There's something uniquely captivating about a detective story set in isolation. Whether it's a remote island, a secluded mansion, or an abandoned town, the setting itself becomes a character, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. This collection of films not only showcases the brilliance of detective work but also explores how isolation can amplify the tension and mystery. From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, these films offer a thrilling escape into worlds where every clue counts, and the truth is often more elusive than it seems.

And Then There Were None (1945)
Description: This adaptation of Agatha Christie's famous novel brings together ten strangers on an isolated island, each accused of a crime. As they start dying one by one, the tension and paranoia mount, making it a quintessential isolated detective story.
Fact: The film was remade in 1974 and again in 2015, each time with different twists on the original plot.


The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
Description: Sherlock Holmes investigates the curse of the Baskerville family in this atmospheric film set on the desolate moors of Dartmoor, where isolation and eerie surroundings heighten the mystery.
Fact: This was the first film to feature Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes, setting a standard for future portrayals.


The Last of Sheila (1973)
Description: A group of Hollywood insiders are invited to a yacht for a game of murder mystery, but when the game turns real, the isolated setting of the yacht becomes a trap for secrets and lies.
Fact: The film was co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, making it a unique blend of mystery and showbiz intrigue.


The Others (2001)
Description: In this gothic horror, a woman living in a secluded mansion with her photosensitive children starts to believe their home is haunted, with the isolation of the setting playing a crucial role in the unfolding mystery.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, but the setting was designed to look like an English manor house.


Identity (2003)
Description: Ten strangers are brought together at an isolated motel during a storm, and as they start dying off, their identities and motives are questioned, creating a complex puzzle of isolation and deception.
Fact: The film's twist ending has become a topic of discussion among fans of psychological thrillers.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse working in an isolated Louisiana mansion uncovers dark secrets involving hoodoo magic, with the setting's remoteness adding to the film's eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, utilizing the city's rich history of voodoo and folklore.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: Set in the remote Swedish countryside, this film follows a journalist and a hacker as they investigate a decades-old disappearance, with the isolation of the setting adding to the chilling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was directed by David Fincher, known for his meticulous attention to detail, which is evident in the film's complex narrative.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A young lawyer travels to a remote village and a haunted house to settle the affairs of a deceased client, where isolation and the supernatural intertwine to create a chilling detective story.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was adapted into a successful stage play before becoming a movie.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife in a secluded house, where the isolation of the setting and the guests' pasts create a tense atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia.
Fact: The film was praised for its slow build-up of tension, making the isolated setting a character in itself.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: Two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s descend into madness, making this film a psychological thriller wrapped in isolation.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white, enhancing its eerie, timeless feel.
