CategoryThriller
Psychological thrillers, dark crime and slow-burn suspense — films and series that get under your skin without a single monster.
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Lionsgate has released the trailer for the serial killer thriller Damaged, starring Academy Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. Those who are fans of Jackson won’t be surprised to see him in this type of role. This isn’t the first or even the third time Samuel L. Jackson has played law enforcement. In fact, he has played the role over thirteen times now, including in films such as Snake on a Plane, several movies of the XXX franchise, Shaft, The Negotiator, Lakeview Terrace, and Spiral. Detective Mode: This time, Jackson takes on the role of a Chicago detective with a haunted past. The detective is called upon by the Scottish authorities to lend his expertise in a chilling case. A series of horrific murders with a familiar pattern has left them bewildered. Five years prior, Jackson’s character investigated a similar killing spree in Chicago, and his experience may be the key to stopping this new monster with connections to a cult.
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Sleep (South Korea, 2023) A sleepwalking man becomes a danger to his family in writer/director Jason Yu’s eerie feature Sleep. HyunSu (Lee SunKyun) and SooJin (Jung YuMi) are a married couple expecting their first child. HyunSu begins having bouts of somnambulism that become increasingly disturbing, and when SooJin suspects supernatural influence, tension between the spouses increases. Lee and Jung give solid performances as the troubled couple, and Yu ratchets up the tension well, leading to a highly satisfying third act. The “love conquers all” element is a bit on the nose, but overall the film is a gripping one that fans of occult horror should find well worth a watch. Strange Kindness (U.S., 2024) Writer/director Joseph Mault’s Cape Cod-set thriller Strange Kindness is a meditative feature with political commentary on violence in the United States woven in with family trauma drama. Rose (Leanne McLaughlin) is a young woman helping her reclusive aunt Chris (Deirdre Madigan) with home treatments for Chris’s
Continue reading →
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Get ready for a heart-pounding journey of retribution with Monkey Man, the directorial debut of Academy Award-nominated actor Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire), produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Nope). Patel steps behind the camera and takes center stage as Kid, the protagonist fueled by a relentless pursuit of justice. Inspired by the Strength of Hanuman The film draws inspiration from the legendary “Hanuman,” a Hindu deity symbolizing immense strength and unwavering courage. This influence translates into Kid’s character, a young man forced to endure brutal realities. By night, Kid fights for scraps in a clandestine fight club, his identity hidden behind a gorilla mask. He endures relentless beatings, the scars a constant reminder of his struggles. But beneath the surface simmers a fire of rage, ignited by the murder of his mother and the systemic oppression of the underprivileged. Years of suppressed rage finally reach a boiling point. Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsThriller
Writer/director Annick Blank’s French-language Canadian thriller Hunting Daze blends harshly realistic scenarios with dizzying drug-trip sequences. The result is a fascinating, often disturbing look at toxic masculinity. Sex worker Nina (Nahéma Ricci), after performing for a bachelor party in very rural Quebec, finds herself abandoning the rest of her group in anger and frustration. She asks Kevin (Frédéric Millaire-Zouvi), one of the party members, if she can stay there until a ride can be arranged for her. The group votes that to do so, she must pass some rites and become part of their self-professed wolf pack. Rather than turning into the rape revenge thriller that some might expect, Nina finds herself in no such danger from the group, which parties hard before and after hunting. Another stranger — African man Doudos (Noubi Ndiaye) — shows up, adding another element of “The Other” to the group dynamics, as well as the suspense. When a dangerous accident occurs, paranoia and tension
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsThriller
Writer/director Helena Stefansdottir’s Icelandic thriller Natatorium is the type of film where you just know that something is off from the onset, and the mystery as to what exactly is happening keeps you wrapped up until the climactic reveal. The dark family drama at the heart of this feature is thoroughly gripping. With dreams of traveling the world in a performance troupe, 18-year-old Lilja (Ilmur María Arnarsdóttir) stays at the home of her grandmother Áróra (Elin Petersdottir) and grandfather Grimur (Valur Freyr Einarsson) for an audition being held in their town. She has arrived at their home without announcing it in advance to her father Magnús (Arnar Dan Kristjánsson). He calls his sister Vala (Stefanía Berndsen) and asks her to check in on Lilja, and viewers learn right away that the older siblings have problems with Lilja staying there. The titular swimming pool seems to be one of the big reasons for their concerns. Áróra’s other son Kalli (Jónas Alfreð
Continue reading →
