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In the realm of modern cinema, slow-burn films have a distinct and often unique quality. They often defy easy categorization, as their deliberate pacing and storytelling style set them apart. Crafting such scripts and translating this style onto the screen is a skill not every writer or director possesses. When executed well, slow-burn films deserve recognition because they possess a timeless and effective quality that can engage a wide audience.
Nonetheless, certain guidelines need to be considered, and in today’s film industry, creative control is sometimes at odds with commercial interests. Ideally, a writer writes, and a director directs, with their visions remaining as untouched as possible. Sadly, slow-burn storytelling can be one of the first casualties, irrespective of the film’s genre.
Audiences today are less patient than in the past. They crave quick gratification, which has led to the option of watching films at 2x or 3x speed, a practice that some find unsettling but believe may become more common in the future.
Thankfully, Netflix is a film and TV studio that often respects a creator’s vision. This approach allows us to compile a list of some of the best slow-burn movies available on the platform, as they maintain the deliberate storytelling spirit that feels appropriate for the content. Let’s explore some of these excellent slow-burn films currently accessible on the Netflix platform.
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The 10 Best Slow-Burn Movies on Netflix
Munich – The Edge of War (2022)
Munich – The Edge of War, a collaborative effort between German and British filmmakers, is an excellent choice if you’re in the mood for a slow-burning narrative that doesn’t venture into action-packed territory. This film comfortably resides within its chosen parameters and doesn’t require any dramatic twists or turns. While it falls under the war film genre, it primarily explores historical events, with no actual conflict depicted on screen. If you have a preference for strictly accurate portrayals of wartime events, you might want to pass on this one.
The movie unfolds the story of friends who come together on the brink of war, as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is determined to prevent Hitler from igniting a global conflict. The narrative is framed through the perspectives of these two young men, who find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict that, in high-ranking officer circles in Europe, seemed unlikely to materialize. Munich – The Edge of War is undeniably one of the standout options for war-themed films currently available on Netflix.
The Pale Blue Eye (2023)
Scott Cooper, a writer and director, doesn’t always receive the recognition he deserves. He’s most well-known for collaborating with Christian Bale in some of his most notable works. Cooper possesses a talent for crafting compelling stories that tend to have deliberate pacing, building up to an explosive third act.
This tradition is evident in “The Pale Blue Eye,” where a detective is sent to a military academy in early 1800s New York to look into a series of gruesome murders. What sets the film apart is its clever incorporation of Edgar Allan Poe as a central character who contributes his expected sharpness and charm to the investigation. While it requires some patience, the movie rewards viewers with one of the most satisfying endings you’ll find in this genre.
The Wonder (2022)
Sebastián Lelio’s film “The Wonder,” available on Netflix, boldly explores a religious backdrop and incorporates the elements of a well-crafted thriller. However, it’s crucial to stay attentive because the key to this movie lies in the intricate narrative details, which you’ll want to grasp immediately. The film revolves around a nurse dispatched to a remote village where a girl has miraculously survived for months without consuming any food. This so-called “miracle” intrigues the nurse, who sets aside religious beliefs to investigate what appears to be a case of familial corruption within the society they inhabit.
“The Wonder,” directed by Lelio, effectively demonstrates the significance of slow-burn films as a unique form of storytelling.
The Good Nurse (2022)
“The Good Nurse” is a drama thriller that doesn’t rely on suspenseful elements and unexpected plot twists to engage the audience. Instead, it delves into a character-driven narrative based on the true story of a nurse who turned into a serial killer while in plain sight. The film, directed by Tobias Lindholm, encourages viewers to form their own interpretation of events as they grapple with complex ethical dilemmas. The outstanding performances of Eddie Redmayne in the lead role and Jessica Chastain as his partner further enhance the movie’s depth and impact.
Calibre (2018)
Calibre, a hidden gem in Netflix’s collection for several years, continues to receive praise from both critics and new viewers who are discovering its brilliance. For those seeking an intense thriller tonight, this film could be your top pick.
With a deliberate and somber pace, Calibre unfolds the tale of two friends who embark on a hunting trip in the Scottish countryside, hoping to strengthen their bond through hunting. However, they quickly find themselves facing unfriendly locals. To make matters worse, a hunting accident results in the tragic death of an innocent boy, leading the two men to become the targets of vengeful individuals who are relentless in their pursuit of retribution.
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Nocturnal Animals (2016)
“Nocturnal Animals” serves as a significant marker in Tom Ford’s transition from the fashion world to filmmaking. This slow-burning and unsettling drama unfolds as a tale within a tale. It delves into the complex relationship between a man and a woman who were once a couple but are now estranged. The man shares a manuscript with the woman, allowing the audience to explore the narrative, which vividly conveys the writer’s emotions towards his former wife.
The film is thought-provoking and contemplative, leaving a lasting impact, and it boasts outstanding performances from Amy Adams and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with the latter delivering a career-defining role. Additionally, the haunting score by Abel Korzeniowski is so chilling that it may leave you with a sense of unease long after the credits roll.
The Hater (2020)
“The Hater” is an exceptional film that often goes unnoticed by viewers. Yet, it’s readily available on your favorite streaming platform, where you might spend endless hours struggling to choose what to watch. Hidden amidst the vast selection, you’ll find modern masterpieces like this, patiently waiting for you to discover them.
“The Hater” is a thriller, although it may not immediately strike you as one. It unfolds the tale of a resentful young man who becomes fixated on gaining others’ approval. His occupation involves manipulating people through social media, and he stumbles upon an unusual form of influence when it comes to shaping political trends. The film’s relevance couldn’t be more apparent, especially given today’s political climate. In fact, it chillingly mirrors a real-life incident in Poland, where the movie is produced.
The Stranger (2022)
Hailing from the land down under, “The Stranger” emerges as a gripping tale from Australia, renowned for its ability to captivate audiences. Yet, this particular narrative is one that demands a patient unraveling. This character-centric thriller weaves a peculiar bond between a murder suspect and an undercover police operative who forms an unexpected friendship while attempting to extract a confession. However, this endeavor is no walk in the park.
The movie features two formidable acting titans, Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris, delivering the finest performances of their careers. What’s particularly striking is the powerful presence of Sean Harris, despite his character’s limited dialogue, making his impact resonate loudly throughout the film.
The Beguiled (2017)
In Sofia Coppola’s film “The Beguiled,” a wounded Civil War soldier finds shelter and care at an all-girls boarding school in the Virginia countryside. The women at the school become overly attentive to him, leading to conflicts within the established dynamics of the household, which is primarily run by women. The story takes unexpected turns that may surprise viewers.
Regrettably, some contemporary audiences have criticized Coppola for making alterations to the original script, and she has faced accusations of controversial decisions. Nevertheless, the film remains a faithful adaptation of the book that also served as the basis for the 1971 movie of the same name directed by Don Siegel.
The Ritual (2017)
In 2017, David Bruckner directed “The Ritual,” a film that established his ability to create a genuinely frightening horror movie while staying true to traditional horror elements. Simultaneously, “The Ritual” stood out by injecting substantial emotional depth into its characters, a rarity in contemporary horror films but a hallmark of the slow-burn horror genre.
The movie revolves around a group of friends grappling with grief following a recent tragedy involving them. In an attempt to come to terms with their pain, they embark on a hiking expedition that leads them to confront something truly otherworldly. This is far from your typical horror film, however; it introduces a monstrous creature that embodies every nightmare imaginable.
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