Over time, several movies have addressed relationship abuse and domestic violence, but only a handful have authentically portrayed the harrowing realities. Often, these films lack subtlety in their writing and feature exaggerated performances. Many movies come across as manipulative and preachy, undermining the depth of the topic.
Exploring abusive relationships on screen proves immensely challenging for filmmakers due to the issue’s sensitivity. Most of them struggle to capture the complexity and depth of such a delicate subject. However, some of the films set the bar, portraying the horrors and realities of abuse. Here are 22 movies that realistically explore the complexities of abusive relationships.
22
‘Marriage Story’ (2019)
Marriage Story would make quite an impact on its release, following the messy and long divorce between Nicole Barber (Scarlett Johansson) and husband, Charlie (Adam Driver). The two attempt to be amicable at first, but their lives in the entertainment industry and past resentments bubble to the surface, leading to intense fighting and uncertainty about the future
This one here is so brilliantly acted by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Their ability to play off each other led to one of the most memorable scenes in all of drama, as they got into a heated argument and let all their past trepidations flow freely. What makes it work so brilliantly is its authenticity, and even with the abuse being thrown at each other, they still feel flawed and human.
21
‘Simon Killer’ (2012)
Simon (Brady Corbet) is struggling to come to terms with a relationship that just ended, and finds himself heading to Paris as an escape. His toxic tendencies from the past don’t leave, though, and he makes himself a victim of an attack to get closer to sex worker Victoria (Mati Diop). Simon uses every method of emotional manipulation to keep a tight control over Victoria, and causes her life to spiral.
Simon Killer is one of the most chilling portraits of an antisocial narcissist whose only goal is to further his own needs and will use anyone he can. Often, the movie does not cast such a character as the protagonist, but here we see Simon’s manipulation to ruin Victoria’s life until he decides he can’t get anything else from her; you will never hate a fictional person more than Brady Corbet’s Simon.
20
‘Gaslight’ (1944)
Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman) is a young woman who believes she has found the perfect partner in the charming Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer). Yet, when the two wed and move together, Gregory begins to manipulate Paula, dimming the home’s gaslights, hiding objects, and turning her away from her family and friends to exert control. He uses this method to try to con Paula out of money, all the while driving her solely insane.
Now you know where the term Gaslight originates, as the film coined the form of abuse that is all too common in toxic relationships. One of those films about abusive relationships that are difficult to approach, as the deceit and manipulation are so obvious to the viewer, Gaslight would be met with critical acclaim, earn Bergman an Oscar, and become highly influential within the psychological thriller genre. Not just an interesting piece of history, but a phenomenal landmark film.
19
‘Sleeping With the Enemy’ (1991)
While not a standout among the other movies on this list, Sleeping With the Enemy significantly captures the harsh truths of an abusive relationship. The film depicts a woman yearning to escape her oppressive husband and planning to alter her identity and appearance. The tension escalates when her husband discovers her affair with a school teacher and sets out to hunt his wife down and disrupt her peaceful new life.
Despite the script’s lack of subtlety, Julia Roberts’ acting evokes genuine sympathy, making her character relatable and engaging. Although the movie falls short on nuance and restraint, Robert shines in a standout performance that further establishes her as one of Hollywood’s most talented leading ladies. She draws the audience into the emotional complexities of the character’s struggle to break free from the confines of an abusive marriage.
18
‘Waitress’ (2007)
Keri Russell movingly captured the never-ending fear and anguish an abuse victim faces every day in the powerful dramedy Waitress, in which she portrays Jenna Hunterson, a young woman and diner worker trapped in a volatile marriage with her abusive husband Earl (Jeremy Sisto), who finds herself at a crossroads when she is faced with an unwanted pregnancy that makes her feel even more stuck in her small southern town.
Waitress poignantly showcases the reality of being trapped in a violent relationship, as Earl is both emotionally and physically abusive and controls every dollar she brings in, chipping away at her self-esteem and rendering her cornered with few options. Jenna tries to hide money and plot her escape, but upon becoming pregnant, she realizes just how much she has lost herself in the endless cycle of abuse.
