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What's a good thriller that makes you care about the characters more about getting answers for "the big questions"?
I recently finished watching Silo (2023 - ) on Apple TV and at the end I didn't care much for many of the characters, I just wanted to find out more about the silo itself.
I like those types of sci-fi thrillers, but I cannot remember any of them that made me care much about the characters.
Check out the X-files if you can handle older shows.
This show has aged remarkably well. I feel like the biggest challenge, if at all, is the pacing. But I love the pacing because it's so "comfy" (as weird as that might sound). When I think of X-Files I picture an opening that starts with rain and those 2000-era cars driving/parking at on office building. You also have Mulder & Skully; an iconic duo.
I highly recommend this show for anyone that has an inkling of an interest in sci-fi/horror/thriller.
Keep in mind though that the show gets weaker towards the end in terms of the overarching story. At least that's how I felt.
I happened to watch a couple of episodes recently, and you’re right, it really holds up.
The Game (1997) with Michael Douglass. His character is the central figure in it and sounds like exactly what you're looking for. I will say nothing else for it just must be experienced for the first time.
Thanks for this. I grew up in this time period yet somehow never knew about this movie. Adding it to my list!
PS This movie kinda reminds me of Brainscan (1994). Loved that movie.
It flew under the radar then but is a Fincher masterpiece. I'm old enough to have seen it then too but have no recollection of it then either. And no problem. I'm always glad to rep a great film. I've never heard of Brainscan and will have to check that out. Added to my list lol.
Maybe try Severance, also on Apple TV. I’d say it strikes a balance between making interesting characters and slowly teasing away at the overarching story.
I second Severance. Love the series and hope they make a second season!
They are, and according to Wikipedia filming picked back up in May with some pretty intriguing names signed on to appear in season 2. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m sure my innie would be as well if he had any time to watch TV
Heh that's good news :) could they be impacted by the writers' strike? I'd be devastated if another show this good dies after their first season.
The psychological interplay between Anthony Hopkins and whoever is opposite him is far more interesting than anything else in the Hannibal movies. Silence of the lambs is one of the greatest thrillers of all time because of this.
The Leftovers is more of a mystery than a thriller but it has extremely fleshed out characters that get more and more interesting as the series goes on. It is written by Damon Lindelof (same as Lost) but is based on a book of the same name. It doesn’t have the problems the Lost had with the narrative tomfoolery and disrespect to the audience. Aside from one plot line that they just deleted from the show abruptly, it’s incredible and focuses on the characters and lets the mystery just exist. Three tight seasons with only one or two fluff episodes. I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve been chasing the high of the mood and sense of mystery ever sense.
Side note: if you’ve read the book, it has a very different vibe. The book is a bit humorous and the show is extreme emotion and drama. Also, the soundtrack is incredible. Max Richter’s music really made the show for me.
Stay away from "From".
It's Lost all over again.
I just watched through Patriot on Amazon prime. I'm in the US if that matters.
I really enjoyed it. Very unorthodox. I can't even begin to describe it to friends to get them to watch.
Alien is a masterclass in that "thriller where you care about the characters" genre.
Aliens is a worthy sequel. the series goes downhill from there. Alien 3 isn't terrible, but it doesn't hold a candle to the first two. and the rest....meh.
Not a specific recommendation, but I really enjoy psychological thrillers and especially psychological sci-fi; these sub-genres might fit into what you're looking for?
I'd say the 'psychological' aspect forces a focus on the characters rather than the plot alone, since it's their mental state and motivations that drive the story.
I really enjoy the series Dark on Netflix. I would recommend to watch it in German with subs rather than with the English dub.