Psychological vs. Action Thrillers: What Makes a Great Suspense Film?
Not all thrillers use the same strategies to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Action and psychological thrillers, two of the most popular subgenres, employ different strategies to engage viewers and build suspense; they both generate tension but in different ways.
Character internal struggles are the main subject of psychological thrillers, which frequently examine themes of deceit, identity, and paranoia. To keep viewers guessing, these movies use complex narratives, unreliable narrators, and surprising turns. ‘Black Swan’ (2010) and ‘Se7en’ (1995) are two examples of suspenseful films that make audiences wonder what is real and what is imagined. These flicks are extremely unnerving since the terror frequently stems from psychological manipulation rather than actual physical danger.
A compelling psychological thriller is characterized by a slow-moving plot that progressively reveals the mystery and well-developed characters. Viewers are left feeling both disturbed and involved by the tension that results from what is hidden or unknown.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Action thrillers, on the other hand, keep viewers interested with their fast-paced chases, fierce battle scenes, and dramatic confrontations. The suspense in movies like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) and ‘John Wick’ (2014) is sustained by physical peril, amazing stunts, and unrelenting pacing. The characters battle against insurmountable odds, and the stakes are frequently life-or-death.
An excellent action thriller strikes a balance between narrative and spectacle. Exciting action sequences generate excitement, but the finest movies also build strong characters and high emotional stakes to hold viewers’ attention.
A great thriller builds suspense, surprises the viewer, and draws them into the narrative, whether it is psychological or action-based. The best memorable movies combine aspects of both subgenres to provide an exciting experience that lasts long after the credits have rolled.
–Farheen Ali
