Exploring Thriller Movies
The term “thriller” carries with it an undeniable sense of thrills and chills. It is synonymous with gripping suspense and mystery that entices viewers to the edge of their seats. While the genre covers a wide spectrum of different styles of film, thrillers all focus on a certain level of excitement for their viewers. Of course, every person has their own preferences, but there are some classic thriller movies that have influenced the genre and are generally respected and well-received.
One such classic is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, released in 1960. It is considered to be partly responsible for the popularization of the slasher genre in film, where the villain is often a disturbed individual such as a psychopath or killer. It tells the story of a young receptionist at a motel who stumbles into a web of deception and danger as she investigates its strange owner. Certainly a thrilling classic, Psycho is a must-see for any fan of the genre.
In more modern times, a film that is often touted as among of the greatest thrillers of all time is the psychological drama Shutter Island. The movie follows an investigator from the U.S. Marshal Service sent to solve a mysterious disappearance at a mental hospital. Suspenseful twists and turns occur throughout this masterpiece, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone who is willing to take the journey.
Se7en is another thriller worth noting. Released in 1995, this film follows detectives on the trail of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins to send a message to society. Despite the dark subject matter, Se7en manages to keep its audience riveted and captivated, producing moments of sheer terror.
Many would argue that one of the greatest current-day thrillers is also one of the most successful franchises in film history: The Bourne Trilogy. All three movies follow a former CIA agent gone rogue as he battles to survive against his former employers and uncover the secrets of his own past. The combination of the fast-paced action and the deep exploration of the characters makes the trilogy irresistible for viewers who crave the suspense and adrenaline associated with the genre.
Popular Thriller Subgenres
In addition to the classic thrillers, there are various thriller subgenres that are also noteworthy. One popular subgenre is the mystery thriller, which usually involves detective work or criminal investigation of some kind. Films such as Memento, a neo-noir thriller about a man trying to recover his lost memory, are a good example of this type of genre.
The suspense thriller is another popular subgenre, which typically concerns protagonists in high-stakes situations that contain elements of risk or danger. A classic example of this is Jaws, the 1975 blockbuster classic that tells the story of a man-eating great white shark terrorizing a small town.
Another classic example is the espionage thriller, which typically involves geopolitical intrigue, secret agents, and international conspiracies in stories of espionage and crime. Films like the Bond series and The Spy Who Loved Me are prime examples of this subgenre.
The conspiracy thriller is a subgenre of thriller movies that deals primarily with any perceived wrongdoing by a group or organization of devious individuals. Movies like The Parallax View or The DaVinci Code are good examples of this type of thriller.
Finally, there is the horror thriller, which combines both horror and thriller elements in a variety of ways. Typically, this genre survives on scares and suspense and involves villains such as vampires, werewolves, and zombies. An excellent example of this is The Silence of the Lambs, which tells the story of recruitment of a young FBI agent to pursue a serial killer.
New Thriller Offerings
As the thriller genre continues to evolve, audiences are constantly presented with new and exciting offerings. Films such as Gravity and Ex Machina strive for originality, depicting stories that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
Other offerings include Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, both of which tell stories of intricate deceit and betrayal, while Get Out and Mindhunters manage to evoke both horror and suspense in gripping ways.
One of the most interesting new offerings is A Quiet Place, a survival horror thriller that tells the story of a family living in a world where sound is used as a weapon by a monstrous force. Using minimal sound and excellent suspense, this movie has become a cult classic in recent popular culture.
Horror/Thriller Films That Push the Boundaries
For viewers seeking something even more intense and daring, there are horror/thriller films that are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Us and Hereditary are two examples of horror/thrillers that rely heavily on horror and dark themes to create an air of terror and creepiness, and
Cabin in the Woods and The Invisible Man will also keep viewers on the edge of their seats with their unique tales of suspense and fear.
In addition, there are several classic horror/thriller films, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Shining (both of which have been recently remade). These films offer a gripping combination of horror and thrills and manage to shock and amaze viewers to this day despite their age.
Modern Thrillers Involving Technology
The current age of technology has enabled filmmakers to explore entirely new realms in the thriller genre, leading to films such as Searching and Unfriended, which depict protagonists forced to rely on virtual media and technology to outwit villains. With an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue and an exploration of the dark side of technology, these films will captivate those looking for something different.
The recent hit Black Mirror is also a must-see for thriller fans. This visual anthology series looks at how technology has a tendency to encroach safety and privacy and takes that exploration even further with its unique blend of science fiction and suspense.
Conclusion
Overall, there is no shortage of thrillers to watch. From classic films like Psycho to modern offerings such as A Quiet Place, the genre certainly has something to appeal to everyone. Furthermore, with new technology in play, viewers are constantly presented with new and innovative thrillers that make the genre even more captivating.
