Thriller films build tension and suspense through mystery, twists, and ominous events that keep audiences guessing what will happen next. They typically start in a normal setting before introducing threats to main characters. Music, sounds effects, and cinematography also create an unsettling mood. Editing uses quick cuts between tense scenes to engage viewers throughout the film's narrative. Subgenres like psychological thrillers focus on a character's unstable mental state adding another layer of intrigue.