#Psychological thrillers

[hadesoftheladies]

FEMALE MOVIE/TV RECS (PART 5 / HORROR & CRIME DRAMA)

got inspired from a recommendation post so decided to make a list of movies and shows with female-centric stories/female protagonists. since i can't post all of the genres in one post, i'll split it into multiple posts and y'all can save or add to the list as you wish. (disclaimer: i have watched most of these, but i only know about the existence of others. not every movie/show on these lists will be my recommendation. my recommendations will be beneath the list with reasons. also some of these are way better than others in terms of storytelling/performance--which is why i'll list my faves separately):

Common Themes:

-Dangerous girls (they ain't innocent)/ girlhood as violent

-Stressed out and melancholic female detectives and authors (lots of drinking/smoking)

-Mothers who've seen too fucking much to play games/I'm a good mother until it doesn't let up

-Women handling shit/getting shit done

-Mothers who didn't want to be mothers but here we fucking are so might as well handle shit

-Evil women who are also unfortunately hot

-Female sociopaths (not always negatively portrayed)

HAVEN'T WATCHED

The Royal Hotel

The Silent Twins

The Kitchen

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

I'm Thinking of Ending Things

Sharp Objects

Killing Eve

Abigail

Heavenly Creatures

A Quiet Place Part 2

Panic Room

Alice, Darling

Blood Red Sky

Rust Creek

The Marsh King's Daughter

Pearl

Longlegs

GOOD STUFF (NEVER WATCHING AGAIN THOUGH!)

Bad Sisters (8/10) (sisters plan to kill their sister's abusive husband)

Yellowjackets (9/10) (love as cannibalism)

Candy (7.5/10) (she's just a killer lol)

Cruella (6.5/10)(help my mom is a narcissist and it's hereditary)

Jennifer's Body (7/10) (boys aren't people lmao)

Bird Box (8/10)

Under the Bridge (8/10)

PERSONAL NOTES

I watched Tragedy Girls years ago, and I remember being grossed out and having a lot of fun as well. If you like Jennifer's Body, you'll probably like Tragedy Girls, too. And if you like Tragedy Girls, you may also enjoy Thoroughbreds. All three have a twisted sense of girlpower.

The Call isn't scary so much as its nerve-wracking and upsetting. It's not gory (although there is violence), but it deals with heavy subject matter. I can, however, promise a satisfying ending. Even though I doubt it would put you at ease.

Horror is my least favourite genre so bear that in mind. I just hate jump scares (because I hate being startled) and I don't like gore though there are times where it doesn't bother me so much. So this is definitely not an exhaustive list on horror recs. Crime is as close as I usually get to such dark stuff so I put the dark crimes, psychological thrillers and horrors together. I don't even want to talk about these that much because I'm nauseous already.

Watch at your own risk.

[thecallsheet]

'Hurry Up Tomorrow' starring Barry Keoghan, Jenna Ortega, & The Weeknd Releases its Trailer

The film is a psychological thriller about an insomniac musician's encounter with a mysterious stranger that leaves him grappling with "the very core of his existence".

The film is based on The Weeknd's (Abel Tesfaye) album of the same name.

Trey Edward Shults (Waves, It Comes at Night) will direct.

In theaters May 16th, 2025.

[marvelstarwarshero]

Every single movie that has a child and an evil entity, the child warns the adults about the entity and they go "you're making this up everything is fine" and people start dying. Without fail. Any child ever says that to me in real life, I am nope-ing the fuck out of there.

[phosphenemoth]

What's your favorite type of movies ?

The kind that make me go... what the fuck? 🧐 WAIT! What the fuckkkk?!?!? 👀

[inabooknook]

You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen

This story was so captivating. We follow Annie, a woman who loses her mother. However, everything is not as it seems. Annie begins experiencing mental health struggles that she had issues with previously, and the story turns dark fast. This was a thriller that was different and far more interesting than others I read because it looked at the genre from the point of view of someone who had come to the United States from Vietnam as a young child, and experienced far different things than the norm. I really enjoyed the fast pacing, great writing, and different outlook than what I am used to in psychological thrillers I have read before. I would highly recommend grabbing this, as it is sure to be a hit!

