10 Must-Watch Drama Films About Recluses

Description: Finbar McBride, a train enthusiast, inherits an abandoned train station and moves there to live in solitude. However, his plans for isolation are disrupted by unexpected friendships, highlighting the human need for connection despite a desire for solitude.

Fact: The film was shot in New Jersey, using real-life train stations and tracks, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: Walter Mitty, a day-dreamer and photo editor, embarks on a real-life adventure to find a missing negative, stepping out of his reclusive shell in the process. This film is a perfect blend of fantasy and reality, showcasing the journey from isolation to self-discovery.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by James Thurber, and Ben Stiller, who directed and starred in the movie, went to great lengths to film in some of the most remote locations in the world.

Description: This film tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, after suffering a massive stroke, can only communicate by blinking one eye. His reclusiveness is forced upon him, yet he finds a way to express his inner world through writing.

Fact: The film was shot from the perspective of Bauby, with the camera often mimicking his limited field of vision.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons his possessions and societal norms to live in the Alaskan wilderness, embracing a life of solitude. It's a poignant exploration of the desire for isolation and the search for meaning.

Fact: The real-life bus where McCandless lived was moved to a museum in Fairbanks, Alaska, after the film's release.

Description: A reclusive English teacher, struggling with obesity, attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter. This film offers a raw look at the consequences of isolation and the human struggle for redemption.

Fact: The film is based on a play by Samuel D. Hunter, and Brendan Fraser received widespread acclaim for his performance.

Description: A mother and her son, who have been held captive in a small room for years, escape to face the challenges of the outside world. This film captures the essence of reclusiveness in a literal sense, exploring the psychological impact of confinement.

Fact: The film was shot in a single location to reflect the confined space of the room, and Brie Larson won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.

Description: In a dystopian society, single people are given 45 days to find a romantic partner or be transformed into animals. David, who chooses to become a lobster, seeks solitude in the woods, exploring themes of societal pressure and the desire for isolation.

Fact: The film's title refers to David's choice of transformation, symbolizing his desire for a solitary, aquatic existence.

Description: Two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s find themselves isolated and descending into madness. This film is a study in psychological reclusiveness and the effects of isolation on the human psyche.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, using a nearly square aspect ratio to evoke a sense of claustrophobia.

Description: Pete Davidson stars as a reclusive, directionless young man living in Staten Island, dealing with the loss of his firefighter father. This semi-autobiographical film delves into the life of someone who has chosen to remain isolated from the world.

Fact: The film was co-written by Pete Davidson, drawing heavily from his own life experiences.

Description: Ada, a mute woman, arrives in New Zealand with her daughter and her beloved piano, which becomes her voice in a new, isolated world. Her story is one of emotional and physical reclusiveness, exploring themes of communication and connection.

Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.