2026: Paranoia
By C. Ramsay
1. The Parallax View (1974) | ★★★★★
- Follows an arrogant reporter who, after witnessing the killing of a US senator, gets pulled into a much larger conspiracy than anticipated regarding a mysterious corporation that specializes in political assassinations. Recommended if you like Arlington Road (1999), O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent) (2025), and Zodiac (2007). Full review here.
2. The Conversation (1974) | ★★★★★
- A professional in the surveillance industry becomes increasingly stressed about the wellbeing of two people he’s managed to capture a difficult recording of for a secretive client, worrying they’ll be murdered for what was communicated between them, and leading to heightened anxiety in his everyday life. Recommended if you like The Game (1997) and Rear Window (1954).
3. Cruising (1980) | ★★★★★
- Gay men who frequent some of New York City’s underground bars, particularly those who associate with the leather and BDSM scenes, are targets for a serial killer who is in turn being sought by an undercover cop. Recommended if you like Blue Velvet (1986) and Knife+Heart (2018).
4. Burning (2018) | ★★★★★
- A very slow, quiet, and atmospheric story centered on Jong-su, a young man who reconnects with and develops feelings for Hae-mi, a childhood friend. When Hae-mi returns from an international trip with a mysterious new boyfriend, Jong-su becomes increasingly wary of him, his anxieties heightening when she suddenly disappears. Recommended if you like Caché (2005), キュア (Cure) (1997), and 恐怖份子 (Terrorizers) (1986).
5. The Thing (1982) | ★★★★★
- A research team in Antarctica, isolated in their base due to weather conditions, attempt to survive after encountering an alien entity that assimilates with its prey, meaning it could be any one of them at any time. Recommended if you like Alien (1979) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)/(1978).