13 Movies Like Vivarium

"Vivarium" is a surreal science fiction thriller released in 2019, directed by Lorcan Finnegan. The movie follows a young couple, played by Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots, as they embark on a seemingly routine house-hunting expedition. 

However, they soon find themselves trapped in a mysterious, otherworldly suburban neighborhood called Yonder, with identical houses stretching endlessly in all directions. As they struggle to escape, they discover eerie and unsettling truths about their bizarre predicament.

If you enjoyed "Vivarium," you might also like these movies with similar themes of surrealism, dystopia, or psychological tension:

13 Movies Like Vivarium

01. The Lobster (2015) 

"The Lobster (2015)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share thematic similarities, both offering unique and thought-provoking explorations of societal expectations and the human condition. In "The Lobster," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the narrative unfolds in a dystopian world where single individuals are given a limited time to find a romantic partner or face transformation into an animal of their choice. The film satirizes societal pressure to conform to relationship norms. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, takes a surreal approach by trapping a couple in a mysterious suburban neighborhood with identical houses, symbolizing societal expectations of the nuclear family. Both films use absurd and allegorical elements to comment on the absurdity of conformity and the impact of societal pressures on personal identity. 

The directors employ dark humor and unsettling visuals to create a sense of discomfort, making these films intriguing reflections on the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

02. Mother! (2017)

"Mother! (2017)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share thematic and stylistic similarities that delve into surreal and thought-provoking narratives. Both films can be characterized by their exploration of domesticity turning into nightmarish experiences, where the seemingly idyllic settings become distorted and ominous. "Mother!" directed by Darren Aronofsky, employs allegorical elements to create a feverish and unsettling atmosphere, using its central characters to symbolize broader themes. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, presents a couple trapped in a mysterious suburban neighborhood with identical houses, mirroring the claustrophobic and surreal atmosphere seen in "Mother!" These films challenge traditional storytelling structures and invite audiences to interpret the symbolism within their narratives, creating a unique and disconcerting cinematic experience in both cases.

03. Enemy (2013)

"Enemy" (2013) and "Vivarium" (2019) share intriguing thematic and visual parallels despite their distinct narrative premises. Both films delve into psychological and surreal elements, blurring the lines between reality and the surreal. "Enemy," directed by Denis Villeneuve, follows a man who discovers a doppelgänger leading to a mysterious and disconcerting exploration of identity. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, revolves around a couple trapped in a surreal suburban nightmare with no apparent escape. Both movies create an atmosphere of unease, employing unique visual styles and symbolism to convey a sense of disquiet. 

The enigmatic narratives and mind-bending twists in both films leave audiences questioning reality and grappling with the complexities of human existence. While the settings and storylines differ, the shared exploration of psychological and existential themes makes "Enemy" and "Vivarium" a fascinating pair for those intrigued by thought-provoking cinema.

04. Ex Machina (2014)

"Ex Machina" (2014) and "Vivarium" (2019) share thematic similarities in their exploration of artificial intelligence and the implications of human interactions with advanced technology. In "Ex Machina," directed by Alex Garland, the narrative revolves around a young programmer who is invited to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot. 

The film delves into the ethical and existential questions surrounding artificial intelligence and the blurred lines between human and machine consciousness. On the other hand, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, takes a different approach by presenting a surreal and dystopian scenario where a couple is trapped in a mysterious, monotonous suburban neighborhood. The film explores themes of conformity, societal expectations, and the consequences of a life devoid of genuine human connection. 

While "Ex Machina" focuses on the potential dangers of creating sentient beings, "Vivarium" examines the dehumanizing effects of societal expectations and conformity, making them thought-provoking films that prompt reflection on the impact of technology and societal norms on the human experience.

05. The Truman Show (1998)

"The Truman Show (1998)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share intriguing thematic similarities, both exploring the concept of individuals unwittingly trapped within artificial realities. In "The Truman Show," directed by Peter Weir, the protagonist, Truman Burbank, is unknowingly the star of a 24/7 reality television show, living his entire life within a meticulously crafted, controlled environment. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, follows a couple who find themselves trapped in a mysterious suburban neighborhood with no apparent escape. Both films delve into the manipulation of reality, questioning free will, and examining the consequences of living in environments where every aspect of life is meticulously orchestrated. 

These thought-provoking narratives invite audiences to reflect on the nature of existence, the consequences of control, and the boundaries between reality and illusion.

06. Cube (1997)

"Cube (1997)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share intriguing similarities in their themes of existential dread and surrealistic, confined environments. In both films, characters find themselves trapped in perplexing, geometrically structured spaces that defy conventional logic. 

In "Cube," a group of strangers wakes up in a maze of deadly traps, forcing them to navigate through an enigmatic network of interconnected rooms. Similarly, in "Vivarium," a couple becomes entangled in a suburban nightmare, finding themselves stuck in a seemingly endless and eerily uniform housing development. 

The films explore the psychological toll of confinement, the struggle for survival, and the questioning of reality. While "Cube" emphasizes the physical dangers within its labyrinthine structure, "Vivarium" delves into the psychological and surreal aspects of domesticity, creating a thought-provoking commentary on societal expectations and the pursuit of the "perfect" life. 

Both films immerse viewers in disconcerting and thought-provoking narratives that challenge the boundaries of reality and showcase the resilience of the human spirit in the face of absurd and nightmarish circumstances.

