15 Mind-Bending Movies Like Shutter Island
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 3:10 pm
A Cure for Wellness: A Shutter Island-Esque Thriller Deserves a Second Look
Gore Verbinski's 2016 film, "A Cure for Wellness," shares striking similarities with Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller, "Shutter Island," according to a recent analysis. The film, which features Dane DeHaan and Mia Goth, is a modern thriller that explores themes of mental instability and isolation within a remote medical setting.
The analysis highlights the shared characteristics between the two films, noting that both place their protagonists in isolated medical facilities where they experience a sense of mania. Both movies delve into the effects of neurosis and the breakdown of mental stability. "A Cure for Wellness" is praised for its gothic and clinical aesthetic, creating an atmosphere of dread and tension.
Verbinski, known for his work on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise and the remake of "The Ring," returned to the horror genre with "A Cure for Wellness." The film's atmosphere and performances are noted as key elements in creating a sense of unease. Despite its merits, the film was not widely embraced upon its initial release. This may explain why Verbinski's upcoming project, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," will be his first film in nearly a decade.
BNN's Perspective: While "A Cure for Wellness" may not have achieved the same level of recognition as "Shutter Island," the analysis suggests it offers a compelling exploration of similar themes. The film's visual style and focus on psychological tension make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. It's unfortunate that the film was overlooked upon its release, and hopefully, this renewed attention will encourage viewers to discover this underrated thriller.
Keywords: A Cure for Wellness, Shutter Island, Gore Verbinski, Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, psychological thriller, horror, mental instability, isolation, gothic aesthetic, film analysis, movie review, underrated film