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Lionsgate unveils the new clip from its latest thriller, Strictly Confidential. It sees a group sitting around a table toasting to the memory of two lost loved ones, but something doesn’t seem quite right. One young woman seems to be experiencing something more than sadness. Damian Hurley directed and wrote the Film, his feature film directorial debut. The movie boasts a captivating cast, including Elizabeth Hurley, Georgia Lock, Lauren McQueen, Freddie Thorp, and Genevieve Gaunt. Haunted by Loss, Driven for Answers Mia, a young woman grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Rebecca, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. She travels back to the idyllic Caribbean island where they last spent time together. This paradise setting masks a sinister reality. As Mia delves deeper into the events surrounding Rebecca’s death, long-dormant passions resurface, and shocking secrets come to light. A World of Deception Mia finds herself pulled into a dangerous world of infidelity,
Continue reading →
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The Academy Award-winning crime thriller The Departed, is coming to 4K Ultra HD for the first time. This action-packed film, directed by Martin Scorsese, boasts an elite cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. This thriller is set in Boston. A long-simmering hostility between the police department and an Irish American gang is primed to explode. The fuse is lit when a gangster is chosen to infiltrate the police force. At the same time, a young cop goes undercover within the gang. When the two moles uncover each other’s true identities, a brutal battle for survival begin to play out on the streets. 4K Release and Special Features: Guilt and Betrayal: Looking into The Departed (new) Stranger than Fiction: The True Story of Whitey Bulger, Southie, and The Departed Crossing Criminal Cultures 9 Deleted Scenes with introductions by Martin Scorsese New and previously released special features: “Guilt and Betrayal: Looking into The Departed” and “Deleted
Continue reading →
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Blood for Dust, a new intense, high-octane crime thriller, is hitting select theaters and digital platforms this April. It delves into the dark underbelly of crime, desperation, and the choices people make to survive. A Familiar Face, a New Struggle Scoot McNairy (Argo) plays Cliff, a former salesman whose past mistakes come back to haunt hijacked by unemployment and the pressure to provide for his family, Cliff finds himself drawn back into the criminal world after being lured back in by his old colleague, Ricky, (played by Kit Harington, “Game of Thrones”). Desperate, Cliff reluctantly partners with Ricky, and the two venture into the dangerous territory—one of drugs, guns, and trafficking for a powerful cartel. Cliff’s once-ordinary life is transformed into a high-stakes game of survival. But can he get out alive? A Stellar Supporting Cast Josh Lucas (Ford v. Ferrari) and Stephen Dorff (Blad) contribute to the supporting cast of the f, a film directed by Rod Blackhurst (Night
Continue reading →
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Luke Evans headlines a tense action thriller in 5 Lbs of Pressure. Ahead of its premiere this week, a new clip titled “I Don’t Like Surprises” has arrived, featuring Alex Pettyfer and Rory Culkin, that sees Pettyfer’s character draw a line and lay down the law. Second Chances on Borrowed Time: Fresh out of a 16-year prison sentence for murder, Adam (Evans) returns to his old neighborhood. Haunted by his past but determined to rebuild his life, he faces a daunting task: reconnecting with the son who grew up without him. But forgiveness may not be as readily available as he hopes, as the vengeful brother of his victim lurks in the shadows, waiting for his chance to unleash his rage. Caught in his own web of violence is Mike (Rory Culkin), trapped under the thumb of his drug-dealing uncle (Alex Pettyfer). Yearning for a way out, Mike’s fate becomes intertwined with Adam’s, setting them on a collision course with
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Caitlin Cronenberg, following in the footsteps of her father, David Cronenberg, and brother, Brandon, is set to leave her own mark on the genre with her directorial debut, Humane. Variety has unveiled a first look at the film and its release plans. A Family Dinner Gone Wrong Humane is set against the backdrop of a dystopian future. An ecological collapse ravages the world. Humane unfolds within a single day. The story takes place in a wealthy enclave. A recently retired newsman invites his adult children for a seemingly ordinary dinner. However, their peaceful gathering takes a dark turn. The father announces his shocking intention to participate in the nation’s new euthanasia program. As his bizarre plan unravels, tensions within the family escalate, leading to chaos and unexpected consequences. The film delves into a relevant and thought-provoking theme, offering a satirical critique of societal issues and the potential ramifications of drastic solutions in the face of global crises. A Stellar Cast
Continue reading →
More from Thriller
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Lionsgate has released the trailer for the serial killer thriller Damaged, starring Academy Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. Those who are fans of Jackson won’t be surprised to see him in this type of role. This isn’t the first or even the third time Samuel L. Jackson has played law enforcement. In fact, he has played the role over thirteen times now, including in films such as Snake on a Plane, several movies of the XXX franchise, Shaft, The Negotiator, Lakeview Terrace, and Spiral. Detective Mode: This time, Jackson takes on the role of a Chicago detective with a haunted past. The detective is called upon by the Scottish authorities to lend his expertise in a chilling case. A series of horrific murders with a familiar pattern has left them bewildered. Five years prior, Jackson’s character investigated a similar killing spree in Chicago, and his experience may be the key to stopping this new monster with connections to a cult.
