Dark drama movies are a broad genre that has seen a lot of success in recent years. Upcoming feature films such as Olivia Wilde’s second feature, don’t worry darlingwhich will be released later this year, has enjoyed increased interest due to the popularity of this genre, as the film seems to brilliantly bend drama and mystery.
Many dramatic films over the past few decades have skillfully taken the genre and added tension and violence, making the viewer wonder what kind of film they are watching. Although their plots are very drama-heavy, the intense subject matter distinguishes between drama and horror when all is said and done.
ten Promising Young Lady (2020)
Emerald Fennell’s Promising young woman tackles the all-too-real subject of sexual assault, setting the stage for a terrifying film. This revenge tale does a great job of building tension without showing too much to the viewer. Even though the film leaves most of its shocking moments to the audience’s imagination, the viewer is left on the edge of their seat.
Where the real horror comes in is the film’s shocking climax. The audience is left to believe the story will go one way, but the rug is quickly pulled out from under them with a terrifying twist.
9 Joker (2019)
Joker is a twist on the horrific origin story of one of DC’s best villains. Joaquin Phoenix is terrifying in the central performance, truly immersing himself in the role.
The dark nature of the story and the heavy violence make viewers feel like they’re watching something far more sinister than a dramatic film. Joker is gritty, shocking and a film that stays in the viewer’s mind.
8 Whiplash (2014)
Audiences were unprepared for how anxiety-inducing a film about college music studies could be. Whiplash follows Miles Teller’s character, Andrew, and his journey to becoming the perfect drummer. His instructor, played by JK Simmons (who won an Oscar for the role), is as terrifying as a movie monster you’d see in a horror movie.
Whiplash the audience clenched their fists and closed their eyes with each tense scene. Watching Andrew’s journey and downward spiral as he risks everything to please his instructor is truly heartbreaking.
7 Missing Girl (2014)
Sometimes the realistic situations are the most terrifying. missing girl covers the topics of murder, missing persons, toxic relationships and much more. What makes the movie so terrifying is knowing that there are people who will go overboard when it comes to jealousy and revenge.
David Fincher’s film is based on the iconic and acclaimed novel by Gillian Flynn, so it’s filled with plenty of unexpected twists. Viewers to this day are still thinking about missing girlis the chilling conclusion.
6 Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Which makes Before the devil knows you’re dead toy the line between drama and horror is the dark nature of the story. moon knight Star Ethan Hawke and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman star as brothers whose plan to rob a jewelry store goes horribly wrong.
The anxiety this movie induces reaches high levels with every fateful event that occurs. Where the horror lies is the reality of what being in the wrong place at the wrong time can do to destroy someone’s life.
5 Diablo (2014)
Somnambulist shows a dark side of the news industry unlike any modern film. Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances as a desperate man who will do anything to get to the top. His lopsided performance pleasantly surprised the audience by immersing himself in a truly evil persona.
The scares in this film are effective because the audience is constantly on the alert wondering what Gyllenhaal’s character is going to do next and who is going to put himself in danger, making him almost like a slasher villain that way.
4 The Lobster (2015)
Lobster could be called a horror movie in almost every way except tone. The dystopian premise of adults turning into animals if they can’t find a “mate” is a nightmare. Director Yorgos Lanthimos is certainly no stranger to making films that can make their audience very uncomfortable.
While the film maintains a dark comedic tone, there are enough horrific moments to scare audiences. The “red kiss” scene is one that may horrify some viewers and keep them awake at night.
3 Nocturnal Animals (2016)
by Tom Ford nocturnal animals is a slow-burn thriller with the perfect amount of style and substance. Amy Adams gives an incredible performance as an insomniac who is immersed in a dark script written by her ex-husband (played by Jake Gyllenhaal).
Where the horror elements come into play is with the dramatization of the manuscript. The audience follows a family going on vacation who end up being chased by a group of strangers with sinister intentions. These scenes are chilling and tense, pushing the boundaries of the film genre.
2 The Nightingale (2018)
The Nightingale is directed by Jennifer Kent, who previously directed The Babadook, so it’s no surprise that the first bleeds from drama to horror. This revenge tale follows a young woman named Claire seeking revenge after suffering horrific sexual abuse and tragedy.
The film doesn’t hold back with its graphic depictions of cruelty and violence, leaving audiences disgusted. While The Nightingale is classified as a drama, chances are viewers will be terrified after the credits roll.
1 We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
We need to talk about Kevin is every parent’s worst nightmare. Lynne Ramsey’s film raises the terrifying question, “What if a parent feels no connection to their child?” and even worse, “What happens when a parent is afraid of their child?” The film is unsettling and terrifying with every lingering close-up and tension-filled moment.
Although this film is critically acclaimed with excellent performances, it is not a film that many moviegoers could handle multiple viewings. Although We need to talk about Kevin is not classified as a horror movie, it is guaranteed to cause nightmares.
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