Interstellar
Interstellar is a masterpiece by director Christopher Nolan, and it is undoubtedly a film that every science fiction fan should not miss. The movie revolves around space exploration with many intricate details about scientific theories regarding the universe, space travel, and time that require viewers to watch multiple times to fully grasp.
One of the most notable details is when astronaut Cooper accidentally falls into a wormhole and instead of being torn apart into a thousand pieces, he discovers a dimension created in the fifth dimension. There, he can communicate with his daughter and sends her hints about mathematical formulas to aid humanity’s journey in the universe.
12 Monkeys
It’s no surprise that the beginning of the list of “mind-bending” films often includes those that deal with space travel. 12 Monkeys is also one of the titles that fans of this genre should not overlook.
The film is set in a future world where nearly all of humanity has been wiped out due to a deadly virus. Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent back in time to gather important information to help the future world avoid this catastrophe. However, it turns out that changing the past is incredibly difficult, so even the main character’s efforts may not be enough to prevent the virus from spreading.
Memento
Memento is the film that marked the beginning of Christopher Nolan’s career in the psychological thriller genre. The main character, Leonard Shelby (played by Guy Pearce), is a man suffering from short-term memory loss, reminiscent of Dory in Finding Nemo.
Despite his condition, Leonard is determined to find his wife’s killer, leading him on a quest filled with twists and turns. The film unfolds in a non-linear fashion, creating a complex narrative that requires the viewer’s full attention to avoid getting lost.
Pi
Darren Aronofsky, the director of mind-bending films like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, is a beloved figure among fans of this genre. Among his notable works, Pi (1998) stands out as a defining piece.
This film belongs to the psychological thriller genre and follows a mathematician named Max Cohen, who suffers from paranoia. He is constantly searching for answers to the patterns in the universe, which drives him to madness and leads to irrational actions that affect his mental health.
The Tree of Life
The film explores the life of a family with three boys growing up in Texas during the 1950s. The central character, Jack, navigates through the stages of life: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, grappling with the complexities of human existence.
Jack grows up caught between two conflicting influences: his strict father representing the harsh realities of life, and his gentle mother who embodies love and compassion. This internal struggle shapes his understanding of the world and his place in it.
