Tension is built in thriller films through several techniques. Mise-en-scene uses darkness, large locations with blind spots, and shocking scenes. The film cross-cuts between the protagonist and antagonist to show different viewpoints and build anticipation of their interactions. Music also builds tension by getting louder before action scenes. Tension arises from the viewer's knowledge that the antagonist has power over the protagonist and is making them uncomfortable.

2.  Tension created through editing, anticipation.
 Mise-en-Scene is used a lot – darkness,
large/sprawling locations with lots of blind-spots and
unknowns, often horrific or shocking scenes.
 Conflict between protagonist and antagonist.
 Motives can be crime-led, psychological, personal.
 Audience can often anticipate events, although there
are usually unexpected plot-twists.
 There is often a mysterious element that is uncovered
throughout the film.

3.  Music builds tension by growing
louder and faster before action
scenes.
 Lots of close-ups at the beginning
to show obscurity and mystery
about the characters.
 Cross-cutting between character
viewpoints to show what each
character is doing. This gives the
viewer a clearer idea of what is
happening, whilst building tension
by making them anticipate certain
actions.

4.  Tension is built through narrative
anticipation due to the viewer’s
knowledge that the antagonist has
power over the protagonist.
 The antagonist is invading the
protagonist’s territory and making
them uncomfortable – a reversal
of power.
 Intense emotion shown in facial
close-ups, thrilling and exciting.
 Absence of music in parts, builds
tension as the only sound audible
is diegetic, making the scene feel
more real and impactful.

5.  The isolated location is used to create an
atmosphere of vulnerability, as there is
no help from the outside available.
 Cross-cutting between shots of dead
bodies and the little girls builds tension
through mystery and the sinister, surreal
nature of the scene.
 Narrative convention of friends becoming
enemies is used to build tension, and give
the film a sense of paranoia and betrayal.
 Shots often show the characters faces, along
with key items and objects, both building
tension and giving meaning by being able to
see emotion in a character as well as what is
currently happening.