07. Dark City (1998)

Dark City (1998) and Vivarium (2019) share an intriguing similarity in their exploration of surreal and nightmarish realities. In Dark City, directed by Alex Proyas, viewers are immersed in a visually stunning and mysterious urban landscape where reality is constantly manipulated. The protagonist wakes up each day with no memory of the past and must unravel the secrets of the city's dark underbelly. 

Similarly, Vivarium, directed by Lorcan Finnegan, presents a surreal suburban nightmare where a couple becomes trapped in an endless maze of identical houses. Both films delve into themes of identity, manipulation, and the surreal nature of existence. 

The protagonists in both movies grapple with the disorienting and artificial environments that challenge their understanding of reality. The visual aesthetics, coupled with the existential themes, make Dark City and Vivarium compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experiences that explore the boundaries of perception and the human psyche.

08. Coherence (2013)

"Coherence (2013)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share thematic similarities in their exploration of surreal and mind-bending narratives within the science fiction genre. In "Coherence," directed by James Ward Byrkit, a dinner party is disrupted by a mysterious comet, leading to a series of bizarre events that challenge the characters' perceptions of reality. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, follows a couple who find themselves trapped in a surreal suburban neighborhood with no apparent escape. Both films incorporate elements of psychological tension, alternate realities, and a sense of existential dread, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease. 

The two movies engage viewers with their unconventional storytelling, prompting contemplation about the nature of reality and the impact of external forces on human experience. While the plots differ, the underlying theme of disorientation and the exploration of existential questions connect these films, offering audiences a thought-provoking and immersive cinematic experience.

09. The Others (2001)

"The Others" (2001) and "Vivarium" (2019) share striking thematic similarities, despite belonging to different genres and time periods. Both films explore the psychological toll of isolation and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion. 

In "The Others," directed by Alejandro Amenábar, Nicole Kidman stars as Grace, a woman who believes her house is haunted, only to discover a shocking truth about her own existence. Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, follows a couple, played by Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg, who find themselves trapped in a mysterious suburban neighborhood with no apparent escape. 

Both movies skillfully manipulate their settings to create an atmosphere of unease and disorientation, challenging the audience's perceptions. The eerie and thought-provoking nature of these films makes them intriguing explorations of the human psyche when confronted with isolation and the unknown.

10. The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

"The Adjustment Bureau (2011)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share intriguing thematic similarities despite belonging to different genres. Both films explore the concept of external forces influencing the lives of the protagonists, challenging their perceived reality. 

In "The Adjustment Bureau," directed by George Nolfi, we follow the story of a politician who discovers a secret organization controlling the fate of individuals. Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, introduces us to a couple trapped in a mysterious, seemingly unending suburban neighborhood. 

Both movies delve into the tension between free will and predestined paths, questioning the nature of reality and the extent to which individuals can shape their destinies. Additionally, both films employ surreal and metaphysical elements, creating a sense of unease and mystery that captivates audiences as they navigate the blurred lines between the mundane and the extraordinary.

11. Brazil (1985)

"Brazil" (1985) and "Vivarium" (2019) share intriguing thematic parallels despite belonging to different genres and eras. Directed by Terry Gilliam, "Brazil" is a dystopian satire set in a bureaucratic and surreal world, blending dark humor with social commentary. The film follows the protagonist, Sam Lowry, as he navigates a nightmarish society dominated by oppressive bureaucracy. 

On the other hand, Lorcan Finnegan's "Vivarium" presents a contemporary sci-fi horror, exploring the suffocating monotony of suburban life. In both films, the protagonists find themselves trapped in surreal environments, struggling against the constraints imposed by the societies they inhabit. The movies use surreal and absurdist elements to comment on societal issues, drawing attention to the dehumanizing effects of conformity and control. 

While differing in tone and style, "Brazil" and "Vivarium" are united by their exploration of the individual's struggle against oppressive systems, making them fascinating reflections on the human experience in distinct yet eerily similar contexts.

12. Moon (2009)

While "Moon" (2009) and "Vivarium" (2019) may seem vastly different at first glance, they share intriguing thematic similarities that delve into the realms of isolation and existential questioning. In "Moon," directed by Duncan Jones, the narrative revolves around a man stationed alone on a lunar base who begins to question his reality and identity as he nears the end of his three-year stint. 

Similarly, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, explores the unnerving experiences of a couple trapped in a surreal suburban neighborhood, faced with the repetitiveness of their existence. Both films use their science fiction elements to probe the human psyche, questioning the nature of reality, identity, and the effects of isolation on the human mind. 

The juxtaposition of the desolate lunar landscape in "Moon" and the sterile, eerily identical houses in "Vivarium" serves as a backdrop to the characters' psychological struggles, creating thought-provoking parallels between the two films.

13. Under the Skin (2013)

"Under the Skin (2013)" and "Vivarium (2019)" share thematic and stylistic similarities, both exploring eerie and surreal landscapes that challenge conventional narrative structures. In "Under the Skin," directed by Jonathan Glazer, Scarlett Johansson plays an enigmatic alien seductress who preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. 

The film delves into themes of identity, humanity, and alienation, creating an unsettling atmosphere through its minimalist approach and haunting visuals. On the other hand, "Vivarium," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, takes a more overtly dystopian premise, trapping a couple played by Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg in a mysterious suburban neighborhood with identical houses. 

Both films utilize unconventional storytelling, leaving audiences with lingering questions and a sense of unease as they navigate the blurred boundaries between reality and the surreal. The directors employ a distinctive visual style and engage with thought-provoking themes, making these films intriguing choices for those seeking cinematic experiences that challenge conventional norms.

These films share elements of mystery, surrealism, and exploration of the unknown, similar to the themes found in "Vivarium."