Defining the Psychosexual Thriller Genre

Do you like your movies and TV shows to be a little bit steamy? The psychosexual thriller genre in movies and TV is a complex, yet fascinating genre that explores the dark side of relationships.

These stories often deal with sexual tension, psychological manipulation and danger. They are designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. They also closely resemble psychological thrillers.

Some of the most popular and iconic films and TV shows of the past few decades, such as Fatal attraction, missing girl, And YOU psychosexual thrillers have been.

In this article, we’ll define the psychosexual thriller genre in film and TV, and explore some of the key themes and tropes that make these stories so compelling. We’ll also look at examples of some of the most notable films and TV shows in this genre to give you a better understanding of what makes a great psychosexual thriller.

Hold on to your hats, because it’s about to get pretty hot in here.

Defining the Psychosexual Thriller Genre

What makes psychosexual thrillers exciting is their ability to play on our primal fears and desires. These stories often explore themes of obsession, manipulation, and power dynamics, which can be both thrilling and terrifying.

Moreover, the sexual tension between the characters in these films and TV series adds extra complexity and intrigue to the story.

Psychosexual thriller definition

The psychosexual thriller genre in film and television typically involves a story that combines elements of psychological tension, sexual tension, and danger. These stories often explore the dark side of human relationships, particularly those involving power dynamics and sexual attraction.

These films and TV shows feature main characters who are often involved in complex, manipulative relationships driven by sexual desire and obsession. The storylines often involve mind games as characters try to gain the upper hand over each other.

Psychosexual thriller themes

Themes in psychosexual thrillers can include sexual exploitation, emotional manipulation, sexual violence, and sexual identity. The genre often contains elements of mystery, as the audience is often kept in the dark about the true intentions and motivations of the characters.

Penn Badgley and Charlie Barnett in ‘YOU’
Source: Netflix

Psychosexual thriller tropes

Psychosexual thrillers also keep us on the edge of our seats with their unpredictable twists and turns. The tension and thrills that these stories create can be incredibly suspenseful, making it hard to turn away or stop watching.

What are some of the tropes that build this genre? Let’s break them down:

1. Power dynamics: These films often explore power imbalances in relationships, where one character tries to exert control over another. This can manifest as a boss-employee relationship, a teacher-student relationship, or even a romantic relationship.

2. Manipulation: Characters in psychosexual thrillers are often manipulative, using charm, wit, and sexual prowess to get what they want from others. They may use lies, deceit, and even violence to achieve their goals.

3. Obsession: Characters in these films often become obsessed with each other, sexually or emotionally. This can lead to stalking, violence, and even murder.

4. Dual identities: Many psychosexual thrillers have characters with dual identities, such as serial killers who are also respected members of society. This adds an element of suspense and mystery to the story.

5. Sexuality: Sexuality is a major theme in psychosexual thrillers and characters can use their sexuality to manipulate others. Sexual tension is often an important part of the story as characters use sex as a weapon or a means of control. Usually stock characters such as a femme fatale are used to lure their lovers into deadly traps.

6. Unreliable Narrative: These films often play with the audience’s perception of reality, using unreliable narration and unexpected plot twists to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat.

7. Psychological trauma: Many psychosexual thrillers have characters who have experienced some form of psychological trauma, which can influence their behavior. This trauma can be linked to past sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or other traumatic experiences.

‘Fatal attraction’
Credit: Paramount Pictures

Why should we be interested in the psychosexual thriller?

The psychosexual thriller genre is important for several reasons. First, it provides a space to explore the complex and often taboo topics surrounding sexuality and power dynamics. These themes are not always easy to discuss in real life, but psychosexual thrillers provide a way to explore them in a controlled and safe environment.

Secondly, psychosexual thrillers challenge our assumptions and perceptions about human relationships. They force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the people around us, and they can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession, manipulation and violence.

Finally, the psychosexual thriller genre is simply a fascinating and engaging genre of storytelling. It offers a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and sexual tension, making for an exciting and often unpredictable viewing experience. Whether we are watching a classic film or a modern TV show, we can’t help but be drawn into the complex and seductive world of the psychosexual thriller.

‘Big Little Lies’
Credit: Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Psychosexual Thriller TV Examples

This genre often features complex and morally ambiguous characters, who can be both compelling and thought-provoking. These characters are not always easy to understand or sympathize with, but they offer a glimpse into the darker aspects of human behavior and relationships.

And where better to discover that than on television?

1. YOU – This Netflix original series follows a charming bookstore manager named Joe Goldberg who becomes obsessed with a woman named Beck. As Joe’s infatuation turns into a dangerous obsession, he becomes willing to do anything to get what he wants.
2. Big little lies – This HBO series is a psychological thriller that explores the lives of a group of mothers in an affluent California town. The series delves into themes of infidelity, domestic violence and power dynamics.
3. The affair – This Showtime series follows the complicated relationship between a writer and a waitress, as well as the aftermath of an extramarital affair. The show explores the emotional and psychological toll that infidelity can have on a marriage.
4. Hannibal – This NBC series is a prequel to the iconic film Silence of the Lambs. It follows FBI special investigator Will Graham as he attempts to catch a serial killer, aided by psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The series explores themes of violence, manipulation, and power dynamics.
5. Kill Eva – This BBC America series follows an MI5 officer named Eve Polastri who becomes obsessed with a talented assassin named Villanelle. The show delves into themes of obsession, manipulation and identity, and features a complex and intriguing central relationship.

‘Kill Eve’
Credit: IMG

Examples of psychosexual thriller films

What makes psychosexual thrillers so exciting is their ability to engage and challenge viewers, to draw us into a world of intrigue, suspense and danger. All of these themes and ideals are fun to explore in film.

1. Fatal attraction – This classic 80s film stars Michael Douglas as a married man who has a brief affair with a woman named Alex (Glenn Close). When he tries to break off the relationship, Alex becomes obsessed with him and begins stalking him and his family.
2. Basic instinct – This 1992 film stars Sharon Stone as a seductive crime writer who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. The film explores themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and manipulation.
3. Black Swan – This 2010 psychological thriller follows a ballerina named Nina (Natalie Portman) who becomes increasingly obsessed with perfection as she prepares for a starring role in Swan LakeAs her mental state deteriorates, she loses touch with reality.
4. Missing girl – Based on Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel, this 2014 film follows the disappearance of a woman named Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) and the subsequent investigation that reveals a web of lies, manipulation, and obsession.
5. The Handmaid – This 2016 South Korean film directed by Park Chan-wook is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s. It follows a young woman named Sook-hee who is hired as a maid by a wealthy Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko. As the two women grow closer, they become embroiled in a plot to steal Lady Hideko’s inheritance. The film explores themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and psychological manipulation.

‘Black Swan’
Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Summary of the psychosexual thriller genre

The psychosexual thriller genre is a unique and fascinating genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

This genre explores power dynamics, manipulation, obsession and sexuality, delving into some of the most complex and taboo aspects of the human mind and relationships.

Whether you’re a fan of classic films like Basic Instinct or newer TV shows like You, the enduring appeal of the psychosexual thriller is undeniable. By understanding the genre’s core themes and tropes, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and complexity of these compelling stories.

What are your favorite psychosexual thrillers? Let us know in the comments!