.

A film so twisted and insane that I bet you won’t sleep for a year, well, the super-slim version of Bale convinces you that it is possible!

Gripping, disturbing and mind boggling; director Brad Anderson‘s brilliant thriller is a must watch!

7. Don’t Look Now (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUWB-Kw4FiM

Psychological-Thrillers

Nicolas Roeg‘s innovative, nerve wrecking film, this one is considered as one of the most horrifying thrillers made till date.

A grieving couple (Julie Christie  and Donald Sutherland), visits Venice for a change of mood but soon things get more complicated than they could ever imagined!

Chilling suspense and exceptional plot twists that makes the film so special.

6. The Tenant (1976)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmhIMbdecEU

Psychological-ThrillersRoman Polanski and his endless list of psychological thrillers grabs the attention of every film buff.

And in this particular one, he himself is THE tenant who shifts to a new apartment that earlier belonged to a girl who died.

In Polanski’s apartment trilogy this one is my favorite; psychotic paranoias, obsessions and delusions get a new definition in this film.

5. Open Your Eyes (1997)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBtnPuB0x3U

Psychological-Thrillers

Love finds a handsome man but soon luck disfigures his face in a tragic accident. He tries surgery in a quest to rebuilt his face but finds out that he has lost his sanity too.

Brilliant performance by Eduardo Noriega, and Penélope Cruz is simply gorgeous! 

A Spanish film from the acclaimed director Alejandro Amenábar that will trip your mind for sure.

4. Black Swan (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs

Psychological-Thrillers

One of the best thrillers of recent times, which won Natalie Portman an Oscar in the ‘Actress in a Leading Role’ category.

Master director Darren Aronofsky creates this disturbing psychological drama based on the famous play ‘The Black Swan’.

What is real and what’s not – the whole film has a bizarre feel that keeps you guessing till the end!

3. Memento (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vS0E9bBSL0

Psychological-Thrillers

We can never complete this list without mentioning Christopher Nolan‘s Memento.

A guy (Guy Pearce) in search of the murderer of his wife but short-term memory-loss makes him doubt everybody and everything around him.

Never sure whom to trust other than a few notes and some polaroids, and of course his unique tattoos!

2. Fight Club (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXWAEX2jlg

Psychological-Thrillers

Brad Pitt and Edward Norton and their infamous creation of a ‘fight club’.

An underground club that channels primal male aggression but it soon grows and evolves into something much more than its original purpose.

Acclaimed director David Fincher‘s unique film, definitely the most popular psychological thriller of recent times.

1. Psycho (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG3-GlvKPcg

Psychological-Thrillers

Alfred Hitchcock demands the first position on this list.

His other films Vertigo, Rebecca, Rear Window, Rope also could have been included here but then it would be a separate Hitchcock list altogether!

But the sinister Bates Motel, the iconic shower scene, the stuffed birds, the final confrontation with ‘mother’ – yes, that’s enough for this movie to become the best psychological thriller of all times. Please nod if you agree with me.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2_a5_BlM5k

Psychological-Thrillers

Hollywood being the backdrop, this one is a spooky tale of two women (Naomi Watts and Laura Harring) who tries to solve the weird mysteries in their lives.

Director David Lynch in his unique way blurs the lines between dreams and reality, often entering the world of surreal.

A complex film to comprehend, here are at least ten ways to interpret the film. Take a pick!

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Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com,www.imdb.com.

Gone Girl (2014)

My Ratings: 4/5.

Filmmakers have always been sniffing around the subject of marriage; the advantages, disadvantages, compatibility, infidelity – all angles tried and tested.

And then there comes Gone Girl, a unique film that dares to skin the pretentious layers of a so-called ‘happily married’ life and disembowels the raw and ugly sentiments of a seemingly perfect couple.

Directed by none other than David Fincher, the master of thrillers and the director of films like Fight Club, Se7en, The social Network, The girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

So, the expectation was high but the film keeps its promise.

One fine morning Nick’s wife Amy goes missing; Nick calls the police and eventually the press to find her. But soon enough the poor husband, Nick himself becomes a suspect.

Is Nick as innocent as he claims to be? Is Amy alive? Or did Nick kill his wife?

Gone Girl is fast paced film that demands your full attention, a superbly crafted thriller that plunges into the depths of a psychologically twisted marital relationship of Nick (Ben Affleck) and Amy (Rosamund Pike).

Brilliant performance by Ben Affleck but the real stunner is Rosamund Pike; she proves to be the perfect cast possible for the gone girl character.

Carrie Coon as Ben Affleck’s sister, Neil Patrick Harris as the ex-lover, Kim Dickens as the detective and Tyler Perry as the lawyer – all have done justice to their characters.

