FilmsThe ContestantLike this

Films like The Contestant.

The Contestant (2007) reads as Sombre, kinetic, measured drama / comedy, inventive in texture. Nihilistic, mid-stakes, cold. Every film below is ranked by distance across the same twelve hand-scored axes — with what it keeps, and where it walks away. Not a genre dump.

Shimmer Lake (2017) poster
1. Shimmer Lake2017

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Details (2012) poster
2. The Details2012

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Bone Man (2009) poster
3. The Bone Man2009

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Mithya (2008) poster
4. Mithya2008

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Big Nothing (2006) poster
5. Big Nothing2006

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality; trades toward a relentless forward drive.

Comedy of Power (2006) poster
6. Comedy of Power2006

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Murder, Take One (2005) poster
7. Murder, Take One2005

Keeps the heightened unreality and the chilly detachment; trades toward a relentless forward drive.

My Führer (2007) poster
8. My Führer2007

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Irrational Man (2015) poster
9. Irrational Man2015

Keeps the heightened unreality and the chilly detachment — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Masquerade (2022) poster
10. Masquerade2022

Keeps the heightened unreality and the chilly detachment; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

Bob Roberts (1992) poster
11. Bob Roberts1992

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Estômago (2007) poster
12. Estômago2007

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the heightened unreality — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

These are The Contestant’s neighbours — where are yours?

Rate five posters and the same twelve axes read you — then tonight’s pick comes from your own centre of taste.

Find my film for tonight — 60 sec →