Well, we have looked at Emotion and swung wildly across the spectrum to Fun, and now we are completing that trifecta by looking at Tension. Tension is one of the most challenging facets of filmmaking 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 an essential part of the film falls apart.

In 2022 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 moments of tension kept us on the edge of our seats in 2022. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers ahead for the films in question.

And the Nominees are –

Belfast

When any bin could be dangerous, a camera lingering just one second longer than it should becomes a lifetime.

Fall

Climbing up a tower 2,000f in the air would be enough to get you on this list, but then getting stuck up there …. Oh no.

Gold

Can you hold out against the elements waiting for a return that may never come?

Nope

What lurks in the clouds, waiting for you to turn your back on them?

The Menu

Gee, there is a touch of menace here, I thought just seconds before it went from 0 to 100 on the ‘oh my’ meter.

Prey

Is that a shimmer in the corner of my eye, or is a killer from across the skies about to eviscerate me and my two friends?

And the Winner is!!!!! – Nope

Directed by – Jordan Peele
Written by – Jordan Peele
Edited by – Nicholas Monsour

Only one film in 2022 gave me nightmares, and that was Nope. It made clouds feel terrifying, a looming threat that could get you at any time. Every time the lights dimmed and the music stopped playing, I felt my heartbeat race out of my chest. While I would not say that I appreciated my time here, but goodness, if it did not sum up the mood of tension in 2022.   
   

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 2022?, 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