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[alysseaallyn]

What Can You Count On?

[theaudiblebookshelf]

Unravel the Mystery of "The Girl Who Was Taken"- Get it Now for Free!

Dive into the gripping world of "The Girl Who Was Taken," a psychological thriller by Charlie Donlea that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This unabridged audiobook, narrated by Nina Alvamar, takes you through a haunting tale of abduction, survival, and the quest for truth.

Set in the small town of Emerson Bay, North Carolina, the story follows two high school seniors, Nicole and Megan, who disappear during a beach party. While Megan miraculously returns after a year, Nicole remains missing. As Megan becomes a national celebrity for her survival story, Nicole's sister, Livia, a forensic pathologist, struggles to cope with her sister's disappearance.

When a new body linked to Nicole's case surfaces, Livia seeks Megan's help to uncover the dark secrets of that fateful night. As they dig deeper, they realize that the truth can be more terrifying than they ever imagined.

With a listening length of 10 hours and 49 minutes, "The Girl Who Was Taken" is a must-listen for fans of suspenseful mysteries filled with twists and emotional depth.

For a limited time, you can enjoy this captivating audiobook for $0.00! Don’t miss your chance to unravel this thrilling tale.

👉 Get your free copy of "The Girl Who Was Taken" now!

Prepare for a journey into the unknown—your next favorite thriller awaits!

[itneedsmoregays]

Happy 30th anniversary, Dolores Claiborne!

Dolores Claiborne was released 30 years ago today!

One of the more underrated Stephen King adaptations, based on a book whose titular character he wrote specially with Kathy Bates in mind after loving her performance in Misery.

[hero-and-villain-world]

The History of Suspense Comics

Ever since I was a kid, suspense comics have held a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about how they blend horror, crime, and chilling tales into one gripping story. My fascination only grew as I learned about their rich evolution over the years. One of the most iconic series, Tales of Suspense, began in 1959 under Atlas Comics. Early issues featured anthology-style stories,…

[ulkaralakbarova]

Watch Trailer for Drop – A Gripping Thriller That Takes First Dates to Terrifying Heights

Drop takes the nerve-wracking tension of a first date and amps it up with a sinister twist that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), this heart-pounding thriller follows a group of unsuspecting individuals as their ordinary evening spirals into chaos. When an unseen, unnamed troll begins targeting them with personal memes that…

[bloseroseone]

Psychological Thriller: Definition, Tips and How to Write

Psychological thrillers are compelling, mind-bending stories that explore the complexity of human conduct. They keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning their assumptions and drawing them into a web of suspense. Let’s dive down what makes this genre so appealing, and how you can master composing it.

What is a Psychological Thriller?

A psychological thriller is a type of fiction that mixes mystery, suspense, and drama. Unlike traditional thrillers, psychological thrillers focus on people’ internal issues rather than external action, examining themes such as fear, morality, and the mind.

Key Elements of a Psychological Thriller

Psychological Depth

Psychological depth is an essential component of a psychological thriller, focusing on the inner workings of characters’ minds. This genre delves into deep emotions, hidden agendas, and mental conflicts, generating a compelling sense of tension. Readers are attracted into the characters’ minds, often questioning their trustworthiness or motives. A psychological thriller captivates and engages the audience by digging into fears, obsessions, and vulnerabilities. Writers can improve this by including vivid internal dialogue and demonstrating how characters’ thoughts influence their actions....Continue reading

[happilylostinwords]

Reviewed: "The Favorites" by Layne Fargo

I spent a possibly alarming part of my late childhood & teenage years obsessed with figure skating. It all started when my 4th grade teacher had us watch the Olympics as homework (best homework ever!) and I loved it all – especially skating. As an elder millennial, the Olympics I first watched where the ’92 Games in Albertville. So when I saw Layne Fargo dedicated The Favorites to Katarina,…

[blumoonfiction-blog]

The Goodreads 2024 Readers' Choice Awards: Adding to My TBR!

