Thrillers (Motion pictures) (Genre/Form Term)

Moving image genre-form guide online, Feb. 11, 2008 (Thriller: fictional work frequently related to the crime genre in that the subject is usually some aspect of criminal activity, but with the emphasis away from a detective, gangster, caper, or even the crime itself. Instead, the narrative concentrates on suspense as an individual or group is placed in a dangerous situation whose outcome hinges on sudden reversals of fate. Frequent themes are political conspiracy, terrorism, innocents on the run, romantic triangles leading to murder, and individuals suffering from psychosis. UF: Psychological thriller. RT: Caper, Crime, Film noir, Gangster, Mystery, and Police)

Lopez, D. Films by genre, 1993: p. 348 (Thriller; Supense film; Suspenser; Suspense thriller: the type of film ... is one in which the build-up of suspense progresses to a high point, keeping the viewers on tenterhooks as they wonder what is going to happen)

Konigsberg, I. The complete film dict., 1997 (Thriller: any film that creates excitement and suspense, especially a mystery or crime film, though the term is also employed on occasion for spy or adventure works. See suspense; under suspense: so called "suspense thrillers" are adept at bringing the audience to a paralytic state of near hysteria)

Wikipedia, Jan. 27, 2016: Side Effects (2013 film) (psychological thriller film)

Films in which the audience is kept on tenterhooks by plots that feature a build-up of suspense, tension, uncertainty, menace, and anxiety.