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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Mark your calendars for March 19th because a gripping thriller, Room 0, is set to hit both digital and on-demand platforms. Written and directed by Richard Kodai, promises a heart-pounding journey through desperation, time loops, and high-stakes chases. The film revolves around a young woman, played by Natalya V. Wood, who faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. Her younger sister is battling a rare disease, and a life-saving procedure seems like the only hope. With limited options and driven by love, she takes a desperate gamble: becoming a mule for a dangerous heist. Her target? A mysterious device shrouded in secrecy. However, fate takes a twisted turn when she accidentally activates the device, plunging her into a surreal nightmare. Trapped in a repeating time loop, she relives the same day within the confines of a seemingly ordinary motel room. But this is no ordinary time loop. Each iteration throws new challenges her way, raising the stakes and intensifying the pressure. As if
Continue reading →
IndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
NEON and director Tilman Singer (Luz) are gearing up to unleash a chilling new horror film, Cuckoo, which will arrive in theaters this May. While details have been scarce, a recent Variety interview with Singer and star Hunter Schafer (“Euphoria”) has shed some light on the film’s bizarre and unsettling premise. “It’s really a freaky thing that that’s just in nature, and birds are just out here being complete dicks to other birds and giving them their own babies to raise,” Schafer told Variety. “Are you kidding? That’s psycho!” Schafer states. A Vacation Gone Wrong: In the film, 17-year-old Gretchen reluctantly joins her father and his new family at a seemingly idyllic resort in the German Alps. But tranquility quickly unravels as she encounters Mr. König, her father’s boss, with an unsettling interest in her mute half-sister Alma. Strange noises and disturbing visions plague Gretchen, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the resort’s pristine facade. Variety went on to
Continue reading →
NewsParamount+ThrillerTrailersTrue Crime
Award-winning actor Dennis Quaid, known for his iconic roles in films like Innerspace, Frequency, and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as the new “Yellowstone” spin-off series “Lawman Bass Reeves,” will next play a real-life killer. Quaid has signed on to star in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” based on the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore and her serial killer father. From Father to Foe: Quaid portrays the dual nature of Keith Jesperson, known infamously as the “Happy Face” killer. He got his moniker due to the smiley faces he left etched on crime scenes. The series explores the fractured relationship between Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father. After decades of silence, he resurfaced to torment her with his crimes. Melissa confronts a terrifying reality: an innocent man might be executed for a murder committed by her father. Time is of the essence as she uncovers the truth, grappling with the devastating impact Jesperson’s actions
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThriller
Luke Evans headlines a tense action-thriller in 5 Lbs of Pressure. This powerful film, coming this March, explores themes of forgiveness, vengeance, and the complex bonds of family. 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 explosive consequences. While 5 Lbs of Pressure promises action-packed thrills, it delves deeper, exploring the emotional turmoil of
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThriller
Fasten your seatbelts, movie fans, because Deep Water is about to plunge you into an epic survival thriller! This action-packed adventure, directed by the acclaimed Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger), boasts a stellar cast, including Golden Globe nominee Aaron Eckhart and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley, who are reuniting following their roles in the 2004 serial killer thriller Suspect Zero. Today, we’ve got the first image from the film. We see a disheveled Eckhart and a young girl, Molly Belle Wright, as they look to the distance. Both appear to be exhausted and defeated. From Plane Crash to Shark Frenzy: Imagine an international flight plummeting from the sky and crash-landing in shark-infested waters. Panic surges as passengers find themselves trapped in a sinking plane surrounded by predators. This unlikely group must overcome their differences and work together to find a way to escape the underwater death trap. A Director’s Dream: Renny Harlin expresses his enthusiasm for the film,
