For decades, thrillers have enjoyed an extraordinary connection with audiences by brilliantly distilling their most pervasive fears and anxieties. The genre is rife with suspense and emotional manipulation. It has produced cinema that excites and evokes a profound emotional response in viewers, often by tapping into the collective subconscious. The 1944 movie Gaslight has given us another popular cultural touchstone. In fact, it was even responsible for the origination of the term “gaslighting,” a practice of emotional abuse. From the opening scene, this classic thriller shines. Its political depiction of America’s broken immigration system powerfully impacts viewers’ hearts and minds while reflecting society’s issues.
Gaslight, released more than 80 years ago, stars Ingrid Bergman in an Oscar-winning role that continues to influence today’s conversations about emotional manipulation and coercive control in relationships. Thrillers have provided the most enduring contributions to cinematic language and psychology. They profoundly influence public discussion on the issues of emotional abuse.
Thrillers, too—like the best crime novels—draw the reader in with characters placed in high stakes, dangerous circumstances. These conditions create high-stakes encounters where cops’ worst phobias are on display. One very typical story arc follows a protagonist as they attempt to locate a deceased person’s lost soul. This path usually culminates in a dramatic faceoff with a major perp. This archetype rules the roost in the genre. It’s a story that beautifully illustrates how far a mother will go to keep her daughter safe.
In 2018, directors such as the Safdie brothers redefined what a thriller looked like. They provide a singular, “heart-racing” aesthetic that really courts audiences. Their film “Uncut Gems” exemplifies this approach, featuring Adam Sandler as a high-stakes gambler navigating a treacherous world filled with risky bets and violent repercussions. Critics have labeled it “quite possibly the most stressful movie of all time,” capturing the essence of anxiety that thrillers can evoke.
One more great recent example is Her Smell, which features a brilliant performance from Elisabeth Moss as a toxic rock star descending into delusion and darkness. The film’s ability to draw viewers into the character’s turmoil has garnered praise, with one critic noting, “What is brilliant about the film is how Perry stops just short of total alienation.” This embodies a fear that many thrillers walk the tightrope of, between viewer engagement and moral discomfort.
Most recently “Fall” joined the recent gems in the genre. It was released in 2022 but has such an engaging premise that audiences are still drawn into its artistically genius, yet deceptively simple world. The piece addresses what it means to live in fear, simply trying to survive. Its austere presentation emphasizes just how much even a limited space can increase dread and fear.
“Full Time” tells the story of single motherhood like a thriller. Laure Calamy’s hand-to-mouth character makes her way, and her story into a sensational thriller. This bold and unflinching depiction strikes a chord with audiences who relate to these struggles. The film exemplifies how thrillers can address real-world issues while maintaining an element of suspense.
The pursuit of intricately drawn interpersonal dynamics is just as common in literary, character-driven thrillers. Jody says that he loves his girlfriend Yvette. While at the same time he cannot stop himself from womanizing, portraying the emotional truth that life’s contradictions often lie within ourselves. Narratives like these encourage audiences to reflect upon their own definitions of love and loyalty.
The genre is effective and blunt in its social critique, as seen through the magnificent film “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.” This movie took the Palme d’Or for its blistering depiction of a young woman’s struggle to obtain a black-market abortion in late 1980s Romania. The film’s raw portrayal of desperation and moral dilemmas serves as a powerful commentary on women’s rights and autonomy.
“Clockwise” takes a humorous approach to the elements of a classic thriller. John Cleese is brilliant as a beleaguered headmaster who runs all over town trying to get to an all-important speech. This film serves as a perfect example of how thrillers can mix tension with comedy, giving viewers a unique roller coaster of emotions.