Thriller Film Sub-genres & Hybrids

Poster describing the individual genres of film through iconography

Film genre refers to the methods in the narrative used in the film itself. They often branch out into sub-genres  whereby themes of different genres coincide with one another, therefore they can be combined to form hybrid genres that display elements of those genres. For example, an action film can be put together with a science-fiction film to form an action science-fiction hybrid film. However, in this case since I will be making a short thriller film, I will explain the other types of genres which will be linked together with the thriller genre. 

ACTION THRILLER: 

An action thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film. Like a traditional action film, this sub-genre will make use of continuous motion to keep the suspense going. As well as physical stunts, chases, fights and sometimes special effects (e.g. explosions), the main action centres around an action protagonist who almost always is struggling against incredible odds, life-threatening circumstances, or an evil antagonist. Audiences attracted to this sub-genre are typically interested in these themes and enjoy the excitement from them. They are portrayed by typical actors such as Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean Claude Van Damme who physically look well built for the part.

 

Film posters for the 'Die Hard' and 'Bourne' series which both represent action genre films 

Trailer for the latest 'Die Hard' film which mainly shows elements of the action genre

CRIME THRILLER: 

This is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. It usually focuses on a serial killer, murderer or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the storyline centres around not just the protagonist but the antagonist as well. Crime thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense. Audiences who watch these films like and delve into the cleverly weaved plots and twists and the anticipation leading up to the plot climax. Crime stories in this genre can highlight the life of a crime figure or they glorify the rise and fall of a particular criminal, bank robber, murderer or lawbreakers in personal power struggles or conflict with law and order figures.

  

Film posters for 'The Fugitive' and 'Se7en' 

Trailer for the film 'The Fugitive' explaining the crime based plot of the film 

SCIENCE-FICTION THRILLER: 

Science-fiction thrillers incorporate hypothetical science based themes into the plot of the film. Traditionally, a science fiction film can include things such as unexplored locations or the use of advanced technology. These elements can be used to create anticipation and suspense whereby sometimes the sub-genre will even explore the dystopian theme - science fiction often expresses the potential of technology to destroy humankind through Armageddon-like events, wars between worlds and first encounters or disasters. This is evident in classic films such as ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ (1951)  and ‘War of the Worlds’ (1953). This sub-genre's audience is enticed by the stunning visual effects and developed plots that some imagine is a possibility.

  

Film posters for 'Prometheus' and 'District 9' evidently showing the extraterrestrial alien concept and the use of advanced technology 

This trailer for 'Prometheus' describes an outer-space expedition gone wrong 

SPY/ESPIONAGE THRILLER: 

Spy/espionage thrillers usually centre around the protagonist who generally works for a government and must take on violent action against agents of a rival government. This sub-genre mixes in with the action thriller hybrid due to frequent shootouts and car chases as in James Bond films. Beginning in the Cold War in the 60s, the slick, escapist Bond action/adventure spy films were appealing to large audiences. This was because of their exotic locales, tongue-in-cheek humour, nifty gadgets, fast-action suspense and risky stunts to ultimately battle various types of deadly yet eccentric criminals who planned to rule the world.

  

Film posters for spy based films 'The Tourist' and 'Hanna' 

Trailer for the 'The Tourist' which portrays some features of the spy/espionage thriller sub-genre 

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER: 

In addition to the traits of a regular thriller, a psychological thriller incorporates elements of drama and mystery. The suspense in this sub-genre comes from the mind, rather than from a physical threat. The protagonist must rely on their wits to solve the situation. Sometimes because of their nature, many psychological thrillers can cross over into the horror genre. Psychological thrillers usually involve restricted narratives, red herrings, and a certain element of surprise which brings suspense about the uncertain motives of characters, and how they see the world - a key element is often mutual suspicion and misdirection of motives.

  

Film posters for psychological thrillers 'Memento' and 'Rear Window' 

Trailer for 'Memento' which gives perspective about plot from protagonist's confused point of view 

RELIGIOUS THRILLER: 

Religious thriller film incorporates religious themes, including religious questions, ceremonies and objects. Though some films can revolve around these themes, many religious thrillers include supernatural experiences therefore linking in with its own sub-genre. For example, exorcisms, demon possession and church cover-ups are typical themes of religious thrillers. 

  

Film posters for 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'The Ninth Gate' where both thriller plots are based around religious themes 

This trailer for 'The Da Vinci Code' explains the plot about a major church cover-up 

CONSPIRACY THRILLER: 

This is the same as a normal thriller but contains an ultimate enigma that the protagonist is trying to solve. It centres around them being the only person aware of the situation but not to the true extent of the bigger picture which is usually revealed at the end. Usually, the characters uncovering the conspiracy encounter difficulty discovering the truth amongst the deceptions: rumours, lies, propaganda, and counter-propaganda which build upon one another until what is conspiracy and what is coincidence become entangled.

  

Film posters for 'Capricorn One' and 'JFK' which are about historical events where the plot of both films is about the validity of those events 

Trailer for 'Capricorn One' about a conspiracy about American moon landing 

POLITICAL THRILLER: 

The plot of a political thriller is that the protagonist must ensure the stability of the government that employs them. They can involve national or international political scenarios where political corruption, terrorism, and warfare can be common themes. Political thrillers can be based on true facts such as the assassination of John F Kennedy or the Watergate Scandal and therefore sometimes overlap with the conspiracy or espionage thrillers.

  

Film posters for 'The Interpreter' and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' 

This trailer is about the attempt of an assassination of a politically important target