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Get ready for Prey. This time, it’s humans versus ferocious predators, not aliens! Don’t be confused by the shared title with last year’s Predator prequel Prey, as this upcoming film takes a different, deadly path filled with killer predators. Written and directed by Mukunda Michael Dewil (The Immaculate Room), Prey stars a compelling trio: Ryan Phillippe, Emile Hirsch, and Mena Suvari. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as they face a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving Kalahari Desert. Danger lurks beyond the horizon: The story starts with a young couple forced to flee their missionary post due to an extremist threat. Seeking refuge, they board a sketchy plane flown by a corrupt smuggler. But their escape takes a horrifying turn when the aircraft crashes, leaving them stranded in a wildlife preserve teeming with lions, leopards, and hyenas. Beyond animal instincts: Adding another layer of danger, they’re still pursued by the same militant group they initially escaped. Trapped amidst
Continue reading →
MoviesThriller
A chilling first look has arrived for Spirit in the Blood, a haunting coming-of-age thriller set to enthrall audiences. Summer H. Howell (“Curse of Chucky”) and Sarah-Maxine Racicot lead the cast alongside seasoned actors Michael Wittenborn (All Quiet on the Western Front) and Greg Bryk (“Saw”). This captivating film marks the feature directorial debut of Hamburg-based Canadian filmmaker C. May Borgstrom. A Dark Tale: The story unfolds within the confines of a secluded religious mountain community, where the discovery of a young girl’s death shakes the residents to their core. Gripped by the belief that evil spirits are responsible, a group of teenage girls embarks on a daring path. Deciding to fight darkness with darkness, they delve into their own unexplored depths, embracing a power they barely understand. Formerly known as Desire of the Prey, the film boasts an ambitious international collaboration. Verena Gräfe-Höft (“Pelican Blood”) from Hamburg’s Junafilm and Noah Segal (“Infinity Pool”) representing Elevation Pictures join forces as
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVThrillerTrailers
“The Days” Season 1 plunges you headfirst into the maelstrom of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a chilling event that continues to resonate years later. This gripping series, helmed by horror maestro Hideo Nakata (“Ring”) and medical drama veteran Masaki Nishiura (“Code Blue”), isn’t just a factual retelling; it’s a multi-faceted human thriller that blends elements of “Chernobyl” and “Lost” with a uniquely Japanese perspective. Beyond the Headlines: Forget dry documentaries and sterile factual accounts. “The Days” throws you into the emotional heart of the crisis, following three distinct groups grappling with the unimaginable: Government officials: Thrust into a desperate scramble for solutions, they face immense pressure and impossible choices, their decisions carrying life-or-death consequences. Power company employees: Caught between loyalty and safety, they must make moral and technical choices with potentially catastrophic ramifications. Plant workers: Risking their lives on the front lines, they become the last line of defense against a silent, invisible threat. A Stellar Cast Brings Humanity to
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Get ready to hold your breath as No Way Up, a heart-pounding action film. This week, it emerges from the depths and onto theater screens and VOD platforms. Directed by Claudio Fäh, this claustrophobic horror-thriller sees a group of plane crash survivors in a desperate fight for survival, trapped in an airlocked galley precariously dangling on the edge of an underwater abyss. Ahead of its premiere later this week, we have two new clips that tease the horror that awaits you and the determination of the group to survive their underwater tomb. From Paradise to Peril: Their journey takes a horrifying turn when disaster strikes mid-flight, sending the aircraft plummeting into the unforgiving Pacific Ocean. Amidst the wreckage, a handful of passengers find themselves clinging to hope in the emergency galley, the only remaining air pocket. As the immense pressure of the deep intensifies, panic consumes the survivors. With dwindling oxygen, the threat of flooding, and the unknown lurking in
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort FilmsThriller
Following are reviews of four of the offerings that screened as part of the 2024 Final Girls Berlin Film Festival’s Folk Horror short-film block. Nian Short chiller Nian (U.S., 2023), finds a Chinese American schoolgirl (Lauren Mei in a delightful performance) standing up to a racist bully with the help of a Chinese demon mask and the supernatural assistance of the titular mythological punisher of naughty children. Director Michelle Krusiec delivers a crisp commentary on racism and bullying that nails its fantasy aspects, with a nice amount of heart behind it. Days of Spring Writer/director Arianne Hinz’s Days of Spring (Netherlands, 2022) is a disturbing peek into the secretive world of a small group of young Dutch girls who surrender their individual wills to the group. Eleven-year-old Roos (Anoek Neervort) has invited her friend Ella (Maeve Hickey) to join the group but begins to question herself when the demands of the girls grows increasingly extreme, including animal sacrifice. Beautifully lensed
Continue reading →
