9 Mind-Bending Drama and Thriller Movies Similar to Persona

"Wild Strawberries" is reminiscent of "Persona" in its exploration of existential themes and introspection. Both films delve into the inner lives of their main characters, highlighting their struggles with identity, meaning, and mortality. While "Persona" focuses on the complex relationship between a nurse and a mute actress, "Wild Strawberries" follows an aging professor as he confronts the emptiness of his existence. Both movies offer profound reflections on the human condition and the search for purpose. However, "Wild Strawberries" takes a more optimistic approach, offering a sense of hope and warmth amidst the contemplation of life's uncertainties. It is a masterpiece that, like "Persona," showcases Ingmar Bergman's ability to create deeply moving and thought-provoking cinema.

Cries & Whispers: When a woman dying of cancer in early twentieth-century Sweden is visited by her two sisters, long-repressed feelings between the siblings rise to the surface. Upon its release, Cries & Whispers was hailed as one of Ingmar Bergman's finest films, and it remains a very fine film to this day. Like many of Bergman's works, Cries & Whispers explores deep themes such as memory, communication, time, community, and death. The story revolves around Agnes, who is dying, and her sisters Karin and Maria, who come to attend her during her final illness. However, their inability to communicate with each other and with Agnes leaves her emotional care largely in the hands of her devoted maid, Anna. The film takes us on a journey through the memories of each woman, revealing their regrets, emotional separations, and acts of self-mutilation.

Last Year at Marienbad is a surreal and deeply psychological film that takes place in a strange and isolated chateau. In this enigmatic setting, a man becomes acquainted with a woman and insists that they have met before. Memory itself seems to be the protagonist in this film, as the narrative explores the uncertainty of knowing. Last Year at Marienbad accomplishes this through its hypnotic combination of dreamlike images of the resort's architecture and grounds, accompanied by an incantatory and obsessive narrative voiceover. The film transforms the luxurious resort into a haunting labyrinth, where remembering is both impossible and necessary. While Persona and Last Year at Marienbad are reminiscent in their exploration of complex themes and their experimental approach to storytelling, they differ in their settings and visual styles. Persona delves into the complexities of personal identity and the interpretation of others, while Last Year at Marienbad focuses on memory and the uncertainty of knowing.

L'Immortelle is reminiscent of Persona in its exploration of complex relationships and the blurred line between reality and fantasy. Both films delve into the mysterious and enigmatic nature of human connections, leaving the audience questioning their own interpretations. While Persona focuses on the dynamic between a nurse and a mute actress, L'Immortelle follows a sad man's encounters with a beautiful woman who may be involved in a conspiracy. Both movies captivate the viewers with their intriguing plots and thought-provoking themes. However, L'Immortelle stands out with its remote Arabian locale and the relentless religious chanting, which adds to the film's mesmerizing atmosphere. While Persona is hailed for Liv Ullman's powerful silence, L'Immortelle showcases the glamorous yet vapid Francoise Brion as its femme fatale. Despite the occasional freezing in the print, L'Immortelle provides a unique cinematic experience that will leave you pondering long after the film ends.

David Holzman's Diary takes the lessons of John Cassavetes and the French New Wave to create a narrative with a documentary approach. It's an extraordinary attempt to make a film about one's own life, a concept that has now mutated into reality TV. The movie captures the randomness of a diary, with long takes and moments of David Holzman going on and on about his life. It's not exactly charming, but it has a certain something to it. The film's message is clear and hard to take: film creates its own reality, and individuals can't have their own reality because of aesthetic additions or distractions. While David Holzman's Diary may come across as pretentious, it's important to recognize that the filmmaker, Jim McBride, is both mocking high-minded artists and creating a very personal kind of film.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup is reminiscent of Persona in its experimental and avant-garde approach to storytelling. Both movies push the boundaries of traditional narratives and challenge the audience's expectations. However, while Persona delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of interpretation, Emperor Tomato Ketchup takes a different path. Set in a future where children have overthrown adults, it presents a series of graphic tableaux depicting cruel and abusive acts against adults. The movie's chaotic and unconventional style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly stands out for its audacity. If you're looking for a thought-provoking film that defies conventions, Emperor Tomato Ketchup might be worth a watch. Just be prepared for its bizarre and disturbing imagery.

Fata Morgana is reminiscent of Persona, but with a twist. While Persona delves into the complexities of human relationships and the limits of understanding others, Fata Morgana explores the creation of the universe through stunning and hallucinogenic imagery. Both films captivate viewers with their unique approaches to storytelling. In Persona, the silence of the main character speaks volumes, forcing us to question our interpretations of her actions. Similarly, Fata Morgana's unusual and unclear images make us wonder about the reality we perceive. However, Fata Morgana takes us on a journey through the Sahara Desert, accompanied by a spoken creation myth and Leonard Cohen's enchanting songs. The film's strange reflections and encounters with outsiders add to its allure. While Persona keeps us on the edge of our seats with its complex narrative, Fata Morgana offers a mind-altering experience that will leave its images burned into our minds forever.