If you were captivated by the dark, psychological twists of 'Selling Isobel' (2019), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share its intense themes of survival, manipulation, and human resilience. Whether you're drawn to true crime, psychological thrillers, or harrowing dramas, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Lovely Bones (2009)
Description: A haunting tale of a young girl's afterlife perspective as her family seeks justice for her murder, blending themes of loss, grief, and supernatural elements.
Fact: The film's director, Peter Jackson, used innovative visual effects to create the ethereal 'in-between' world.


Taken (2008)
Description: A high-stakes action thriller about a father's relentless pursuit to rescue his kidnapped daughter, emphasizing themes of survival and parental love.
Fact: The film's iconic phone monologue was ad-libbed by Liam Neeson and became one of the most memorable moments in action cinema.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A dark and gripping story about a parent's relentless search for their missing child, exploring themes of desperation, morality, and justice.
Fact: The film's screenplay was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced scripts in Hollywood for several years before being made.


Kidnap (2017)
Description: A relentless thriller about a mother's desperate chase to recover her abducted son, showcasing themes of maternal instinct and survival.
Fact: Halle Berry performed most of her own stunts, including driving at high speeds during the intense chase scenes.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A gritty mystery-thriller featuring a resilient female protagonist who uncovers dark secrets while dealing with personal trauma and survival.
Fact: The original Swedish title translates to 'Men Who Hate Women,' reflecting the film's central theme.


The Call (2013)
Description: A tense thriller centered around a kidnapping and the desperate attempts to rescue the victim, highlighting themes of survival and psychological torment.
Fact: The entire movie was shot in just 20 days, adding to its intense and fast-paced atmosphere.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into themes of manipulation, deception, and survival, with a strong female protagonist navigating a dangerous situation.
Fact: The film's twist was kept so secret that even the crew didn't know the full plot until the movie was released.


The Captive (2014)
Description: A psychological thriller about a father's years-long search for his kidnapped daughter, exploring themes of obsession and the lingering effects of trauma.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative structure adds to the suspense and mystery of the story.


Room (2015)
Description: A harrowing drama about captivity and the psychological impact on both the victim and their loved ones, with a focus on resilience and survival.
Fact: The film's young actor, Jacob Tremblay, was only 8 years old during filming and had to be shielded from the darker aspects of the story.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A crime thriller set in a harsh environment, focusing on the investigation of a young woman's murder and the emotional toll on those involved.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S.
