If you were captivated by the psychological intensity and haunting atmosphere of The Swerve (2021), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share similar themes of unraveling sanity, domestic dread, and eerie suspense. Whether you're drawn to slow-burn thrillers or character-driven horror, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Description: A classic psychological horror film that delves into paranoia, gaslighting, and the fear of the unknown, much like the protagonist's descent into madness in the reference.
Fact: The film's iconic apartment building, The Dakota, is a real location in New York City and has been featured in numerous other films and cultural references.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that relies on psychological tension and a twist ending, creating a sense of dread and uncertainty similar to the reference's atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on location in Spain, using natural light to enhance its eerie, period-appropriate aesthetic.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film that combines physical terror with psychological trauma, as the protagonist grapples with grief and survival in an underground nightmare.
Fact: The film's cave scenes were shot in a studio, but the actors underwent intense physical training to simulate the grueling conditions of real spelunking.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into the protagonist's deteriorating mental state, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination, much like the descent into madness seen in the reference.
Fact: Natalie Portman trained for over a year in ballet to prepare for her role, and the film's intense physical and psychological demands led to significant weight loss for the actress.


Under the Skin (2013)
Description: A surreal and atmospheric horror film that blends existential dread with body horror, creating a haunting and ambiguous narrative about identity and humanity.
Fact: Many of the film's scenes featuring unsuspecting men were shot with hidden cameras, adding to the unsettling realism of the protagonist's interactions.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A visually stunning horror film that explores themes of beauty, obsession, and identity, with a surreal and nightmarish tone that mirrors the reference's unsettling vibe.
Fact: The film's color palette was inspired by 1980s fashion photography, giving it a unique, hyper-stylized look that contrasts with its dark themes.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the supernatural, creating a haunting atmosphere where the line between psychological breakdown and supernatural horror is ambiguous.
Fact: The Babadook became a cultural icon and was even adopted as a symbol for LGBTQ+ rights after fans noticed parallels between the monster and the struggles of marginalized communities.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A chilling, slow-burn thriller that explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the supernatural, with a clinical, detached style that heightens the horror.
Fact: The film's title references the Greek myth of Iphigenia, which plays a central role in the story's moral and mythological undertones.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A family drama intertwined with supernatural horror, focusing on inherited trauma and the unraveling of sanity, mirroring the psychological and emotional disintegration seen in the reference.
Fact: The film's miniature models, created by the protagonist, were actually built by the production team to symbolize the family's fragile and controlled environment.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A visually striking horror film that uses bright, daylight settings to create an unsettling contrast with its dark themes of grief, isolation, and cult mentality.
Fact: The film's script was partially inspired by the director's own experiences with a bad breakup, channeling personal pain into the story's emotional core.
