12 Films about Manipulative and Secretive People, Unexpected Storylines

Kapanlagi.com - Films about manipulative and secretive people always manage to intrigue the audience, as these characters rarely reveal their true intentions from the beginning of the story. They can appear charismatic, friendly, and even enjoyable, while hiding a hidden agenda that only comes to light later.

This genre has its own appeal as the audience is invited to guess who is actually lying, who has a devious plan, and when all the lies will finally be exposed. It's no surprise that the themes of manipulation and secrets have become favorite material for directors of psychological thrillers and high-class dramas in recent years.

Here, Kapanlagi.com summarizes 12 recommendations for films about manipulative and secretive people from various sources, categorized and sorted starting from the most recently released in each category.

1. The Charismatic Manipulator Who Infiltrates Others' Lives

Saltburn (2023). (AI Generated)

1. Saltburn (2023)

Directed by Emerald Fennell, Saltburn tells the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), an Oxford student who becomes obsessed with his wealthy and charismatic classmate, Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Oliver is then invited to spend the summer at Saltburn, Felix's eccentric family estate, and gradually begins to infiltrate every corner of the family's life. The film also stars Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Carey Mulligan.

Saltburn premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, and was released in theaters in the UK and the United States on November 17, 2023, before streaming on Amazon Prime Video at the end of December 2023. Produced by LuckyChap Entertainment, MGM, and MRC, the main reason this film is a must-watch is its ability to subvert audience expectations through shocking and disturbing plot twists, making it one of the biggest talking points of its release season.

2. Parasite (2019)

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite follows the poor Kim family, led by Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), who gradually infiltrate the wealthy Park household by posing as unrelated professionals. The film also stars Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam.

Parasite premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2019, and became the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or, before being released in South Korea on May 30, 2019, by CJ Entertainment. Fun fact, this film later made history as the first foreign language film to win an Oscar for Best Picture, proving how universal the story about social class manipulation is.

3. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Directed by Anthony Minghella based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, this film follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a cunning man sent to Italy to persuade Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), the carefree son of a wealthy family, to return home. Instead of completing his task, Ripley becomes obsessed with Dickie's lifestyle and gradually begins to impersonate him. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

The Talented Mr. Ripley was released in U.S. theaters on December 25, 1999, by Paramount Pictures and Miramax. This classic film is worth watching as it serves as one of the most iconic portrayals of a cunning con artist who is willing to do anything to maintain their false identity, including the most extreme crimes.

2. Dark Secrets Behind Marriage and Relationships

Anatomy of a Fall (2023). (imdb)

4. Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

Directed by Justine Triet, this French film tells the story of Sandra (Sandra Hüller), a novelist suspected of murdering her husband after he is found dead in front of their mountain home. Their visually impaired child, Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner), becomes a key witness in the trial that slowly unravels the secrets of this couple's household. The film also stars Swann Arlaud and Antoine Reinartz.

Anatomy of a Fall premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2023, and won the Palme d'Or, before being released in French theaters on August 23, 2023. This film is worth watching because it allows the audience to conclude for themselves who is honest and who is lying, without ever providing a definite answer until the end of the film.

5. A Simple Favor (2018)

Directed by Paul Feig, this film follows Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a vlogger trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her best friend, Emily (Blake Lively), from their small town. The film also stars Henry Golding as Emily's husband, who helps Stephanie find out the truth.

A Simple Favor was released in U.S. theaters on September 14, 2018, by Lionsgate. Adapted from the novel by Darcey Bell, this film is intriguing to watch as it combines dark comedy with a mystery of friendship filled with lies and dual identities.

6.Gone Girl (2014)

Directed by David Fincher based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this film tells the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) who becomes the prime suspect when his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), suddenly disappears on their wedding anniversary. The film also stars Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon.

Gone Girl premiered at the New York Film Festival on September 26, 2014, and was released in U.S. theaters on October 3, 2014, by 20th Century Fox. Fun fact, the author of the novel Gillian Flynn wrote the screenplay adaptation herself, which keeps the shocking plot twist in the second half of the film intact from the book version.

