In the realm of cinema, few genres grip us quite like crime thrillers. They draw us into a world where every shadow could hide a secret and every character might be more than they seem. 2016 was no exception, offering a tantalizing array of films that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into some of the best crime thrillers from that year, each with its own unique twist and gripping narrative.
First up is "Hell or High Water," directed by David Mackenzie. This film blends heist drama with social commentary as it follows two brothers who resort to bank robbery in order to save their family farm from foreclosure. Chris Pine and Ben Foster deliver powerful performances, while Jeff Bridges shines as the Texas Ranger hot on their trail. The film's tension builds beautifully against the backdrop of West Texas landscapes, making it not just thrilling but also visually stunning.
Next is "The Girl on the Train," based on Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel and directed by Tate Taylor. Emily Blunt stars as Rachel Watson, an alcoholic woman whose life spirals out of control after she becomes embroiled in a missing person investigation linked to her ex-husband's new wife. The movie expertly weaves multiple perspectives together, creating an intricate puzzle that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
"Nocturnal Animals," directed by Tom Ford, offers another layer of complexity with its dual narrative structure—one part psychological thriller and one part revenge tale. Amy Adams plays an art gallery owner who receives a manuscript from her ex-husband (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) that mirrors her own troubled past in haunting ways. The interplay between fiction and reality creates an unsettling atmosphere that's hard to shake off long after viewing.
Then there’s "A Kind of Murder," which takes inspiration from Patricia Highsmith's novel “The Price of Salt.” Set in 1960s New York City, this film features Patrick Wilson as Walter Stackhouse—a man caught between his seemingly perfect life and dark desires when he becomes involved in a murder investigation surrounding his wife's death (Jessica Biel). With stylish cinematography capturing both period detail and emotional turmoil, it's both intriguing and visually captivating.
Lastly, let's not forget about "Sicario: Day of the Soldado." While technically a sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s original Sicario film released earlier in 2015, this installment ramps up tensions even further as federal agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) teams up with hitman Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) for covert operations against drug cartels at the U.S.-Mexico border. It dives deep into moral ambiguity while delivering pulse-pounding action sequences throughout.
Each film listed here showcases how versatile crime thrillers can be—from gritty realism to psychological depth—all wrapped around compelling narratives that resonate long after credits roll.