10 Movies & Shows Like Afire (2023)

Description: A visually lush and emotionally restrained film about unspoken desires and the passage of time, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and subtlety.

Fact: The film's iconic cheongsam dresses were designed by William Chang, who also served as the film's production and costume designer. It was originally conceived as a much longer project, with a third act set in the 1970s.

Description: A visually striking and emotionally intense portrayal of a turbulent relationship, marked by its use of color and mood to convey emotional states.

Fact: The film's title is inspired by The Turtles' song of the same name. It was shot in Argentina, despite being a Hong Kong production, to emphasize the characters' isolation.

Description: A thought-provoking exploration of authenticity and perception in relationships, blending reality and fiction in a way that challenges the viewer.

Fact: The film was shot in Tuscany, Italy, and features dialogue in three languages: English, French, and Italian. It won Juliette Binoche the Best Actress award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Description: Explores themes of existential uncertainty and personal growth through intimate character studies, with a focus on emotional depth and realism.

Fact: The film is divided into 12 chapters, each with a prologue and epilogue, mirroring the structure of a novel. It was Norway's official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Description: A raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction and emotional isolation, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and atmospheric tension.

Fact: The film's explicit content led to it receiving an NC-17 rating in the United States. It was shot in just 25 days, with long takes to maintain emotional intensity.

Description: A contemplative drama that delves into the protagonist's inner turmoil and existential crisis, set against the backdrop of a single day in Oslo.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the 1931 novel 'Le Feu Follet' by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle. It was shot in chronological order to enhance the actors' performances.

Description: A gripping family drama that examines moral dilemmas and the consequences of personal choices, with a strong emphasis on emotional realism.

Fact: The film was the first Iranian movie to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was shot entirely in Tehran, with a mix of professional and non-professional actors.

Description: A complex narrative about unresolved relationships and secrets, told with a focus on emotional nuance and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: The film was shot in France but features dialogue in both French and Persian. It won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Description: A quiet, meditative film that finds beauty in the mundane, focusing on the daily life and creative process of a bus driver and poet.

Fact: The film's protagonist shares his name with the city where the story is set, Paterson, New Jersey. The poems featured in the film were written by Ron Padgett, a real-life poet.

Description: A deeply personal and introspective film that examines the complexities of a toxic relationship and the protagonist's artistic and emotional development.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from the director's own experiences. It was shot on 16mm film to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy.