Tension is one of the most difficult facets of filmmaking to pull off because it requires the script, direction, acting, and editing to all work in tandem to evoke the perfect pace. If just one part of that group misses then the most important part of the film falls apart.

In 2018 we continued to see some excellent use of tension used to build mystery, or to be the harbinger of the coming dread, or even the ticking clock of inevitability.   

So without further ado, these are the moments of tension that kept us on the edge of our seats in 2018. Be warned that there may be some slight spoilers ahead for the films in question.

A Quiet Place

A single sound could herald your death, even a dry leaf or a twig, or dislodged nail could be your doom

Directed by – John Krasinski
Screenplay by – Bryan Woods, Scott Beck & John Krasinski
Edited by – Christopher Tellefsen
See Full Review

Cargo

You have a ticking clock where you need to get your daughter to safety, because soon even you will be her biggest threat.  

Directed by – Ben Howling & Yolanda Ramke
Written by – Yolanda Ramke
Edited by – Dany Cooper & Sean Lahiff
See Full Review

First Man

There is this moment where you know tragedy is in everyone’s future and there is nothing you can do but wait for it to inevitably happen.  

Directed by – Damien Chazelle
Screenplay by – Josh Singer
Edited by – Tom Cross
See Full Review

Sweet Country

A trial where you know the defendant is innocent, and you also know that this will make very little difference to the outcome.  

Directed by – Warwick Thornton
Written by – David Tranter & Steven McGregor
Edited by – Nick Meyers
See Full Review

And the Winner is!!!!! – First Man

I consider myself to be a bit of a space buff, so there is that moment when someone goes, ‘oh I am the leader of Apollo 10’ and from then there is only the dread for the inevitable. Though this is such a great film, that any of the rocket launches or indeed the landing on the Moon could have also won this category. You feel every screw, every shudder, every rattle, and even though you know the outcome, you can’t help but find yourself on the edge of your seat.   

By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.

What are your favourite cinematic moments from 2018?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day. 

Credits – All images used were created by the respective studio and artist of each film