David Fincher’s team consists of his favorite cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth and editor Kirk Baxter, and also his favorite composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. And yes, they all have done their bits perfectly.

A disturbingly awesome suspense thriller that you shouldn’t miss.

In fact Gone Girl is not just a thriller but it mocks our current society. I think David Fincher through his film takes a dig at us, at out endless efforts to always present ourselves dignified and loved; our constant struggle to showoff an image of fake everlasting happiness.

Whom are we kidding?

‘Happily married’, ‘Perfect couple’, ‘Loving wife’, ‘Devoted husband’ – once you have seen Gone Girl these words won’t mean the same to you.

Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 1)

Most anticipated world films of 2014 yet to release. The trailers are convincing enough to make us impatient but all in good time.

Here follows a list of Ten films that promises awesome entertainment. Do enjoy the trailers for now and make sure you don’t miss any of these on the big screen.

Let the fun begin.

1. Sin City: A dame to kill for (releasing on 22nd Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhu32sdAGbo

Sin_city a dame to kill for

Finally Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez teams up again for the second installment of a tour of the city where it’s permissible to sin.

Sexy and stylized as usual, adopted from the famous graphic novel, and guaranteed out-of-the-world action.

Jessica Alba, Eva Green, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis just to name a few. A must watch.

2. Exodus: Gods and Kings (releasing on 12th Dec)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6G1vRbvgiU

Exodus-Gods-and-Kings

Christian Bale and Aaron Paul together in Ridley Scott‘s next – a historic drama.

Seems like the film is based in Egypt, the grandeur of the sets and the detailing of the period looks amazing in the trailer.

It’s the story of Mosses, how he was responsible to lead the Israelite slaves from Egypt. A film to check out for sure.

3. Fury (releasing on 14th Nov)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGvZoIrXpg

fury

World War 2 as the backdrop, Brad Pitt in his army-crew-cut hairstyle leads his small team of men to attack Germany against incredible odds.

Focused on tanks as the weapon of choice i am sure this is going to be the best war film of the year.

Directed by David Ayer of ‘End of Watch’ fame – also starring  Shia LaBeouf and Logan Lerman.  

4. Birdman (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umj5cxtgBA

birdman

The name Alejandro González Iñárritu as a director should be enough to stir up curiosity for a film.

And with a star cast of Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts this film is probably the most awaited release this year.

It’s about how an actor who played the part of a superhero controls his ego in his real life.

5. Horible bosses 2 (releasing on 26th Nov)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B45XU3v9sPw

Horribel bosses 2

Remember the first time you met the most horrible bosses and what fun you had!

Well, here is an opportunity to meet them again – Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and a especial addition of Christoph Waltz.

The trailer is hilarious and hopefully the director Sean Anders has done a great job. I am sure it will be an enjoyable laugh riot.

6. Gone girl (releasing on 3rd Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3LB0lOJ0o

gone girl

After ‘The Social Network‘ and ‘The girl with the dragon tattoo‘ my favorite director David Fincher‘s next – a suspense thriller about a girl who’s gone missing.

Ben Affleck, the husband who is also a suspect tries his best to prove his innocence but no body knows what really happened.

Unless of course you watch the film – so wait till it’s released.

7. The Interview (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnalZzJ-XS4

The Interview

A deadly plan to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un but unfortunately the least qualified men are chosen by the CIA for the mission.  

Who else but Seth Rogen and James Franco. The more they try to be serious the more they look funny.

The plot seems to be hilarious, I am sure this film will be a perfect political satire to look forward.

8. The Judge (releasing on 10th Oct)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBvK6ni97W8

the judge

A mystery to be unsolved, a family drama to experience and a father-son relationship to be revived.

Robert Downey JR, a big shot lawyer find his father (Robert Duvall) a judge to be suspected of murder.

The plot sounds interesting enough to become curious and with actors of such caliber it does raises our hopes.

9. Magic in the moonlight (releasing on 25th July)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG71z-AP524

magic in the moonlight

Woody Allen is back and this time it’s a romantic comedy casting  Emma StoneColin FirthMarcia Gay Harden.

A girl’s authenticity who seems to possess some special power needs to be verified by an English magician.

The trailer looks as funny and quick-witted as any Woody Allen film promises to be.

10. Guardians of the galaxy (releasing on 1st Aug)

Film trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89q_HH-3ghk

guardians of the galaxy

Bradley Copper, John C. Reilly, Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana – all are part of this entertaining space movie.

Directed by James Gunn; the trailer looks cool and funny, high in visual effects and packed with action.

They call themselves the guardians of the galaxy – now lets wait and watch if they can really keep their words and protect our planets.

For Most anticipated world films of 2014 (Part 2) click the link below: http://www.cinemaforensic.com/most-anticipated-world-films-of-2014-2/