More from Thriller
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Mark your calendars for March 19th because a gripping thriller, Room 0, is set to hit both digital and on-demand platforms. Written and directed by Richard Kodai, promises a heart-pounding journey through desperation, time loops, and high-stakes chases. The film revolves around a young woman, played by Natalya V. Wood, who faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. Her younger sister is battling a rare disease, and a life-saving procedure seems like the only hope. With limited options and driven by love, she takes a desperate gamble: becoming a mule for a dangerous heist. Her target? A mysterious device shrouded in secrecy. However, fate takes a twisted turn when she accidentally activates the device, plunging her into a surreal nightmare. Trapped in a repeating time loop, she relives the same day within the confines of a seemingly ordinary motel room. But this is no ordinary time loop. Each iteration throws new challenges her way, raising the stakes and intensifying the pressure. As if
Continue reading →
IndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
NEON and director Tilman Singer (Luz) are gearing up to unleash a chilling new horror film, Cuckoo, which will arrive in theaters this May. While details have been scarce, a recent Variety interview with Singer and star Hunter Schafer (“Euphoria”) has shed some light on the film’s bizarre and unsettling premise. “It’s really a freaky thing that that’s just in nature, and birds are just out here being complete dicks to other birds and giving them their own babies to raise,” Schafer told Variety. “Are you kidding? That’s psycho!” Schafer states. A Vacation Gone Wrong: In the film, 17-year-old Gretchen reluctantly joins her father and his new family at a seemingly idyllic resort in the German Alps. But tranquility quickly unravels as she encounters Mr. König, her father’s boss, with an unsettling interest in her mute half-sister Alma. Strange noises and disturbing visions plague Gretchen, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the resort’s pristine facade. Variety went on to
Continue reading →
NewsParamount+ThrillerTrailersTrue Crime
Award-winning actor Dennis Quaid, known for his iconic roles in films like Innerspace, Frequency, and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as the new “Yellowstone” spin-off series “Lawman Bass Reeves,” will next play a real-life killer. Quaid has signed on to star in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” based on the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore and her serial killer father. From Father to Foe: Quaid portrays the dual nature of Keith Jesperson, known infamously as the “Happy Face” killer. He got his moniker due to the smiley faces he left etched on crime scenes. The series explores the fractured relationship between Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father. After decades of silence, he resurfaced to torment her with his crimes. Melissa confronts a terrifying reality: an innocent man might be executed for a murder committed by her father. Time is of the essence as she uncovers the truth, grappling with the devastating impact Jesperson’s actions
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThriller
Luke Evans headlines a tense action-thriller in 5 Lbs of Pressure. This powerful film, coming this March, explores themes of forgiveness, vengeance, and the complex bonds of family. 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 explosive consequences. While 5 Lbs of Pressure promises action-packed thrills, it delves deeper, exploring the emotional turmoil of
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThriller
Fasten your seatbelts, movie fans, because Deep Water is about to plunge you into an epic survival thriller! This action-packed adventure, directed by the acclaimed Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger), boasts a stellar cast, including Golden Globe nominee Aaron Eckhart and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley, who are reuniting following their roles in the 2004 serial killer thriller Suspect Zero. Today, we’ve got the first image from the film. We see a disheveled Eckhart and a young girl, Molly Belle Wright, as they look to the distance. Both appear to be exhausted and defeated. From Plane Crash to Shark Frenzy: Imagine an international flight plummeting from the sky and crash-landing in shark-infested waters. Panic surges as passengers find themselves trapped in a sinking plane surrounded by predators. This unlikely group must overcome their differences and work together to find a way to escape the underwater death trap. A Director’s Dream: Renny Harlin expresses his enthusiasm for the film,