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsThriller
Sleep (South Korea, 2023) A sleepwalking man becomes a danger to his family in writer/director Jason Yu’s eerie feature Sleep. HyunSu (Lee SunKyun) and SooJin (Jung YuMi) are a married couple expecting their first child. HyunSu begins having bouts of somnambulism that become increasingly disturbing, and when SooJin suspects supernatural influence, tension between the spouses increases. Lee and Jung give solid performances as the troubled couple, and Yu ratchets up the tension well, leading to a highly satisfying third act. The “love conquers all” element is a bit on the nose, but overall the film is a gripping one that fans of occult horror should find well worth a watch. Strange Kindness (U.S., 2024) Writer/director Joseph Mault’s Cape Cod-set thriller Strange Kindness is a meditative feature with political commentary on violence in the United States woven in with family trauma drama. Rose (Leanne McLaughlin) is a young woman helping her reclusive aunt Chris (Deirdre Madigan) with home treatments for Chris’s
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Get ready for a heart-pounding journey of retribution with Monkey Man, the directorial debut of Academy Award-nominated actor Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire), produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Nope). Patel steps behind the camera and takes center stage as Kid, the protagonist fueled by a relentless pursuit of justice. Inspired by the Strength of Hanuman The film draws inspiration from the legendary “Hanuman,” a Hindu deity symbolizing immense strength and unwavering courage. This influence translates into Kid’s character, a young man forced to endure brutal realities. By night, Kid fights for scraps in a clandestine fight club, his identity hidden behind a gorilla mask. He endures relentless beatings, the scars a constant reminder of his struggles. But beneath the surface simmers a fire of rage, ignited by the murder of his mother and the systemic oppression of the underprivileged. Years of suppressed rage finally reach a boiling point. Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsThriller
Writer/director Annick Blank’s French-language Canadian thriller Hunting Daze blends harshly realistic scenarios with dizzying drug-trip sequences. The result is a fascinating, often disturbing look at toxic masculinity. Sex worker Nina (Nahéma Ricci), after performing for a bachelor party in very rural Quebec, finds herself abandoning the rest of her group in anger and frustration. She asks Kevin (Frédéric Millaire-Zouvi), one of the party members, if she can stay there until a ride can be arranged for her. The group votes that to do so, she must pass some rites and become part of their self-professed wolf pack. Rather than turning into the rape revenge thriller that some might expect, Nina finds herself in no such danger from the group, which parties hard before and after hunting. Another stranger — African man Doudos (Noubi Ndiaye) — shows up, adding another element of “The Other” to the group dynamics, as well as the suspense. When a dangerous accident occurs, paranoia and tension
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsThriller
Writer/director Helena Stefansdottir’s Icelandic thriller Natatorium is the type of film where you just know that something is off from the onset, and the mystery as to what exactly is happening keeps you wrapped up until the climactic reveal. The dark family drama at the heart of this feature is thoroughly gripping. With dreams of traveling the world in a performance troupe, 18-year-old Lilja (Ilmur María Arnarsdóttir) stays at the home of her grandmother Áróra (Elin Petersdottir) and grandfather Grimur (Valur Freyr Einarsson) for an audition being held in their town. She has arrived at their home without announcing it in advance to her father Magnús (Arnar Dan Kristjánsson). He calls his sister Vala (Stefanía Berndsen) and asks her to check in on Lilja, and viewers learn right away that the older siblings have problems with Lilja staying there. The titular swimming pool seems to be one of the big reasons for their concerns. Áróra’s other son Kalli (Jónas Alfreð
