Raised by Australian director Kim Farrant and based on the eponymous book by Sarah Alderson, “The Weekend Away” is an unlikely crime film that plunges its audience into the vortex of a sinister plot. Following the disappearance of her best friend Kate, Beth’s weekend in Croatia ends in disaster. As the story unfolds, the killers seem to hide behind the most unexpected faces. The film conceals themes such as brotherly friendship, family scandal, police corruption and immigration. If you’re looking to see other movies that walk along the line, we have a few suggestions in mind. You can watch most of these movies similar to “The Weekend Away” on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
7. Mama Mia! (2008)
Phyllida Lloyd directed the jukebox romantic comedy film “Mamma Mia!” Based on Catherine Johnson’s 1999 musical of the same name, the story contains a fun premise. Sophie Sheridan plans to have a destination wedding on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. She invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding to discern her father’s identity. With a star-studded cast of Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan, and filled with classic numbers from Swedish pop-rock giants ABBA, the film features the perfect comedic concoction. “The Weekend Away” was filmed in Croatia, and if you want to get another glimpse of this beautiful country, this is the movie you should add to your to-do list.
6. Side Effects (2013)
Steven Soderbergh’s psychological thriller “Side Effects” always keeps viewers nervous. After being administered a strange new antidepressant, socialite Emily stabs her husband, Martin, to death. Dr. Jonathan Banks investigates his case and his colleagues ostracize him for mistreatment. It seems that Emily is the victim of a plot that is beyond her. However, at times Emily appears to be faking her illness. The entire cast features familiar faces from the industry, such as Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law and Catherine Zeta-Jones. At one point, we’re led to believe that Beth is the murderer in “The Weekend Away,” and if you want to see another mystery that has you on your toes, this movie would get your money’s worth.
5. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Directed by Karyn Kusama, the comedic horror film “Jennifer’s Body” has become a classic in its own right. Needy and Jennifer have been friends for as long as Needy can remember, although they have little in common. Jennifer takes Needy to a bar gig for emo punk rock band Low Shoulder, but they get way too drunk. Needy doesn’t remember much after a fire at the bar, but Jennifer shows a voracious appetite. Gradually, Needy realizes that Jennifer may be possessed. The film taps into a niche subculture with Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried headlining the acting department. If after “The Weekend Away” you’re looking to watch another movie about the unnatural death of a best friend, this movie hits the right spot.
4. Synonyms (2019)
Israeli director Nadav Lapid painted a nuanced picture of refugee life in the original French comedy-drama ‘Synonymes’. Yoav, in his twenties, flees Israel, his country of origin, because he despises compulsory military service. He is a man of peace and words, although a little short of money. He intends to conquer Parisian elegance with his Franco-Israeli dictionary, and the titular synonyms remain at the top of his tongue. A girl and her brother let Yoav stay at home, and Yoav’s life seems to be at a crossroads. If you’re looking for another movie that chronicles the lives of refugees after “The Weekend Away,” this movie will be plenty entertaining.
3. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
Woody Allen constantly portrays scandals in a bittersweet way and with his all-pervading comedic presence, if you allow it. Documentary filmmaker Cliff Stern, still unsure of his life, visits eye doctor Judah. The doctor has a demanding mistress who threatens to reveal his secret to his wife. Judah can’t let this happen, and his brother, Jack, has an ingenious plan to assassinate the mistress. With background music by Franz Schubert and characterized by an existential preoccupation, the film contains an almost perfect recipe for urban satire. “The Weekend Away” develops a similar premise, and if you want to look at the tested trope from another angle, this is the movie you should consider.
2. Thelma and Louise (1991)
English filmmaker Ridley Scott is best known for his sci-fi movies, but “Thelma and Louise” is an example of Scott being a good detective filmmaker. Louise is an independent waitress whose experience has taught her not to trust men. On the other hand, Thelma is a submissive woman whose marriage is nearly in tatters. The two women embark on a fishing trip to break up with the monotony of life. However, after encountering a predator at a bar, the fishing trip goes haywire and the two become wanted criminals. If you liked the contrasting characters of Beth and Kate in “The Weekend Away,” this is a movie that will keep you entertained.
1. Mulholland Drive (2001)
David Lynch often creates mystery out of the mundane, and the psychological thriller “Mulholland Drive,” which is arguably his magnum opus, is hardly an exception. Struggling actress Betty reunites with Rita, who survived an accident but can’t remember anything from her past. When Betty delves deeper to uncover Rita’s identity, she remembers a few things about their intertwined past. Lynch’s circumlocutive narration does the material justice, the contrasting colors play with the psyche, and Naomi Watts delivers her career-best performance as Betty Elms. If you’re looking to follow another thriller mystery dotted with promises of friendship after “The Weekend Away,” this is a movie you should head to.
Read more: The end of the weekend, explained