As a bibliophile, the Goodreads Readers’ Choice Awards are like a second holiday season. Every year, these awards showcase some of the most celebrated books, as chosen by the massive Goodreads community. For 2024, I had my eye on specific categories: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy, Horror, and History & Biography. While the winners are noteworthy, some of the runners-up and…

[alysseaallyn]

Overcoming Defenses

[psychologicalthriller16]

The Teacher: A Lesson in Twisted Perception and Hidden Truths

Have you ever judged a book by its cover? We all have. Freida McFadden's "The Teacher" takes that concept, throws it into a high school blender, and hits " puree." This psychological thriller isn't your average whodunit; it's a slow burn that will have you questioning everything you think you know, right up until the shocking climax.

We meet Eve, a seemingly ordinary math teacher with a picture-perfect life. But looks can be deceiving. Caseham High, where Eve works, is still reeling from a scandal the previous year – a messy student-teacher affair with a girl named Addie at the center. Everyone seems to have an opinion on Addie: a manipulative liar who thrives on chaos. Eve, however, sees something different.

The story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Eve and Addie, creating a fascinating dance of truth and deception. We see the school through Eve's jaded eyes, a place where passion has died and the spark of learning has dimmed. Addie, on the other hand, is a whirlwind of secrets and barely contained emotions. As their paths collide, the past and present begin to blur, forcing us to re-evaluate everything we thought we knew about the scandal.

McFadden masterfully weaves a web of doubt. Is Eve a beacon of truth in a school drowning in hypocrisy? Or is she simply another player with her own hidden agenda? Is Addie a cunning villain or a victim caught in a web of circumstance? The beauty (and frustration!) of this novel lies in the unreliable narrators. We're constantly second-guessing ourselves, unsure of who to trust.

But "The Teacher" is more than just a guessing game. It's a poignant exploration of human connection, the power of perception, and the scars left by trauma. Eve wrestles with the mundanity of her marriage, yearning for a spark that seems to have vanished. Addie, burdened by a past she desperately wants to outrun, lashes out in a desperate attempt to control the narrative. These are characters we can empathize with, even when their actions are questionable.

McFadden's prose is sharp and evocative. She paints a vivid picture of the high school halls, capturing the claustrophobic tension and simmering emotions that lurk beneath the surface. The story itself is a slow burn, but the suspense never lets up. With every turn of the page, you'll find yourself more invested, desperate to untangle the truth.

If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, "The Teacher" is a must-read. It's a story that will make you question your own perceptions and remind you that sometimes, the most shocking truths are the ones we refuse to see

The #MeToo Twist That Makes You Rethink Everything

Freida McFadden isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects, and "The Teacher" is no exception. The novel throws a #MeToo curveball that adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Without giving away spoilers, let's just say that the lines between victim and villain become hopelessly blurred. This isn't a clear-cut case of good versus evil. It's a messy situation where everyone is playing a part, and the truth is far from black and white.

This twist is more than just a plot device; it forces us to confront our own biases. Have we been too quick to judge Addie? Have we overlooked the possibility that there's more to the story than the school gossip? McFadden masterfully compels us to re-evaluate the situation through a more nuanced lens.

A Story That Stays With You

But "The Teacher" isn't just about the suspense and the shocking reveals. It's a story that stays with you long after you finish the last page. Eve and Addie are complex characters who stay with you. You can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Eve, trapped in a loveless marriage and yearning for something more. Addie, with her hidden pain and desperate need for control, is both infuriating and pitiable.

McFadden doesn't shy away from exploring the emotional fallout of the scandal. We see how it's affected Eve's relationship with her husband, Nate. We witness the lasting damage it's inflicted on Addie. It's a sobering reminder of the ripple effects of trauma and the importance of communication and understanding.

Ultimately, "The Teacher" is a story about the human condition. It's about the masks we wear, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we'll go to protect ourselves. It's a story that will make you think, feel, and question everything you thought you knew. So, grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to be surprised. You won't be disappointed