Dark drama films are a broad genre that has seen a lot of success in recent years. Upcoming features such as Olivia Wilde’s second directorial feature, Don’t Worry Darling, coming out later this year, has benefited from increased interest because of this genre’s popularity, as the film looks like it will brilliantly bend drama and mystery.
Many drama films over the past few decades have expertly taken the genre and added tension and violence, making the viewer question what type of movie they are watching. While their plot points are very drama-driven, the intense subject matters toe the line between drama and horror when all is said and done.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman tackles the all too real subject matter of sexual assault, setting the stage for a terrifying movie. This revenge tale does an excellent job at building tension without showing the viewer too much. Even though the film leaves most of its shocking moments up to the audience’s imagination, the viewer is left on the edge of their seat.
Where the true horror comes into play 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.
Joker (2019)
Joker is a take on the gruesome 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 amount of violence leave viewers feeling like they are watching something far more sinister than a drama film. Joker is gritty, shocking, and a movie that stays in the viewer’s mind.
Whiplash (2014)
Audiences were not prepared 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 J.K. Simmons (who won an Oscar for the role), is as terrifying as a movie monster one would see in a horror film.
Whiplash had audiences clenching their fists and closing their eyes with every tension-filled scene. Watching Andrew’s journey and downward spiral as he risks it all in order to please his instructor is truly stomach-churning.
Gone Girl (2014)
Sometimes, realistic situations are the most terrifying. Gone 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 out there who will take things way too far when it comes to jealousy and revenge.
David Fincher’s film is based on Gillian Flynn’s iconic and acclaimed novel, so it is filled with many unexpected twists and turns. Viewers to this day are still thinking about Gone Girl‘s chilling conclusion.
Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
What makes Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead toy the line between drama and horror is the bleak 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 terribly wrong.
The anxiety this film induces comes to high levels with every fateful event that takes place. Where the horror lies is the reality of what being in the wrong place and at the wrong time can do to destroy someone’s life.
Nightcrawler (2014)
Nightcrawler 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 unhinged performance pleasantly surprised audiences as immersed himself into a truly evil character.
The scares in this film are effective because the audience is constantly on edge wondering what Gyllenhaal’s character will do next and who will get into harm’s way, making him almost like a slasher villain in that way.
The Lobster (2015)
The Lobster could be called a horror movie in almost every way but in tone. The dystopian premise of adults turning into animals if they don’t find a “mate” is the stuff of nightmares. Director Yorgos Lanthimos is certainly no stranger to making films that can make their audiences very uncomfortable.
While the film keeps an overall dark comedic tone, there are enough gruesome moments that leave audiences scared. The “red kiss” scene is one that can horrify certain viewers and keep them up at night.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Tom Ford’s 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 manuscript written by her ex-husband (played by Jake Gyllenhaal).
Where the horror elements come in is with the dramatization of the manuscript. The audience follows a family heading on vacation who end up being chased down by a group of strangers with sinister intentions. Those scenes are frightening and tense, pushing the boundaries of the film’s genre.
The Nightingale (2018)
The Nightingale is directed by Jennifer Kent, who previously directed The Babadook, so it is not surprising that the former bleeds from drama to horror. This revenge tale follows a young woman named Claire seeking vengeance after she experiences horrible sexual violence and tragedy.
The film does not hold back with its graphic depictions of cruelty and violence, leaving audiences squeamish. While The Nightingale is categorized as a drama, there is a good chance of viewers being left terrified after the credits roll.
We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)
We Need To Talk About Kevin is every parent’s worst nightmare. Lynne Ramsey’s film brings up the horrifying question: “What happens if a parent doesn’t feel any connection to their child?” and even worse, “What happens when a parent fears their child?” The film is unsettling and terrifying with every lingering close-up shot and tension-filled moment.
While this movie is critically praised with excellent performances, it is not one many audiences could handle multiple viewings of. Even though We Need To Talk About Kevin is not classified as a horror film, it is guaranteed to cause nightmares.
