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 2023, we continued to see some excellent use of tension to build mystery, to be the harbinger of the coming dread, or even to tick the clock of inevitability.   

Our Highly Commended in 2023 are Five Nights at Freddy’s, Killers of the Flower Moon, Knock at the Cabin, M3GAN, The Nun II & Saltburn
Our Best TV Tension in 2023 are Deadloch: Season 1, Doctor Who: 2023 Specials, The Last of Us: Season 1, Poker Face: Season 1 & Silo: Season 1

So, without further ado, these moments of tension kept us on the edge of our seats in 2023. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers ahead for the films in question.

And the Nominees are –

A Haunting in Venice

A murderer is on the loose, and you are stuck because a storm has come in, and there is nowhere to escape.

The Killer

This is here for those first 20 minutes alone.

Leave the World Behind

It is hard enough to keep everything under control when you actually know what is going on.

Talk To Me

Don’t mess with the supernatural world, and if you are going to ignore that first point, don’t turn it into a drinking game.

Women Talking

You are sitting there trying to work out what you will do next with the weight of knowing that at any moment, the abuser could walk back into town.

And the Winner is!!!!!

Talk To Me

Directed by – Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou
Written by – Danny Philippou & Bill Hinzman
Based on – a concept by Daley Pearson

Well, you know what is truly terrifying? The thing that feels the most plausible. I 100% believe that if some kids got a hold of a hand that connects you to the afterlife for 90 seconds that, they would stream it at parties. That core realism at the heart of the story makes everything that follows that more tense, especially since these are kids, and you don’t really have any animosity toward anyone. Which is why I did not sleep well the night after watching this film, and I watched it in the daylight.      

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 2023?, 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 studios and artists of each film