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Lionsgate unveils the new clip from its latest thriller, Strictly Confidential. It sees a group sitting around a table toasting to the memory of two lost loved ones, but something doesn’t seem quite right. One young woman seems to be experiencing something more than sadness. Damian Hurley directed and wrote the Film, his feature film directorial debut. The movie boasts a captivating cast, including Elizabeth Hurley, Georgia Lock, Lauren McQueen, Freddie Thorp, and Genevieve Gaunt. Haunted by Loss, Driven for Answers Mia, a young woman grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Rebecca, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. She travels back to the idyllic Caribbean island where they last spent time together. This paradise setting masks a sinister reality. As Mia delves deeper into the events surrounding Rebecca’s death, long-dormant passions resurface, and shocking secrets come to light. A World of Deception Mia finds herself pulled into a dangerous world of infidelity,
Continue reading →
NewsThrillerTrailers
The Academy Award-winning crime thriller The Departed, is coming to 4K Ultra HD for the first time. This action-packed film, directed by Martin Scorsese, boasts an elite cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. This thriller is set in Boston. A long-simmering hostility between the police department and an Irish American gang is primed to explode. The fuse is lit when a gangster is chosen to infiltrate the police force. At the same time, a young cop goes undercover within the gang. When the two moles uncover each other’s true identities, a brutal battle for survival begin to play out on the streets. 4K Release and Special Features: Guilt and Betrayal: Looking into The Departed (new) Stranger than Fiction: The True Story of Whitey Bulger, Southie, and The Departed Crossing Criminal Cultures 9 Deleted Scenes with introductions by Martin Scorsese New and previously released special features: “Guilt and Betrayal: Looking into The Departed” and “Deleted
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Blood for Dust, a new intense, high-octane crime thriller, is hitting select theaters and digital platforms this April. It delves into the dark underbelly of crime, desperation, and the choices people make to survive. A Familiar Face, a New Struggle Scoot McNairy (Argo) plays Cliff, a former salesman whose past mistakes come back to haunt hijacked by unemployment and the pressure to provide for his family, Cliff finds himself drawn back into the criminal world after being lured back in by his old colleague, Ricky, (played by Kit Harington, “Game of Thrones”). Desperate, Cliff reluctantly partners with Ricky, and the two venture into the dangerous territory—one of drugs, guns, and trafficking for a powerful cartel. Cliff’s once-ordinary life is transformed into a high-stakes game of survival. But can he get out alive? A Stellar Supporting Cast Josh Lucas (Ford v. Ferrari) and Stephen Dorff (Blad) contribute to the supporting cast of the f, a film directed by Rod Blackhurst (Night
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesParanormalThrillerTrailers
Luke Evans headlines a tense action thriller in 5 Lbs of Pressure. Ahead of its premiere this week, a new clip titled “I Don’t Like Surprises” has arrived, featuring Alex Pettyfer and Rory Culkin, that sees Pettyfer’s character draw a line and lay down the law. Second Chances on Borrowed Time: Fresh out of a 16-year prison sentence for murder, Adam (Evans) returns to his old neighborhood. Haunted by his past but determined to rebuild his life, he faces a daunting task: reconnecting with the son who grew up without him. But forgiveness may not be as readily available as he hopes, as the vengeful brother of his victim lurks in the shadows, waiting for his chance to unleash his rage. Caught in his own web of violence is Mike (Rory Culkin), trapped under the thumb of his drug-dealing uncle (Alex Pettyfer). Yearning for a way out, Mike’s fate becomes intertwined with Adam’s, setting them on a collision course with
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Caitlin Cronenberg, following in the footsteps of her father, David Cronenberg, and brother, Brandon, is set to leave her own mark on the genre with her directorial debut, Humane. Variety has unveiled a first look at the film and its release plans. A Family Dinner Gone Wrong Humane is set against the backdrop of a dystopian future. An ecological collapse ravages the world. Humane unfolds within a single day. The story takes place in a wealthy enclave. A recently retired newsman invites his adult children for a seemingly ordinary dinner. However, their peaceful gathering takes a dark turn. The father announces his shocking intention to participate in the nation’s new euthanasia program. As his bizarre plan unravels, tensions within the family escalate, leading to chaos and unexpected consequences. The film delves into a relevant and thought-provoking theme, offering a satirical critique of societal issues and the potential ramifications of drastic solutions in the face of global crises. A Stellar Cast
Continue reading →
