In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for The Lighthouse, we provide recommendations for movies with similar themes and vibes.
Cast
- Robert Pattinson – Ephraim Winslow/Thomas Howard
- Willem Dafoe – Thomas Wake
- Valeriia Karamän – the Mermaid
- Logan Hawkes – the real Ephraim Winslow
Movies like The Lighthouse
Eraserhead (1977)
Directed by David Lynch, this surreal and atmospheric horror film tells the story of Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), a man struggling to cope with his bizarre, nightmarish existence. Much like The Lighthouse, Eraserhead employs a unique visual style and heavily relies on symbolism and psychological tension. Fans of The Lighthouse will appreciate the unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere that Lynch creates in this dark, industrial world.
Antichrist (2009)
This provocative psychological horror film from director Lars von Trier stars Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg as a grieving couple who retreat to a remote cabin in the woods. The film is visually stunning and shares the same bleak, oppressive atmosphere as The Lighthouse. Both films feature a slow-burning descent into madness and explore themes of guilt, grief, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Stalker (1979)
Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, this enigmatic and philosophical science fiction film follows a mysterious guide known as the Stalker (Aleksandr Kaidanovsky) who leads two men through a dangerous, supernatural realm called the Zone. The film shares The Lighthouse‘s focus on isolation, psychological turmoil, and a distinctive visual style, with Tarkovsky’s mesmerizing long takes and rich symbolism providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Repulsion (1965)
Roman Polanski’s psychological horror film stars Catherine Deneuve as Carol, a young woman experiencing a mental breakdown while alone in her apartment. Repulsion shares The Lighthouse‘s descent into madness and uses its confined setting to create an unsettling atmosphere. Fans will appreciate the film’s surreal imagery, masterful camerawork, and Deneuve’s mesmerizing performance.
Hour of the Wolf (1968)
This atmospheric psychological horror film, directed by Ingmar Bergman, stars Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann as a couple living on a remote island. Plagued by nightmares and haunted by strange occurrences, the film’s protagonist becomes increasingly unhinged. The film’s isolated setting and the main character’s psychological unraveling make it a fitting choice for fans of The Lighthouse.
Enemy (2013)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this psychological thriller stars Jake Gyllenhaal in a dual role as a history professor, Adam, and his doppelgänger, an actor named Anthony. When Adam discovers Anthony’s existence, their lives become entwined in a complex and mysterious way. Much like The Lighthouse, Enemy delves into themes of identity, paranoia, and the darker aspects of human nature. The film’s moody atmosphere, striking visuals, and enigmatic narrative make it a fitting recommendation for fans of The Lighthouse.
Carnival of the Souls (1962)
Directed by Herk Harvey, this low-budget horror film follows Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) as she tries to rebuild her life after a traumatic accident, only to be haunted by eerie visions and drawn to a mysterious, abandoned carnival. The film’s dreamlike atmosphere, striking black-and-white cinematography, and eerie organ score make it a fitting choice for fans of The Lighthouse‘s surreal aesthetic.
The Tenant (1976)
This psychological thriller directed by and starring Roman Polanski tells the story of a man who moves into an apartment and becomes increasingly disturbed by the mysterious fate of the previous tenant. The film’s claustrophobic setting and Polanski’s descent into paranoia and madness echo the psychological intensity of The Lighthouse. Fans will enjoy the film’s enigmatic plot and unnerving atmosphere.
Under the Skin (2013)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this science fiction horror film features Scarlett Johansson as an alien who takes on the appearance of a human woman and preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. The film’s haunting visuals, mesmerizing score, and Johansson’s captivating performance create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Fans of The Lighthouse will appreciate the film’s unique visual style, psychological tension, and exploration of alienation and identity. The atmospheric storytelling and unorthodox approach to horror make Under the Skin a compelling choice for those who enjoyed the unconventional nature of The Lighthouse.
Black Swan (2010)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this psychological thriller stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a ballet dancer who becomes obsessed with perfecting her role as the Swan Queen in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. As Nina’s pursuit of perfection consumes her, she starts to unravel mentally, and the line between reality and hallucination blurs. Fans of The Lighthouse will enjoy the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere, stunning visuals, and the intense performances from Portman and co-stars Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. The film’s themes of obsession, madness, and transformation make it an excellent choice for fans of The Lighthouse.
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