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psychological thrillers

In an article about "Don't Let Her Stay" by Nicola Sanders, main character Joanne treads down steps, holding her child Evie.

‘Don’t Let Her Stay’ Should Be Your Next Thriller Read

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

The book that debuted earlier this year is officially trending.…

August 4, 2023

An image from Donnie Darko showing Donnie and Elizabeth Darko seated alongside Frank the Rabbit in a movie theater.

Celebrating ‘Donnie Darko’ 22 Years Later

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

Jake Gyllenhaal's breakout performance makes this film a cult classic.…

January 19, 2023

In an article about Smile, an illustration of a character

‘Smile’ Is a Unique, Refreshing Horror Film Coming to Theaters Soon

Morgan Thomas, Wayne State University

Everything you need to know about the cast, plot, trailer and director of the psychological thriller before its September debut.…

August 24, 2022

in an article about psychological thriller series, a screenshot from Sharp Objects

5 Female-Led Crime and Psychological Thriller Series That Are Stream-Worthy

Lena Bramsen, The New School

For too long, women have been portrayed as damsels in distress on television. However, these leading ladies change that narrative, taking charge of the situation at hand.…

May 31, 2022

Photo of Leda sitting on the beach from The Lost Daughter

‘The Lost Daughter’ Advertises Thrills, but Instead Offers Self-Reflection

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

At first glance, the film appears to be an exciting psychological thriller, but I only found myself disappointed about what it was lacking.…

January 20, 2022

Photo of characters from the movie Nightmare Alley

‘Nightmare Alley’ Reimagines a Thrilling Noir Classic a Second Time

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

The 1946 book gets another film adaptation courtesy of Guillermo del Toro.…

January 5, 2022

Last Night in Soho

‘Last Night in Soho’ Isn’t the Film Fans Expected From Edgar Wright

Tori Barney, Columbia College Chicago

While the psychological horror movie had great potential as a haunting ghost story set in the 1960s, fans of the film's director were let down in theaters.…

December 27, 2021

malignant

Could ‘Malignant’ Become a New Cult Horror Classic?

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

'Saw' director James Wan’s original new horror film left audiences divided in their opinions, but the third act twists gave unanimous satisfaction.…

October 24, 2021

For an article about elevated horror, an illustration depicts iconography from different psychological thrillers: a woman from Midsommar, the hovering Babadook, and the devil goat from The Witch.

Does Elevated Horror Really Exist?

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Or are they just thrillers? Either way, the success of these films is undeniable.…

August 14, 2021

An illustration of a main character of Shiva Baby.

‘Shiva Baby’ Masterfully Depicts a Rollercoaster of Emotions

Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

Seligman's acclaimed debut takes the audience on a wild ride as the main character encounters more than she bargained for at a shiva service.…

May 8, 2021

Ratched. (Image via Google Images)

‘Ratched’ Offers a Stark Portrayal of Mental Health and Gender in the 1940s

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The show provides a captivating history of what it meant to be a woman in the middle of the 20th century.…

November 7, 2020

The Devil All the Time

‘The Devil All the Time’ Is a Violent yet Beautiful Film

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Antonio Campos’ newest movie depicts intense violence, yet wrestles with even more touching emotions.…

October 8, 2020

The cover of The Third Hotel by Laura van den Berg

‘The Third Hotel’ Is Strangely Relevant During These Uncertain Times

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

The psychological realism of Laura van den Berg's second book parallels the isolation many are feeling during the pandemic.…

August 1, 2020

Screenshot from Time to Hunt

‘Time to Hunt’ Is a South Korean Heist Film About Class Struggle

Nanda Illahi, Okayama University

This action movie examines the discontent boiling beneath the surface of the Korean economic powerhouse.…

June 4, 2020

Joe Goldberg in "You"

Should You Feel Sorry For Joe Goldberg of ‘You’?

Kayla Placide, University at Buffalo

Why is the murdering main character of the Netflix show garnering so much sympathy?…

March 4, 2020

Netflix’s “You”

What We Know About Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘You’

Charlotte Susser, University of Chicago

It gives us plenty to theorize about, for sure. Spoilers ahead.…

August 12, 2019

Secret Obsession

‘Secret Obsession’ Is a Less-Than-Thrilling Psychological Thriller

Carli Moses, Union University

It’s just not a good movie, regardless of the genre you place it in.…

August 5, 2019