7 Excellent Thrillers from the 2010s You Might Have Overlooked

      Casey Chong presents seven thrillers from the 2010s that you might have missed…

      The 2010s produced an abundance of notable thrillers, from Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners to David Fincher's Gone Girl and Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island. However, as with any genre, some thrillers have been overlooked or unfairly criticized upon their release, which has prevented them from reaching the audiences they deserve. With that in mind, here’s a curated list of seven outstanding thriller films from the 2010s that are definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen them yet…

      Stoker (2013)

      Director Park Chan-Wook, known for his Vengeance trilogy (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance), made his English-language debut with Stoker, written by Wentworth Miller, famous for his role as Michael Schofield in TV’s Prison Break. This film explores a twisted family dynamic, dark secrets, and sexual awakening, blending perfectly with Park’s style. The narrative unfolds slowly, beginning with the aftermath of India’s (an icy and socially detached Mia Wasikowska) father’s (Dermot Mulroney) death and the unexpected arrival of her uncle (Matthew Goode’s Charlie), whom she never knew existed.

      Stoker is a slow-burning thriller that gradually draws you in. While it may lack the audacious edge of some of Park's best Korean films, he does not play it safe in his first Hollywood project. The film carries a gothic atmosphere infused with a Hitchcockian flair in its subtle storytelling before Park ramps up the tension in the violent third act.

      Killer Joe (2011)

      Adapted from Tracy Letts' 1993 play, Killer Joe sees director William Friedkin, then 76, maintain his signature blunt directing style while exploring the darker aspects of human nature involving money, greed, and murder. None of the characters are particularly likable, including Matthew McConaughey’s morally objectionable titular detective-turned-hitman and the dysfunctional Smith family (Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, and Gina Gershon).

      The film is decidedly nihilistic, and Friedkin does not hesitate to showcase human depravity. At one point, there’s an uncomfortably explicit scene that may forever change how you view fried chicken. Killer Joe marked a strong return for Friedkin in his later career, although its dark themes were too much for some viewers, leading to a disappointing box office result.

      99 Homes (2014)

      This underappreciated film directed by Ramin Bahrani, who also penned the screenplay, delves into the practical issues surrounding the 2008 housing crisis that impacted the U.S. real estate market. While it depicts an eviction drama, it unfolds like a tense thriller, beginning with Michael Shannon’s Rick Carver, a real estate operator unfazed by the foreclosure of tenants. One such tenant is Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield), a construction worker who has lost his job and, along with his son (Noah Lomax) and hairdresser mother (Laura Dern), faces eviction after failing to pay his mortgage.

      Bahrani successfully conveys the anxiety of struggling homeowners like Dennis, and Andrew Garfield delivers a gritty performance. However, Michael Shannon stands out as the unyielding real estate operator who is solely focused on his job and profit from evictions. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the dehumanizing aspects of law and capitalism against individuals losing their homes. Despite its bleak subject matter, Bahrani keeps the film engaging.

      Under the Silver Lake (2018)

      After his success with It Follows, David Robert Mitchell trades horror for a unique neo-noir thriller with Under the Silver Lake. Although the film stretches on the longer side and could benefit from some cuts, its sheer ambition is undeniable.

      The story follows Sam (Andrew Garfield, delivering one of his finest performances), an unemployed slacker who obsesses over his attractive neighbor, Sarah (Riley Keough). Her sudden disappearance leads him on a relentless quest to find her. As the story progresses, it evolves into a twisted web of conspiracies and peculiar occurrences. Its unconventional tone may not appeal to everyone, as it can be divisive for viewers.

      Killing Them Softly (2012)

      In Killing Them Softly, Andrew Dominik reunites with Brad Pitt after The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Pitt portrays Jackie Cogan, a mob hitman hired to resolve a problem involving two small-time criminals (Scoot McNairy and Ben Mendelsohn) and their boss (Vincent Curatola), who have robbed a mob-protected poker game.

      Rather than following the typical mob thriller path often seen in Scorsese films, Dominik chooses to subvert audience expectations. Killing Them Softly reflects on the aftermath of a failed heist while incorporating sharp social commentary on the