If you were captivated by the tense, morally complex drama of The Dinner (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of family secrets, ethical dilemmas, and psychological tension. Whether you loved the film's slow-burn suspense or its exploration of dark human nature, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Exam (2009)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a single room, where candidates for a high-stakes job are pitted against each other. The film delves into themes of manipulation, trust, and the extremes of human behavior under pressure.
Fact: The movie was inspired by the director's own experiences in job interviews and the often bizarre and stressful nature of the process.


Carnage (2011)
Description: A dark comedy that takes place almost entirely in one apartment, focusing on the escalating conflict between two couples. The film examines the breakdown of civility and the underlying tensions in seemingly polite social interactions.
Fact: The movie is based on the play 'God of Carnage' by Yasmina Reza. It was shot in just four days, maintaining the intensity and claustrophobic feel of the original stage production.


Force Majeure (2014)
Description: A drama that dissects the breakdown of a family's dynamics during a vacation, triggered by a moment of crisis. The film examines themes of masculinity, responsibility, and the fragility of relationships.
Fact: The movie was shot in the French Alps, with the stunning yet isolating landscape serving as a perfect backdrop for the family's emotional turmoil.


Cheap Thrills (2013)
Description: A dark comedy-thriller that pits characters against each other in a series of increasingly dangerous dares. The film explores the lengths people will go to for money and the moral decay that can result from desperation.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 10 days on a very low budget, which added to the raw and intense atmosphere of the movie.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: A surreal drama that examines the complexities of relationships through a bizarre and unsettling premise. The film plays with identity and perception, much like the way social masks are peeled away in intense interpersonal conflicts.
Fact: The movie was kept largely under wraps during its production, with the actors and crew sworn to secrecy about the plot to preserve the twist for audiences.


Coherence (2013)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores the unraveling of social dynamics during a dinner party, much like the tension and conflict that arises in a confined setting. The film delves into themes of paranoia, identity, and the fragility of human relationships.
Fact: The film was shot in just five nights, with much of the dialogue improvised by the actors. The director provided the cast with different pieces of information each day to enhance the sense of confusion and realism.


The Lobster (2015)
Description: A dystopian black comedy that critiques societal norms around relationships and loneliness. The film's absurd premise and dark humor highlight the pressures and absurdities of conforming to social expectations.
Fact: The movie was shot in Ireland, with the stark and eerie landscapes adding to the film's surreal and unsettling atmosphere.


The Gift (2015)
Description: A psychological thriller that revolves around a seemingly innocent gift that unravels dark secrets and tensions between characters. The film explores themes of manipulation, revenge, and the consequences of past actions.
Fact: The film marks Joel Edgerton's directorial debut. He also wrote the screenplay and starred in the movie, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.


The Square (2017)
Description: A satirical drama that critiques the art world and societal norms through the lens of a museum curator's life unraveling. The film explores themes of hypocrisy, privilege, and the absurdity of modern life.
Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, cementing its status as a critical darling.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores the moral and emotional unraveling of a family under supernatural duress. The film's cold, clinical tone and exploration of guilt and retribution make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The title is a reference to the Greek myth of Iphigenia, which the film loosely adapts into a modern setting.
