The Rise of “Everyday Threat” Villains: How ‘Murder in a Small Town’ Signals a Shift in Psychological Thriller Trends
Forget the masked maniacs and elaborate schemes. A new breed of villain is emerging in psychological thrillers, and they’re terrifying precisely because they look like everyone else. The penultimate episode of Murder in a Small Town Season 2, “The Fall of Holman,” isn’t just a compelling piece of television; it’s a microcosm of this trend, showcasing a stalker, Warren, who is unsettling not for his overt malice, but for his unnervingly normal facade. This shift, as highlighted by showrunner Ian Weir, is deliberate – and it’s likely to become a dominant force in the genre.
The Allure of the Mundane: Why “Everyday Threat” Resonates
For decades, thrillers relied on exceptional evil – the brilliant criminal mastermind, the psychopathic killer with a distinct profile. But audiences are increasingly drawn to stories where the danger lurks closer to home, embodied by individuals who blend seamlessly into society. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but its prominence is growing. Psychological research suggests this resonates because it taps into primal fears about trust and the difficulty of accurately assessing others. As Dr. Vivian Dittrich, a forensic psychologist, explains in Psychology Today, “We are wired to seek patterns and predict behavior. When someone violates those expectations, it’s deeply unsettling.”
Warren: A Case Study in Subtlety and Fear
The character of Warren, brilliantly portrayed by Birkett Turton, exemplifies this trend. He isn’t physically imposing or overtly threatening. Instead, his creepiness stems from his persistence, his unsettlingly familiar demeanor, and the subtle ways he invades Cassandra’s personal space. Showrunner Ian Weir specifically noted that Turton’s performance elevated the character beyond what was written, making him “creepier than I had hoped for.” This highlights a crucial element: casting and performance are paramount in selling the “everyday threat” villain. The success of Warren lies in his ability to evoke a sense of unease without resorting to typical villainous tropes.
Beyond ‘Murder in a Small Town’: A Broader Trend in Thrillers
This shift isn’t isolated to this series. Look at the success of shows like You, where the protagonist presents as charming and relatable while harboring deeply disturbing tendencies. Or the growing popularity of domestic thrillers, which often center around seemingly ordinary spouses or neighbors concealing dark secrets. Even films like Get Out masterfully utilize the unsettling nature of polite racism, presenting horror through the veneer of normalcy. These narratives tap into a growing societal anxiety about hidden dangers and the erosion of trust.
The Impact on Storytelling: Slow Burns and Psychological Depth
The rise of the “everyday threat” villain necessitates a shift in storytelling techniques. Gone are the days of quick reveals and dramatic confrontations. Instead, these narratives thrive on slow burns, building tension through subtle clues and psychological manipulation. The focus shifts from action to character development, exploring the motivations and vulnerabilities of both the villain and the victim. This allows for a more nuanced and unsettling exploration of human darkness.
What This Means for the Future of Psychological Thrillers
Expect to see more thrillers embracing this approach. The demand for stories that reflect real-world anxieties – the fear of the unknown, the difficulty of discerning genuine intentions, the vulnerability of trusting the wrong person – will only continue to grow. This also opens up opportunities for exploring complex themes of gaslighting, manipulation, and the insidious nature of control. The success of Murder in a Small Town, and its willingness to prioritize character-driven narratives over sensationalism, suggests that this trend is here to stay. The show’s potential exploration of Warren in a third season, as Weir hopes, would be a compelling continuation of this unsettling, and increasingly relevant, storytelling approach.
What kind of “everyday threat” villain would you find most terrifying? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
