In this post, we look at a special category of thrillers called slow-burn thrillers. Similar to the preparation of slow-cooked meals, slow-burn thrillers take their time to set the scene and develop the main characters. The character development in such movies is like a deep analysis of the individuals in the film, providing the viewer with a better understanding of their personalities and motivations.
Making slow-burn thrillers is a risky proposition. A slow-burn thriller must spend just the right amount of time setting the scene, developing its characters, and gradually increasing the intensity. It cannot waste time with too many subplots or diversions that could frustrate its audience or cause them to lose interest. It must leave adequate hints that things are just simmering before the proverbial storm. To make an impact, these films need an intense, satisfying climax and a good ending that can leave a viewer shaking their head in amazement. We will look at some movies I have reviewed earlier that fit this category.
Drive (2011)
Drive, a film by Nicolas Winding Refn, stars Ryan Gosling as the protagonist, playing a mechanic-stuntman-heist getaway driver. He develops a deep sense of empathy for a young mother, Irene, and her son, who also live in the same apartment building. He participates in a heist with her criminal husband to help the latter repay a debt to a thug. Things take a turn for the worse for the driver when the plan falls apart, and he realizes that he has been set up. The movie takes its time building the characters and the dynamics between the Driver and Irene. Drive is a violent movie and a visual treat with excellent cinematography.
The Invitation
Made with a modest budget, The Invitation is an impressive slow-burn thriller where a man, Will, and his girlfriend attend a party hosted by his ex-wife Eden and her husband. The evening starts off pleasantly as Will meets old friends and reminisces about the past. Eden and her husband reveal that they have recently joined a support group called ‘The Invitation.’ Then all hell breaks loose.
Cutter’s Way(1981)
Cutter’s Way is a slow-burn, neo-noir, buddy movie featuring John Heard, Jeff Bridges, and Lisa Eichhorn in the lead roles. Alex Cutter, a wounded vet, and Richard Bone, a womanizer, are inseparable friends.
Bone has feelings for Maureen, Alex’s wife. One night, Bone sees someone disposing of what he thinks is a body into a dumpster and tells Alex about it. Alex will not rest until he uncovers the truth behind this incident. The movie takes its time building each of its characters and the dynamics among them. When Alex convinces Bone to join him in the investigation, things become dangerous for all three individuals as they go up against a powerful and wealthy person in their seaside town.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Carey Mulligan masterfully plays the lead in this female-oriented tale of revenge and retribution. Cassie, a medical school dropout, is out to send a strong message to men who try to take advantage of vulnerable women. Having lost a dear friend, she cannot seem to shake off the trauma of her loss. She embarks on a dangerous quest for justice, punishing all those who caused her grief in this slow-burn thriller.
Aa Karala Ratri (2018)
Aa Karaala Ratri (That Intense Night) is a riveting crime thriller in the Indian Kannada language. Beginning with an ominous message that the plot is a tragic tale of greed and its consequences, the movie tells the story of a family of three living in a small village. The man in the family is a drunkard and a loser. His wife works odd jobs to make ends meet. Their young daughter is frustrated and angry about her predicament. An amicable stranger visits the home of this family and seeks to spend a night at their home before moving to his destination. Things seem normal until the family catches a glimpse of the contents of his suitcase. Sinister events begin to unfold, leading to tragic consequences in this engrossing thriller. The movie takes its time to set the scene and define the characters, enhancing the tension in this captivating tale.
I hope you enjoyed my review of movies in this first installment of my series on slow-burn thrillers. There will be more articles in this series in the future.
Bay Area Bloke 