If you enjoyed the surreal and introspective journey of 'Kensho at the Bedfellow' (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly mind-bending movies and shows that delve into themes of identity, reality, and existential questioning. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or abstract storytelling, these picks will captivate your imagination.

Being John Malkovich (1999)
Description: A bizarre and imaginative tale that delves into identity, consciousness, and the human desire for escape, wrapped in surreal humor.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a short story, but the writer expanded it into a screenplay after realizing its potential.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: A poignant and visually inventive story about love, memory, and identity, using nonlinear storytelling and dreamlike sequences.
Fact: The film's title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard.'


The Science of Sleep (2006)
Description: A whimsical and visually creative exploration of dreams, reality, and the blurred lines between them, infused with handmade aesthetics.
Fact: Many of the dream sequences were created using practical effects and handmade props to enhance the surreal atmosphere.


Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Description: A deeply philosophical and meta-narrative about life, art, and the passage of time, filled with intricate layers of reality and fiction.
Fact: The film's title is a play on words, combining 'synecdoche' (a figure of speech) with 'Schenectady,' a city in New York.


Under the Skin (2013)
Description: A haunting and atmospheric exploration of alienation and identity, using sparse dialogue and striking visuals to convey its themes.
Fact: Many of the scenes featuring non-actors were filmed with hidden cameras to capture genuine reactions.


Her (2013)
Description: A melancholic and introspective look at love and loneliness in a technologically advanced world, blending sci-fi with deep emotional resonance.
Fact: The futuristic Los Angeles setting was filmed in both Los Angeles and Shanghai to create a unique visual aesthetic.


Anomalisa (2015)
Description: A stop-motion animated film that examines isolation, perception, and the human condition through a minimalist yet deeply emotional lens.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a sound play before being adapted into a screenplay and then an animated feature.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: A psychological drama with a twist, focusing on relationships and the complexities of love, blending mystery with emotional depth.
Fact: The film's twist was kept secret from the audience and even most of the cast during production to preserve its impact.


Coherence (2013)
Description: A mind-bending thriller that plays with alternate realities and the fragility of human connections, using improvisation and minimalistic storytelling.
Fact: The actors were given minimal direction and were often unaware of what would happen next in the story to heighten the tension.


The Lobster (2015)
Description: A surreal and darkly comedic exploration of human relationships and societal pressures, blending absurdist humor with existential themes.
Fact: The film was shot in Ireland, and the cast had to learn how to dance a specific waltz for one of the scenes.
