International Human Solidarity Day: Dystopian SciFi Flicks to Inspire Us All to ‘Be Best’
Today is International Human Solidarity Day!
So we thought we’d celebrate by bringing you the best offerings for digital streaming Dystopian Scifi Movies. That’s right, we’re here to show you an alternate reality if we don’t figure this shit out. We’ve found movies that share the what-ifs, why-evens, and why-bothers to motivate you to step away from individualism and start focusing on the greater good. If we don’t all start to learn how to coexist, collaborate, and coordinate? We’re potentially doomed to any one of these terrifying existences. Isn’t that a cheery and uplifting thought for the holiday season? Yeah! Hooray! So, in short, do better. Be kind. Be Humble. Reduce, reuse, recycle! And be excellent to each other and maybe we can just avoid one of these bleak outlooks after all.
The Rover
Who doesn’t love a good A24 film?! We sure as heck do. So we’re recommending this Dystopian Western Scifi flick from Australia to quench your A24 thirst. And maybe some other thirst, too, if you catch our meaning about it’s lead stars. Yeah boiiii. We’ll just let the trailer do the talking on this one.
Available to Rent on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and iTunes.
Captive State
This entry on our list tackles tough topics such as socioeconomic crises and racial tensions. It takes place in Chicago, about 10 years after an extraterrestrial occupation on Earth. The people are divided into sympathizers and rebels, and explores both sides of the political divide. A very dark, jarring commentary on today’s political climate and social justice efforts. You’ll find many echoes of modern day movements here, and would do well to take note of where we can do better.
Available to rent on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and more.
What Happened to Monday
This action film chronicles the lives of identical septuplets, born into a world in which families are all limited to one child thanks to humanity’s overpopulation. Can these sisters learn to coexist and appreciate their rotation into the real world, or will they destroy themselves before the government even gets the chance? Will they find their missing sibling before it’s too late?
High-Rise
This one’s got a healthy dose of capitalism and individualism, if that’s more your speed than androids, cyborgs, aliens, or clones. Not sold? Tom Hiddleston. Yeah, we thought that’d do ya. This British dystopian thriller follows the lives of several residents in one tower apartment building. An adaptation of the novel by JG Ballard, this cautionary tale examines the motivations of humans when their comfort and way of life are challenged. Will these residents succumb to their selfish ways? Can they avoid the descent into barbaric violence and inequality? Who knows! Probably not. Humanity isn’t great at that eh? Watch and find out!
Into the Forest
Another gem from A24, this time adapted from the quiet dystopian novel by the same name written by Jean Hegland. This film follows siblings Nell and Eva, played by Elliot Page and Evan Rachel Wood (respectively,) as they attempt to survive in their family home after an apocalyptic blackout destroys humanity. The sisters must learn how to survive in their wilderness as well as surviving each other and their emotional turmoil. Viewers beware there may be some triggering content in this one, but it’s an evocative and immersive movie nonetheless. Functions more as a dark slice-of-life flick as there are no aliens, zombies, or tyrannical governments here.
The Lobster
This absurdly dark comedic dystopian tale follows David, a single man who has just been dumped by his spouse. To add to that chaos, David lives in a society where single folks must pair up with a mate within 45 days lest they be transformed into an animal of their choosing. Yes, that’s right. Find yourself a fuckbuddy or you’re really in for it! Leaning into our very real human fears of loneliness and romance, A sadistic and cruel society, perhaps, but truly a witty and dark look into a future not all too different than our own pressures and problems.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, or GooglePlay.
Advantageous
A glaring look at the disparities between the opulent life of those at the top of society and the economic hardships of those less fortunate. A mother and daughter do their best to find happiness and solace with one another. This film walks the taut line between cynical realism and idealistic aspirations for a better world. Will this mother and daughter be able to survive all the curveballs they’ve been thrown? How far will a mother go to ensure her daughter has a happy, healthy, successful life? For fans of “Parasite” this one is sure to please.
