10 Movies & Shows Like Permission (2018)

Description: A mind-bending exploration of memory, love, and relationships that blends science fiction with deeply personal drama. The nonlinear narrative and surreal visual style create a dreamlike quality that challenges perceptions of reality.

Fact: The memory-erasure procedure scenes were inspired by real-life experiments with electroconvulsive therapy. The film's title comes from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard.'

Description: A philosophical science fiction film that takes place almost entirely in one room, where a man claims to be thousands of years old. The film's intellectual approach to speculative concepts creates a compelling dialogue-driven experience.

Fact: The script was written in the 1960s by Jerome Bixby, who also wrote classic Star Trek episodes. The entire film was shot in just two weeks on a minimal budget.

Description: A meditative science fiction drama that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and parallel possibilities. The film blends cosmic wonder with deeply personal human drama in unexpected ways.

Fact: The co-writer/star was also studying astrophysics at Yale while making the film. The director used real NASA footage for the space scenes to maintain authenticity.

Description: A poignant exploration of human connection and loneliness in a near-future setting, where technology blurs the lines between reality and artificial intimacy. The film's melancholic tone and philosophical undertones resonate deeply.

Fact: The film's futuristic Los Angeles was shot in Shanghai to create a more visually distinct skyline. The voice of the AI was recorded before filming began to help the actors react authentically.

Description: An anthology series that delves into the dark side of technology and its impact on human relationships and society. Each episode presents a self-contained story with unsettling yet plausible futuristic scenarios.

Fact: The show's title refers to the dark reflection seen in a turned-off screen. The creator was inspired by classic Twilight Zone episodes but wanted to focus specifically on technology's effects.

Description: A time-travel paradox story that delves deep into questions of identity, fate, and self-determination. The film's intricate plot and philosophical undertones create a compelling narrative puzzle.

Fact: Based on Robert A. Heinlein's short story 'All You Zombies,' which is considered one of the most complex time-travel tales ever written. The film was shot in Melbourne, Australia, standing in for 1970s New York.

Description: A psychological thriller that examines relationships through a bizarre and unsettling premise, blending elements of science fiction with intimate drama. The film plays with identity and perception in ways that constantly keep viewers guessing.

Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a modest budget. The director intentionally kept the script's twists secret from the actors to capture genuine reactions.

Description: A low-budget sci-fi thriller that explores parallel realities and the nature of identity during a seemingly normal dinner party. The film's improvisational style and mind-bending premise create intense psychological tension.

Fact: The actors were given different instructions each day to create genuine confusion. Most of the dialogue was improvised based on outlines provided by the director.

Description: A science-driven exploration of spirituality and human connection that blends romance with metaphysical mystery. The film's examination of scientific and spiritual intersections creates a unique narrative tension.

Fact: The director spent two years researching eye biology and spirituality before writing the script. The film's scientific concepts were reviewed by actual researchers for accuracy.

Description: A dystopian black comedy that explores themes of love, relationships, and societal pressures through a surreal and absurdist lens. The film's unique blend of dark humor and existential questioning creates a thought-provoking experience.

Fact: The film was shot in Ireland, but the setting is deliberately ambiguous to create a universal dystopian feel. The director insisted on using only natural light for filming.