3. Manipulation in the Workplace and Ambition

Fair Play (2023). (imdb)

7.Fair Play (2023)

Directed by Chloe Domont, this film follows the couple Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) who work at a cutthroat hedge fund, until an unexpected promotion changes the dynamics of their relationship into something much darker. The film also stars Eddie Marsan and Rich Sommer.

Fair Play premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2023, received a limited theatrical release on September 29, 2023, before streaming on Netflix on October 6, 2023. This directorial debut by Chloe Domont is compelling to watch as it explores how career ambition can turn love into jealousy and manipulation.

8.The Menu (2022)

Directed by Mark Mylod, this film follows a couple visiting an exclusive restaurant on a remote island, where the renowned chef, Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), has prepared a lavish menu with horrific surprises for his guests. The film also stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and Hong Chau.

The Menu premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2022, and was released in U.S. theaters on November 18, 2022, by Searchlight Pictures. This film is worth watching as it depicts a leader who manipulates his subordinates through complete control over every detail, including the lives of others.

9. Promising Young Woman (2020)

Directed by Emerald Fennell, this film follows Cassie (Carey Mulligan), a smart woman who secretly leads a double life at night to avenge her past. The film also stars Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, and Jennifer Coolidge.

Promising Young Woman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020, and was released in U.S. theaters on December 25, 2020, by Focus Features. Emerald Fennell's directorial debut is captivating to watch as it uncovers how people around sexual offenders can manipulate situations to protect their own reputations.

4. Con Artists, Liars, and the Puppeteers Behind Schemes

May December (2023). (imdb)

10. May December (2023)

Directed by Todd Haynes, this film follows Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), a television actress who approaches Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband, Joe (Charles Melton), for role research in a film that tells the story of the couple's past scandal. Elizabeth's presence gradually uncovers the lies and old wounds that Gracie has been hiding.

May December premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, had a limited release in theaters on November 17, 2023, before streaming on Netflix on December 1, 2023. This film is worth watching because it showcases two layers of manipulation at once: manipulation within the scandal itself and manipulation through the film-within-a-film being made.

11. Emily the Criminal (2022)

Directed by John Patton Ford, this film follows Emily (Aubrey Plaza), a woman burdened by student debt and struggling to find a job due to minor criminal records, until she eventually gets involved in a credit card fraud scheme with Youcef (Theo Rossi), a charismatic figure who slowly draws her deeper into the criminal world. The film also stars Megalyn Echikunwoke and Gina Gershon.

Emily the Criminal premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2022, and was released in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2022, by Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment. John Patton Ford's directorial debut is fascinating to watch as it shows how economic pressure can push someone to become the architect of their own scam.

12. Knives Out (2019)

Directed by Rian Johnson, this murder mystery film follows detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as he investigates the death of wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), amidst a large family each harboring their own motives and lies. The film also stars Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Toni Collette.

Knives Out premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019, and was released in U.S. theaters on November 27, 2019, by Lionsgate. This film is worth watching because every family member in the story has their own lies, keeping the audience guessing who the real mastermind behind all the chaos is.

5. Common Questions About Manipulative and Secretive People

What are the latest films about manipulative characters?

Saltburn (2023), Anatomy of a Fall (2023), Fair Play (2023), and May December (2023) are some of the latest films featuring manipulative and secretive characters.

What classic film about a master con artist is a must-watch?

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) is often regarded as one of the best classic films about a master con artist who disguises himself to live the lives of others.

Is Parasite considered a film about manipulation?

Yes, Parasite tells the story of a poor family that infiltrates the lives of a wealthy family by manipulating and disguising themselves as professional strangers.

Which films discuss manipulation in the workplace?

Fair Play (2023) and The Menu (2022) both explore themes of manipulation and power dynamics in workplace and professional environments.

What films about dark secrets in marriage are recommended?

Gone Girl (2014), Anatomy of a Fall (2023), and A Simple Favor (2018) present stories of dark secrets that unravel within marriage or close friendships.

(kpl/rao)