Domestic Psychological Thrillers

At its core, the domestic psychological thriller genre revolves around the concept of the unreliable narrator, where the audience is not quite sure if the narrator is telling the truth or hiding something. This creates an atmosphere of tension and suspense that keeps the audience engaged throughout the story.

One of the defining features of the domestic psychological thriller genre is the emphasis on the psychological aspects of the story. The characters’ thoughts, emotions, and motivations are given center stage, making the audience feel like they are inside the character’s head. This creates a sense of empathy with the characters, which makes the twists and turns of the plot all the more impactful.

The themes of the domestic psychological thriller genre are usually centered around family secrets, betrayal, infidelity, and manipulation. These themes are universal and relatable, which is why the genre has gained such a wide audience.

One of the most well-known examples of the domestic psychological thriller genre is Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl.” The book tells the story of a woman who goes missing, and her husband becomes the prime suspect. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the couple’s relationship was not as perfect as it seemed, and there were dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Other popular examples of the domestic psychological thriller genre include “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides, and “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn.

The characters in this genre are typically ordinary people who are caught up in extraordinary situations. They are not superheroes or spies, but rather everyday people like you and me. The setting is usually the home or the immediate surroundings, which gives the story a sense of intimacy and claustrophobia.

Setting is a crucial aspect of any story, but it is particularly important in the domestic psychological thriller genre. The setting is not just a backdrop to the action but can often be an integral part of the story, creating an atmosphere that can heighten the tension and suspense.

One of the key reasons why setting is important in the domestic psychological thriller genre is that it can create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. These stories typically take place within the confines of a home or a small community, which can increase the feeling of unease and tension. The smallness of the setting can make the audience feel trapped and claustrophobic, which can enhance the suspense and make the story more impactful.

The setting can also be used to create a sense of familiarity and comfort before slowly stripping it away. In domestic psychological thrillers, the characters are often ordinary people leading seemingly normal lives. The setting can reinforce this sense of normality before gradually revealing the darker secrets lurking beneath the surface.

The setting can also be used to reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. For example, a rundown, cluttered home could reflect the chaotic and unstable state of mind of the protagonist, while a pristine, sterile home could reflect the sense of control and order that the antagonist desires.

Additionally, the setting can be used to highlight the power dynamics between the characters. In domestic psychological thrillers, the family dynamic is often central to the story, and the setting can reflect the hierarchy and tension within the family. For example, a large, imposing home could reflect the power dynamic between a wealthy patriarch and his submissive family members.

The setting can also be used to create a sense of unease and tension by contrasting the ordinary with the extraordinary. For example, in the movie “Parasite,” the setting of a wealthy family’s home is used to create tension by contrasting it with the cramped, dingy apartment of the poor family. The contrast creates a sense of unease, and the audience is left wondering when the tension will boil over.

The domestic psychological thriller genre is a fascinating and engrossing sub-genre of psychological thrillers. It focuses on the complexities of family relationships and the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface. With relatable themes and characters, it is no wonder that the genre has gained such a wide following in recent years. If you are a fan of thrillers and are looking for a new sub-genre to explore, the domestic psychological thriller genre is definitely worth checking out.

advertisement