Thriller sub-genres

Nowadays, genres are not pure, they hybrid. Some genres use elements of others, and there it comes the sub-genres.

Thriller sub-genres

• Crime thriller: This particular genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasise action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include serial killers/murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, heists and double-crosses. E.g: Seven, No Country for Old Men, Silence of the Lambs.

• Action thriller: In which the hero/heroine confronts dangerous adversaries, obstacles, or situations which s/he must conquer, normally in a violent or suspensful manner. E.g: Unknown, The Adjustment Bureau, Taken.

• Political thriller: In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. E.g: The success of Seven Days in May, The Day of the Jackal, and The Manchurian Candidate established this genre.

• Psychological thriller: In which the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. Characters, either by accident or their own curiousness, are dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not prepared to resolve. Characters are not reliant on physical strength to overcome their brutish enemies, but rather are reliant on their mental resources, whether it be by battling wits with a formidable opponent or by battling for equilibrium in the character's own mind. E.g: The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Machinist, Don't Say A Word.

• Supernatural thriller: In which the film brings in an otherworldly element mixed with tension, suspense and plot twists. Sometimes the hero and/or villain has some psychic ability. E.g: Lady in the Water, Fallen, The Skeleton Key.

• Romantic Thriller: it is a fairly new thriller subgenre, primarily from romance publisher Harlequin's Silhouette division. Instead of a 'romance' style plot-line, these films follow 'thriller' patterns, with long story arcs and numerous crossover characters, emphasising strong and compassionate heroines. E.g: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Fatal Attraction, He Loves Me... He Loves Me Not.

• Horror thriller: In which the conflict between the main characters is mental, emotional and physical. What sets the Horror thriller apart is the main element of fear throughout the story. The main character is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting monsters attention. E.g: 28 Days Later, Saw, Triangle.