If you were captivated by the surreal and provocative style of 'Lux Æterna' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its experimental visuals, intense themes, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Whether you're a fan of Gaspar Noé's work or simply love daring cinema, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for bold, unconventional narratives.

The Color of Pomegranates (1969)
Description: A visually poetic and abstract exploration of identity and spirituality, using symbolic imagery and a non-linear structure to convey its themes.
Fact: The film was banned in the Soviet Union for its perceived subversive content and unconventional style.


Eraserhead (1977)
Description: A surreal and nightmarish journey into the subconscious, featuring stark black-and-white visuals and an unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere.
Fact: The film took five years to complete due to budget constraints and the director's meticulous attention to detail.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: A hallucinatory exploration of media, reality, and the human body, blending grotesque imagery with a mind-bending narrative.
Fact: The film's special effects were so groundbreaking that they won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival.


Santa Sangre (1989)
Description: A visually stunning and deeply symbolic film that merges horror, surrealism, and psychological drama, creating a unique and disturbing experience.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life case of a serial killer who was controlled by his mother.


Irreversible (2002)
Description: A brutal, nonlinear narrative that employs intense visual and auditory techniques to create an overwhelming sensory experience, exploring themes of violence and fate.
Fact: The film's infamous fire extinguisher scene was achieved in a single take, and the camera work was designed to induce nausea.


Valhalla Rising (2009)
Description: A meditative and brutal journey through a mythic landscape, blending stark visuals with a sparse, almost wordless narrative.
Fact: The film was shot in Scotland and features almost no dialogue, relying instead on its visuals and atmosphere to tell the story.


Melancholia (2011)
Description: A visually arresting and emotionally intense portrayal of depression and existential dread, using slow motion and striking imagery to convey its themes.
Fact: The film's opening sequence was shot with a special camera that could capture extremely slow motion.


Only God Forgives (2013)
Description: A neon-drenched, hyper-stylized descent into violence and redemption, featuring minimal dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling.
Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed by Cliff Martinez, who also scored 'Drive,' and features a mix of electronic and orchestral elements.


The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: A dark and provocative examination of violence and artistry, featuring a fragmented narrative and unsettling visuals that challenge the viewer.
Fact: The film was met with walkouts and controversy at its Cannes premiere due to its graphic content.


Climax (2018)
Description: A visceral and chaotic descent into madness, featuring long takes and an immersive, disorienting atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and hallucination.
Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days, and most of the dialogue was improvised by the cast.
