Could this film be the start of a whole new era for the psychological thriller genre, or is it just a fleeting enigma?
History of Psychological Thriller
The genre of “thriller” is used in entertainment - literary, film or otherwise - works that utilize suspense, tension and excitement to color plot devices. These attributes stimulate the viewer's moods causing them feel anticipation, ultra-heightened expectations, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and most often, terror. The most common use of subgenre to thriller is mystery, crime and psychological thrillers, however there are also many other subgenres. Psychological thrillers often being the most terrifying.
If literary thriller is more your speed however, then you are more likely to be familiar with author Stephen King. Having written approximately 59 novels - many of which have been optioned for film or television adaption - you cannot discuss psychological thrillers. Though many people could list off several of his acclaimed novels, one of the novels that is always listed is “It.” A terrifying novel about a “demonic entity of evil” that lures children to their doom by taking the form of a pantomime clown. This novel deals with themes such as childhood trauma and - in my opinion - excessive violence, especially towards children. The most recent film adaption is the most literally accurate adaptations and it has already been optioned for the sequel, which has never been successful in a filmed version.
This sort of psychological thriller displays the other side from Hitchcock. While Hitchcock terrified an audience with the fears of their own mind, King went above and beyond to show you exactly what you should be terrified of.
What Makes this Film Revolutionary
Recently, I have found myself enjoying thrillers less and less because films categorized as thrillers are often more gore and less intellectual stimulation. This all changed, however, when I went to see John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place.” A film that uses sound more than anything else to scare views and make them so terrified to make noise themselves as they watch the film. When I went to the film it was one of the weirdest and surreal experiences I have had. Now do not panic, if you still haven’t seen the film - to which I can only wholeheartedly recommend you change immediately - there will be no plot spoilers below, only an analysis of themes and character choices.
The rest of the film is fairly simplistic in structure as sound is not only related to the audience as a key theme through the title, but this whole plot depends upon sound as the thing to be scared of. It was so bad at one point in the film, that you could have heard a pin drop in a full, sold out theater. No one wanted to eat any popcorn or sip any drink; coughs and sneezes were stifled, and no one dared to move in their seats. This level of complete and utter terror that filled the auditorium was almost as stunning as the film itself.
Final Thoughts
Films and literature are made to entertain, educate, inspire, and stir up emotion. This film makes you think as well as terrifying you to the core. This film is a huge success that I can only hope continues as similar writers are given chances to debut this kind of content.
I mean, who would’ve guessed that Jim from “The Office” was able to convey such emotion, and stir up such feeling of despair, terror, and unbridled emotion in every showing.