If you loved the emotional depth and forbidden romance of Elena Undone (2010), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same intensity, passion, and complex relationships. Whether you're drawn to LGBTQ+ love stories or compelling dramas, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Desert Hearts (1985)
Description: A groundbreaking romance set in the 1950s, depicting a love affair between two women in a conservative society.
Fact: One of the first mainstream films to portray a lesbian relationship positively. It was shot on a modest budget but became a cult classic.


Bound (1996)
Description: A neo-noir thriller centered on a passionate relationship between two women who conspire to steal from the mob.
Fact: The Wachowskis' directorial debut, known for its stylish visuals and tight script. It was one of the first mainstream films to feature a lesbian couple as protagonists in a genre film.


The Hours (2002)
Description: Interweaves the lives of three women across different time periods, exploring themes of identity, repression, and longing.
Fact: The film is based on Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Nicole Kidman won an Oscar for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf.


The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Description: Explores complex relationships and family dynamics with a focus on LGBTQ+ themes, blending drama and humor in a realistic setting.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was one of the first mainstream films to depict a same-sex couple raising children.


The World Unseen (2007)
Description: A drama set in apartheid-era South Africa, focusing on the unexpected connection between two women from different racial and social backgrounds.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Shamim Sarif, who also directed it. It was shot on location in South Africa, adding to its authentic feel.


The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: A coming-of-age story that delves into themes of self-discovery, trauma, and the complexities of young love, including LGBTQ+ relationships.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also wrote the screenplay and directed it. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of teenage angst and friendship.


Carol (2015)
Description: A poignant love story set in the 1950s, featuring a forbidden romance between two women, with lush cinematography and emotional depth.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith. It won the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival.


The Handmaiden (2016)
Description: A visually stunning thriller with intricate plot twists, exploring themes of desire, deception, and forbidden love between women.
Fact: The film is a loose adaptation of the novel 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters, transposed from Victorian England to 1930s Korea. It won the Vulcan Award at Cannes for its technical artistry.


The Favourite (2018)
Description: A historical drama with dark humor, focusing on power dynamics and romantic entanglements between women in a royal court.
Fact: The film received ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It was shot using natural lighting to enhance its period authenticity.


Ammonite (2020)
Description: A slow-burning romance set in the 19th century, depicting a passionate relationship between two women against a bleak coastal backdrop.
Fact: The film is inspired by the life of paleontologist Mary Anning, though the romantic storyline is fictional. It was praised for its atmospheric cinematography.