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Get ready for Prey. This time, it’s humans versus ferocious predators, not aliens! Don’t be confused by the shared title with last year’s Predator prequel Prey, as this upcoming film takes a different, deadly path filled with killer predators. Written and directed by Mukunda Michael Dewil (The Immaculate Room), Prey stars a compelling trio: Ryan Phillippe, Emile Hirsch, and Mena Suvari. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as they face a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving Kalahari Desert. Danger lurks beyond the horizon: The story starts with a young couple forced to flee their missionary post due to an extremist threat. Seeking refuge, they board a sketchy plane flown by a corrupt smuggler. But their escape takes a horrifying turn when the aircraft crashes, leaving them stranded in a wildlife preserve teeming with lions, leopards, and hyenas. Beyond animal instincts: Adding another layer of danger, they’re still pursued by the same militant group they initially escaped. Trapped amidst
Continue reading →
MoviesThriller
A chilling first look has arrived for Spirit in the Blood, a haunting coming-of-age thriller set to enthrall audiences. Summer H. Howell (“Curse of Chucky”) and Sarah-Maxine Racicot lead the cast alongside seasoned actors Michael Wittenborn (All Quiet on the Western Front) and Greg Bryk (“Saw”). This captivating film marks the feature directorial debut of Hamburg-based Canadian filmmaker C. May Borgstrom. A Dark Tale: The story unfolds within the confines of a secluded religious mountain community, where the discovery of a young girl’s death shakes the residents to their core. Gripped by the belief that evil spirits are responsible, a group of teenage girls embarks on a daring path. Deciding to fight darkness with darkness, they delve into their own unexplored depths, embracing a power they barely understand. Formerly known as Desire of the Prey, the film boasts an ambitious international collaboration. Verena Gräfe-Höft (“Pelican Blood”) from Hamburg’s Junafilm and Noah Segal (“Infinity Pool”) representing Elevation Pictures join forces as
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVThrillerTrailers
“The Days” Season 1 plunges you headfirst into the maelstrom of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, a chilling event that continues to resonate years later. This gripping series, helmed by horror maestro Hideo Nakata (“Ring”) and medical drama veteran Masaki Nishiura (“Code Blue”), isn’t just a factual retelling; it’s a multi-faceted human thriller that blends elements of “Chernobyl” and “Lost” with a uniquely Japanese perspective. Beyond the Headlines: Forget dry documentaries and sterile factual accounts. “The Days” throws you into the emotional heart of the crisis, following three distinct groups grappling with the unimaginable: Government officials: Thrust into a desperate scramble for solutions, they face immense pressure and impossible choices, their decisions carrying life-or-death consequences. Power company employees: Caught between loyalty and safety, they must make moral and technical choices with potentially catastrophic ramifications. Plant workers: Risking their lives on the front lines, they become the last line of defense against a silent, invisible threat. A Stellar Cast Brings Humanity to
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesNewsThrillerTrailers
Get ready to hold your breath as No Way Up, a heart-pounding action film. This week, it emerges from the depths and onto theater screens and VOD platforms. Directed by Claudio Fäh, this claustrophobic horror-thriller sees a group of plane crash survivors in a desperate fight for survival, trapped in an airlocked galley precariously dangling on the edge of an underwater abyss. Ahead of its premiere later this week, we have two new clips that tease the horror that awaits you and the determination of the group to survive their underwater tomb. From Paradise to Peril: Their journey takes a horrifying turn when disaster strikes mid-flight, sending the aircraft plummeting into the unforgiving Pacific Ocean. Amidst the wreckage, a handful of passengers find themselves clinging to hope in the emergency galley, the only remaining air pocket. As the immense pressure of the deep intensifies, panic consumes the survivors. With dwindling oxygen, the threat of flooding, and the unknown lurking in
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsForeignMoviesReviewsShort FilmsThriller
Following are reviews of four of the offerings that screened as part of the 2024 Final Girls Berlin Film Festival’s Folk Horror short-film block. Nian Short chiller Nian (U.S., 2023), finds a Chinese American schoolgirl (Lauren Mei in a delightful performance) standing up to a racist bully with the help of a Chinese demon mask and the supernatural assistance of the titular mythological punisher of naughty children. Director Michelle Krusiec delivers a crisp commentary on racism and bullying that nails its fantasy aspects, with a nice amount of heart behind it. Days of Spring Writer/director Arianne Hinz’s Days of Spring (Netherlands, 2022) is a disturbing peek into the secretive world of a small group of young Dutch girls who surrender their individual wills to the group. Eleven-year-old Roos (Anoek Neervort) has invited her friend Ella (Maeve Hickey) to join the group but begins to question herself when the demands of the girls grows increasingly extreme, including animal sacrifice. Beautifully lensed
Continue reading →
