Well, movies are a cinematic version of a story that involves a concept or plot with the characters builds around the plot. Some of these stories are based on real events, while most are fiction. This type of cinematic version of storytelling helps us become a part of the film as we are visually connected to the whole film and some way or the other resonate with the characters in the film.
However, what if there’s only one primal character in a film with virtually no supporting cast whatsoever. Is storytelling still possible?
Sounds tough! But, some of the best filmmakers in this cinematic universe have taken this huge risk of making a movie starring a minimal cast without any supporting characters. And, today, I am going to share some of the best movies featuring a minimal cast throughout the film.
Best Movies Starring a Minimal Cast
Gravity
Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts, Gravity is a science-fiction film set in Space. The film is about the astronauts Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Bullock, and veteran Matt Kowalski, played by Clooney, both of whom are stranded in space during an attempt to return to Earth after the mid-orbit destruction of their space shuttle. Whether they survive or die is what forms the rest of the story.
Also read : Movies about Space and other Planets
Moon
Moon is a science fiction film featuring only one actor Sam Rockwell, who plays Sam Bell, a man who experiences an emotional breakdown while he is almost at the end of his 3-year solitary stint mining helium-3 on the far side of the Moon. Saying more would break all the suspense and interesting elements of the film. The best is to watch it yourself.
Open Water
Based on the true events, Open Water is a psychological horror drama film about a couple who have stranded in the middle of the shark-infested sea miles away from the shore, while they are scuba diving in the Caribbean. The film focuses on the fears that inhibits into our minds, while losing the entire control of a doomed scenario and the only thing that circles on the mind is death, not survival.
Paranormal Activity
Paranormal Activity revolves around four characters, out of which two barely had any screen presence time. So, basically, as the title suggests, the film is a supernatural theme film but contains no blood baths, exorcisms, stakes in the heart or any mentions of silver bullets. On the contrary, the film is entirely shot as an independent footage and is presented in a style as “found footage” theme. The two central characters, also a couple, start recording themselves while setting up the cameras everywhere to figure out what’s haunting them in the house.
Cast Away
Cast Away is an epic survival theme film starring Tom Hanks in one of his iconic roles as Chuck Noland. The film is about a man Chuck Noland, who accidentally gets stuck on an island all by himself after his plane’s crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The best part, however, for the film is the conversation that Noland has with a volleyball that he names Wilson, whereas, in reality, he was talking to himself throughout the film.
127 Hours
Based on the true events, 127 Hours is about a real life canyoners Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, who accidentally gets trapped in a cave while exploring the Blue John Canyon, southeastern Utah, in April 2003. During the film, we see him struggle through the misery trying to free himself by all means and at the end cutting his arm off for survival. The film is a much watch for motivation and inspiration, however, it is not recommended for the faint hearted ones.
I Am Legend
I Am Legend is a post-apocalyptic film starring Will Smith, who is the only survivor in the New York City after the whole mankind is wiped out after the outburst of a virus. Will’s character survives the outburst as he is immune to the deadly virus. Will Smith’s character is trying to find a cure with daily recordings of his findings while surviving the phase along with his dog. The other characters in the film are the nocturnal mutants, a rare disease caused by the virus.
Buried
Well, if you are claustrophobic like me, then you are surely not going to watch Buried. However, if you are up for the challenge then Buried can be the film that could test whether you are brave enough to overcome your fears. The film is entirely focused on one man played by Ryan Reynolds, who is buried underground in a coffin. The only things, he has, are a cigarette lighter and a phone, and the entire film is about his attempts on the escape.
Timecrimes
Timecrimes is one of those Best Time Travel Movies that would confuse you throughout the film with no clue whatsoever about what’s actually happening. The film features a minimal cast and focuses entirely on Hector and his different time travel versions. If you prefer to watch this film, then I would warn you that it is one of those utterly confusing films that is capable of messing up your brain by the time you reach the climax.
Also Read : Best Mind Twisting Movies of all the Time
Hard Candy
Hard Candy is a psychological crime thriller movie featuring two prime characters; a 14-year old Hayley Stark and a 32-year old Jeff Kohlver. The film takes a gruesome twist when the teenager Hayley sedates and tortures Jeff while she accuses him of being a pedophile, child rapist, and murderer. The film is so brutal in many ways that by the end of the film, you may sympathize with Jeff even though you know he’s a pedophile.
Your Turn!
Now, Share your favorite Hollywood film with minimal cast or with limited supporting cast.