17
‘This Boy’s Life’ (1993)
Hollywood legends Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio starred in their first on-screen collaboration together when they appeared in the coming-of-age drama This Boy’s Life, an adaptation of Tobias Wolff’s eponymous memoir that takes place in the 1950s and centers on nomadic mother Caroline Wolff (Ellen Barkin) and her son Toby (DiCaprio) as she sets out to settle down and provide him with stability by marrying the seemingly kind and successful Dwight Hansen (De Niro).
It doesn’t take long until Dwight’s true personality reveals itself, as he begins to grow domineering and abusive towards Toby, with Caroline remaining by her husband’s side and enduring the tumultuous relationship for years, and putting up with the domestic terror. The mother and son eventually realize that in order to ever have a chance at true happiness and a violence-free life, they must escape Dwight’s rage, as Caroline finally takes a stand against his oppression. This Boy’s Life harrowingly depicts domestic violence and the psychological effects it can have on both bystanders and the person being abused.
16
‘Alice, Darling’ (2023)
Delving into the haunting mental and emotional side effects of a psychologically abusive relationship and the immense strength and courage it takes a victim to finally leave their abuser, Alice, Darling stars Anna Kendrick as a woman who is compelled to reexamine her relationship with her domineering boyfriend Simon after she enjoys a much-needed getaway with her close friends that forces her to look at her codependency habits and try to break her unhealthy patterns.
Alice, Darling highlights the power of women supporting women and the importance of friendship, as those closest to the struggling protagonist can clearly see the glaring red flags and telltale signs of an unhealthy, controlling relationship. The engrossing psychological thriller chronicles Alice’s anxious energy, nervous habits, and uncertainty as she is finally away from Simon’s stifling presence and can focus on her own wants and needs, with the vacation helping her find the inner strength to walk away and come to terms with her toxic and abusive partner.
15
‘Precious’ (2009)
Gabourey Sidibe made her phenomenal acting debut when she appeared as the struggling titular character in Lee Daniels’ Oscar-winning drama Precious, which provides audiences with a gut-wrenching look at the never-ending sexual, physical, and verbal abuse 16-year-old Precious is subjected to at the hands of her cruel and volatile mother (Mo’Nique) and her absent father Carl, whom she is horrifically impregnated by. Precious fights to turn her life around despite facing unfathomable hurdles, heartaches, and adversity standing in her way.
Precious is not for the faint of heart and is an extremely tough film to watch from beginning to end, as viewers are forced to witness the unfathomable atrocities and abuse the teenager endures by those closest to her. Her resilience and desire to escape the suffocating physical and emotional trauma inflicted on her by her mother are both uplifting and stomach-churning, as the young woman perseveres and comes out the other end triumphant. Precious provides a harsh and revealing look at urban abuse while also presenting a moving tale of determination, grit, and ultimately hope.
14
Dangerous Intentions (1995)
Dangerous Intentions tackled the issue of domestic violence in 1995, a period when such themes were relatively new in cinema. The movie, based on a true story, chronicles a woman’s struggle with an abusive spouse, unsupportive parents, and a legal system that fails to shield her. This movie’s vintage origin makes it intriguing, highlighting problems that persist in contemporary society, such as victim-blaming.
Despite its age, the film remains relevant, shedding light on enduring issues faced by abuse survivors. It serves as a potent reminder of individuals’ challenges within oppressive relationships and societal structures. Dangerous Intentions resonates with audiences due to its realistic themes and a wonderfully nuanced and sincere depiction of an abuse victim by actor Donna Mills.
13
‘Bleeder’ (1999)
Nicolas Winding Refn, the acclaimed Danish filmmaker, crafted a lesser-known but exceptional film following his iconic Pusher. Bleeder revolves around a young alcoholic who takes sadistic pleasure in violent movies. His relationship turns abusive upon discovering his partner’s pregnancy, pushing him to the brink of madness.
The impending life changes trigger his rage and frustration, resulting in disturbing and unsettling moments. While not as popular as his other works, Bleeder stands out as one of Refn’s superior films, delving into the dark corners of human emotions and relationships. This underrated gem from the ’90s has the power to haunt viewers’ thoughts long after they’ve seen it. For fans of Mads Mikkelsen, the movie is one of his best supporting roles, in which he plays an introverted cinephile.
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