Paul Feig

The “Helper” Effect: How Thrillers Reflect – and Shape – Our Anxieties About Class, Desire, and the Gaze

The recent film “The Help,” based on a 2022 novel and now spawning sequels, taps into a potent vein of contemporary anxieties. It’s a polished, almost self-aware throwback to the 80s and 90s erotic thrillers – think Fatal Attraction or Basic Instinct – updated for a digital audience. But its success isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a symptom of a deeper cultural fascination with power dynamics, hidden desires, and the performance of wealth, all filtered through a lens of heightened, often sensationalized drama.

The Resurgence of the Domestic Thriller

The domestic thriller isn’t new, but its current popularity is notable. According to Statista, the thriller genre consistently ranks among the top-performing in both box office revenue and streaming viewership. This isn’t simply about escapism. These stories often function as allegories for societal tensions. “The Help” specifically focuses on class disparity and the exploitation inherent in seemingly idyllic domestic arrangements. This resonates in an era marked by widening income inequality and increased scrutiny of the ultra-rich. A 2023 report by Oxfam revealed that the richest 1% owns nearly two-thirds of all new wealth created since 2020, fueling anxieties about fairness and access.

The Allure (and Problem) of the “Dangerous Woman” Trope

The film’s focus on female characters – the “helper” Millie, the unstable Nina, and the seemingly perfect family matriarch – is also significant. The trope of the “dangerous woman,” often sexualized and framed as a threat to the patriarchal order, is a recurring motif. Sydney Sweeney’s casting, and the film’s deliberate emphasis on her physicality, exemplifies this. While this can be empowering, it also risks reinforcing harmful objectification. Dr. Laura Mulvey’s seminal 1975 essay, “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema,” explored how women are often presented in film through the male gaze, and this dynamic is clearly at play here. The film walks a tightrope between exploring female agency and perpetuating problematic tropes.

Beyond the Plot: Reflecting Real-World Concerns

The anxieties explored in “The Help” aren’t confined to the screen. The #MeToo movement brought issues of power imbalances and sexual harassment to the forefront, and the conversation continues. The film’s depiction of manipulation and control, even within a seemingly glamorous setting, taps into this ongoing dialogue. Furthermore, the film’s exploration of performative happiness – the “křečovité úsměvy” (forced smiles) as the original review noted – speaks to the pressures of social media and the curated realities we often present online. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that social media use is linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults.

The Future of the Genre: Expect More Nuance (and More Subversion)

So, what does the success of “The Help” suggest about the future of the thriller genre? Several trends are emerging:

• Increased Focus on Psychological Complexity: Audiences are demanding more than just plot twists. They want characters with believable motivations and internal conflicts.
• Subversion of Tropes: Expect to see more thrillers that challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics. The “dangerous woman” trope will likely be deconstructed and re-examined.
• Exploration of Systemic Issues: Thrillers will increasingly tackle broader social and political themes, such as economic inequality, racial injustice, and environmental concerns.
• Hybridization with Other Genres: We’ll see more blending of the thriller with elements of horror, science fiction, and even comedy.
• Rise of the “Slow Burn” Thriller: Patience is being rewarded. Thrillers that prioritize atmosphere and character development over immediate gratification are gaining traction.

Pro Tip: When analyzing a thriller, pay attention to the setting. The physical space often serves as a metaphor for the characters’ internal states and the underlying tensions of the story.

The Role of Streaming and the Demand for Content

The proliferation of streaming services has dramatically altered the landscape of the thriller genre. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are constantly seeking new content, creating opportunities for diverse voices and innovative storytelling. This has led to a surge in international thrillers, exposing audiences to different cultural perspectives and narrative styles. For example, the South Korean thriller Parasite (2019) – a scathing commentary on class inequality – achieved global acclaim and demonstrated the power of the genre to address complex social issues.

FAQ

• Why are domestic thrillers so popular right now? They tap into anxieties about safety, trust, and power dynamics within seemingly familiar settings.
• Is the “dangerous woman” trope harmful? It can be, if it reinforces stereotypes and objectification. However, it can also be empowering when subverted or used to explore female agency.
• What makes a good thriller? Suspense, compelling characters, a well-crafted plot, and a thought-provoking theme.
• Will we see more thrillers tackling social issues? Absolutely. Audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that reflect the complexities of the real world.

Did you know? Alfred Hitchcock, often considered the “master of suspense,” pioneered many of the techniques used in modern thrillers, including the use of music, camera angles, and editing to create tension and psychological unease.

Explore our other articles on film analysis and the psychology of storytelling to delve deeper into the world of cinematic suspense.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the thriller genre? Share your opinions in the comments below!