5 Movies So Confusing You'll Struggle To Connect The Dots (But Love Every Second Of It)
They are so painfully great.
Movies have the power to transport us to other worlds, to challenge our perspective on ordinary things and imagination. However, some movies can be quite difficult to follow, leaving you unsure of what is happening from scene to scene.
Here are 5 movies that will leave you struggling to connect the dots throughout the entire experience.
1. Beau Is Afraid (2023)
The latest fragmented narrative and metaphorical masterpiece from the art house king himself, Ari Aster's Beau Is Afraid follows the journey of Beau, a troubled man who experiences a series of bizarre and nightmarish events after missing his flight to see his mother.
The film tackles themes of guilt, gaslighting, manipulation, and suffocating parental love, but the story remains intentionally ambiguous, leaving both Beau and the viewer in a state of confusion.
2. Inception ( 2010)
Blurring the line between reality and the subconscious, Christopher Nolan 's head-scratching masterpiece takes viewers on a journey through dreams within dreams. Even if you are a longtime fan of Nolan's work and an attentive viewer, be ready that the intricate plot and layers of dream sequences can make it difficult to keep up.
3. Cloud Atlas (2012)
A complex and visually stunning film starring A-listers such as Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, Cloud Atlas weaves together several interconnected storylines and explores themes of interconnectedness and the impact of individual actions over time.
The narrative structure and the ensemble cast make the movie challenging to follow at times, but it also offers a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of human beings.
4. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick's must-see sci-fi epic is known for its stunning visuals and profound themes and you will ponder its meaning for decades because of its abstract narrative and open-ended ending. The movie's deliberate pacing and enigmatic sequences make it a challenging viewing experience that you will love and hate at the same time.
5. Donnie Darko (2001)
A cult classic psychological thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal and known for its mind-blowing plot, Donnie Darko is a mix of science fiction, psychological drama, and time travel. The film's non-linear narrative and complex mythology require careful attention to fully understand its themes and unlock its secrets.