Thrillers typically navigate a journey from point A to point B, often weaving through unexpected twists and turns that challenge the characters at every corner. A talented filmmaker crafting a thriller understands the delicate balance between predictability and surprise, knowing precisely when to provoke specific emotions that enhance the overall thrill. This skillful navigation of emotional landscapes is what makes a film truly exhilarating.
While this breakdown might oversimplify the genre, anyone can recognize a compelling thriller by the sheer excitement it generates. Some films delve into complex narratives, while others take a straightforward approach, transforming simple plots into nail-biting experiences. Below, you will find a curated list of some of the best thrillers, characterized by straightforward pacing and storytelling, starting from the most linear and progressing toward those with slight deviations.
10
‘The Killer’ (2023)
Directed by David Fincher
David Fincher has taken a relatively simplistic plot and transformed it into an intensely gripping film with The Killer. This is significant, considering that many of Fincher’s works are known for their tension and complexity. The narrative revolves around an assassin whose assignment goes awry, forcing him into a perilous situation where he becomes the target of those seeking retribution for his failure.
The film artfully blends action and dark comedy, with the latter stemming from sharp social commentary woven throughout the story. At its essence, this film explores the consequences of mistakes and the desperate measures the protagonist must take to evade his pursuers. In The Killer, the protagonist?s objectives are always clear, although he encounters several challenges that add depth and tension, ensuring the journey is engaging yet mostly linear.
The Killer
- Release Date
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November 10, 2023
- Runtime
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118 Minutes
9
‘Don’t Breathe’ (2016)
Directed by Fede Álvarez
Don’t Breathe encapsulates a primal survival instinct, hinted at in its very title, which succinctly conveys the essence of the film. The narrative revolves around a group of young thieves who, in their quest for a quick score, target the home of a seemingly vulnerable elderly man. However, they soon discover that he is far from defenseless; instead, he is a dangerous adversary capable of hunting them down with brutal efficiency despite his blindness.
This film straddles the line between thriller and horror, effectively delivering a gripping experience in both genres. Fede Álvarez has crafted one of his most intense films to date, showcasing how poor decisions can spiral into desperate situations. The tightly confined setting enhances the tension, as these characters find themselves caught in a struggle for survival against an unexpected foe.
Don’t Breathe
- Release Date
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August 26, 2016
- Runtime
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88minutes
8
‘Death Proof’ (2007)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
It’s important to highlight the linearity of Death Proof, especially since many films by Quentin Tarantino are known for their non-linear narratives. In contrast, Death Proof focuses on a primary antagonist, with each half of the film showcasing his pursuit and terrorization of two distinct groups of women.
One group tragically falls victim to his violent tendencies, while the other group fights back, resulting in spectacular action sequences that elevate the film’s intensity. This mid-point shift in the plot is designed to surprise the audience, yet it does not disrupt the film’s overall linearity. The narrative effectively restarts with enough differences to create a fresh outcome, demonstrating the film’s clever storytelling.
