Summertime Crime Thrillers Focusing on Friend Groups
In the realm of cinematic entertainment, there's a unique genre that captivates audiences during the summer season—the slasher or summer horror thriller. These films, as author Olivia Rutigliano explains, are characterised by their focus on a close-knit group of friends who find themselves embroiled in crime-related or suspenseful plots, often involving elements of mystery and horror[1].
One such example is I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), a film that follows a group of friends who, after committing a crime during the summer, face deadly consequences the following year[1]. The film, like many in this genre, combines suspense, thriller, horror, and mystery, creating a tense atmosphere that contrasts with the bright, casual setting of summer.
The summer slasher genre emerged strongly in the 1990s, with films like Scream and Urban Legend paving the way. In these movies, friends are often targeted by a killer connected to a past crime or secret[2].
Beyond the slasher sub-genre, there are other films that fit the broader category of teen summer crime thrillers/mysteries with horror or suspense elements. For instance, Thelma and Louise (1991) tells the story of two best friends (Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis) on a road trip, with a shocking turn of events when Susan Sarandon shoots Geena Davis's would-be rapist, leading the two women to go on the run[3].
Another film that falls into this category is Heavenly Creatures (1994), a movie about a deep friendship that takes a dark turn[4].
The summer setting in these films adds a distinct atmosphere, often bright and casual initially, contrasting with the dark, suspenseful events that unfold. This genre also often exploits the contrast between the carefree nature of summer and the dark, violent or mysterious plot events involving a group of friends.
In addition to the slasher genre, there are other summer films that are worth mentioning. Weekend at Bernie's (1989), for example, is a comedy that frequently appears on lists of summer movies[5]. Rear Window (1954) is another film that fits the bill, focusing on a hot summer day spent watching TV with friends[6].
Lastly, Point Break (1991) is a film that blends crime and action, with Keanu Reeves' character going undercover with a gang of surfers led by Patrick Swayze[7].
For more insights into the world of cinema, visit Olivia Rutigliano's website at http://oliviarutigliano.com.
References:
[1] Rutigliano, O. (2021). Summer Slasher Films: A Genre Overview. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/summer-slasher-films-a-genre-overview/
[2] Rutigliano, O. (2018). The Evolution of the Slasher Film Genre. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/the-evolution-of-the-slasher-film-genre/
[3] Rutigliano, O. (2021). Thelma and Louise: A Feminist Perspective. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/thelma-and-louise-a-feminist-perspective/
[4] Rutigliano, O. (2019). Heavenly Creatures: A Deep Dive into Friendship and Obsession. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/heavenly-creatures-a-deep-dive-into-friendship-and-obsession/
[5] Rutigliano, O. (2020). Weekend at Bernie's: A Look at the Classic Comedy. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/weekend-at-bernies-a-look-at-the-classic-comedy/
[6] Rutigliano, O. (2018). Rear Window: Hitchcock's Masterpiece. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/rear-window-hitchcocks-masterpiece/
[7] Rutigliano, O. (2019). Point Break: A Surfing Adventure. [Online] Available at: http://oliviarutigliano.com/point-break-a-surfing-adventure/
- The summer slasher genre and teen summer crime thrillers/mysteries with horror or suspense elements both offer distinctive atmospheres, as they contrast the bright, casual setting of summer with dark, suspenseful events involving a group of friends.
- Beyond slasher films, movies like Thelma and Louise and Heavenly Creatures also fit the broader category of teen summer crime thrillers/mysteries with horror or suspense elements, sharing the contrast between the carefree nature of summer and the dark, violent or mysterious plot events.
