Overview
Marriage thrillers are a type of suspense movie genre in which a story revolves around a pair of married couples. These movies are packed with drama, mystery and intense excitement. The genre of marriage thrillers has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years, with many critically acclaimed movies and suspenseful stories having become cult classics. From marriage-gone-awry stories to dark tales of betrayal and retribution, marriage thrillers are becoming a genre of their own. In this article, we’ll explore the common themes, plotlines and tropes found in marriage thriller movies.
Definition
Marriage thrillers are typically suspense movies in which the actions of the main protagonists revolve around the circumstances of a married couple. The narrative of marriage thrillers often focus on a couple’s struggles and the emotions they experience. The genre also explores themes of marital betrayal and deceit, broken trust and changing dynamics between spouses. Marriage thrillers are usually predicated on some form of external force or threat that is used to ignite suspense and tension.
History
The genre of marriage thrillers has been around since the silent film era. Classic films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rebecca’ and ‘Notorious’ feature married couples in the midst of dramatic and suspenseful conflict. However, it was not until the late 1980s and early 1990s that the genre began to gain its footing as a commercial success. Movies such as ‘The War of the Roses’ and ‘Fatal Attraction’ propelled marriage thrillers into the mainstream and quickly became cult classics.
Common plotlines
Marriage thrillers are often known for their creative plotlines, dramatic twists and intense suspense. Common plotlines found in marriage thrillers include infidelity, betrayal, revenge and redemption. Many marriage thrillers also feature some form of plot twist, in which the viewers are taken into uncharted territory and forced to confront unexpected outcomes. Many of these films also explore the dark side of relationships, focusing heavily on the psychological and emotional effects of marital tensions.
Tropes
Marriage thrillers rely heavily on the use of tropes to build suspense and keep viewers engaged. Common examples of tropes found in marriage thrillers include the antagonist as a ‘femme fatale’ or a ‘sympathetic villain’, the ‘unreliable narrator’ and the ‘happy ending’. Tropes are often used to heighten the suspense and generate an emotional response in the audience. Moreover, they can also be used to provide subtext and symbolism to the story.
Stylistic conventions
Marriage thrillers often feature stylistic elements that help define the genre. These elements include the use of darkness, contrast, and suspenseful music. Additionally, many marriage thrillers feature chronological jumps and unexpected plot twists to keep the audience guessing. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to find stylistic elements such as voice-over narration and shifting perspectives in marriage thrillers.
Themes
Marriage thrillers often explore the darker side of relationships, and the various challenges couples face in the journey of their marriage. Examples of these themes include betrayal, mistrust, communication breakdown and unhealthy power dynamics. These themes often reflect the underlying challenges of modern relationships and provide an accessible avenue for viewers to grapple with complex emotions.
The importance of respect
Marriage thrillers often promote the importance of respect and empathy in relationships. By exploring challenges such as communication breakdown and unhealthy power dynamics, they spotlight the need to show respect towards one’s partner and to be considerate of their feelings. This can be seen in movies such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ in which protagonists struggle to find their voice and build communication bridges.
Conclusion
Marriage thrillers are becoming increasingly popular due to their suspenseful storylines and intricate plotlines. They explore the darker side of relationships and delve into the complexities of marriage. The genre’s main themes revolve around betrayal, trust and the importance of respect and empathy. Ultimately, marriage thrillers remind us that marriage is a delicate journey, and it takes tremendous effort, compromise and mutual love for couples to stay connected and in love.
Modern Representations
Modern marriage thrillers, such as “Gone Girl” and “Girl on the Train” illustrate complex gender dynamics and shifting power dynamics in relationships. These movies portray marriages in which gender stereotypes are challenged and broken down. Moreover, they provide insight into the often-overlooked issues related to power and control in modern marriages.
Social Impact
Marriage thrillers have had a positive social impact, in that they have helped to raise awareness about issues such as marital infidelity, power abuse and mistreatment. These movies often showcase the ugly face of marriage and how conflict and mistrust can tear apart a relationship. Moreover, they illustrate how even the strongest of marriages are not immune to the perils of strained communication and broken trust.
Innovations
The revival of the genre of marriage thrillers has brought about a wave of innovation. Movies such as “Gone Girl” and “Girl on the Train” have pushed the boundaries of what a marriage thriller can be, featuring unexpected plot twists, unconventional protagonists and layered characterization. By introducing new elements such as unreliable narrators and unique protagonists, these movies have opened the doors for more creativity and experimentation within the genre.
Common Tropes
A common trope found in marriage thrillers is the “unreliable narrator”. This trope is employed when the protagonist’s story or perspective is unreliable or untruthful. It is often used to create suspense and to drive the plot forward in unexpected ways. Another common trope found in marriage thrillers is the “happy ending”. In this trope, the protagonists triumph over their obstacles, often by communicating and renewing their commitment to each other.
Psychology of Marriage Thrillers
Marriage thrillers often explore the emotional complexities of relationships and the psychological effects of conflict and mistrust. They often showcase the emotional strain that marriage can put on a couple, and the various ways in which couples grapple to make their relationship work. The psychological elements of marriage thrillers are often explored through characters’ conflicting motivations and mental states.
Symbolism in Marriage Thrillers
One of the elements that makes marriage thrillers stand out is its use of symbolism. Common symbols found in the genre include light and darkness, metaphors of opening and closing doors and the writing of letters. These symbols are often used to convey complex emotions and to provide subtle clues to the audience about the story’s direction. By exploring these symbols, marriage thrillers often provide viewers with greater insight into the relationships between characters.
