Conventions of a Psychological Thriller

A Psychological Thriller is a specific sub-genre of the thriller genre. There is a deep focus on the characters and their state of mind, often incorporating elements from the mystery and drama genre, overlapping with the horror genre (particularly psychological horror).

What are the characters like?

Psychological thrillers emphasise with the characters just as much, if not more than the plot. The characters are not reliant on physical strength, rather on their mental resources usually battling other characters in their own mind. 

How is suspense created?

Suspense is often created from two or more characters preying one anthers minds, either by playing deceptive games with the other or by trying to demolish the others mental state. 



These major sub-genres help develop the plot of a psychological thriller film, shaping the characters personalities e.g.. usually the character will find the true identity/the devil side of himself/herself in a psychological thriller, in which it is one of the archetypes - the loss of innocence.