A great subgenre within horror is the “whodunit”, those films where everyone can be the killer and no one knows who to trust. Hell, even the protagonist could be the killer and we’d only find out at the ending’s big reveal. These films keep us on edge because of our paranoia, our mistrust, and our need for self preservation. After all, can we actively trust those who endanger ourselves or those we care about? Dare we take that risk?
Today, let’s take a look at some of these films and appreciate how much they kept us on our toes! As always, a few of my suggestions are below and then I’d love for you to give me some of your favorites in the comments!
Identity
Essentially a modern take on Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”, this film was far more of a psychological thriller, although there’s still a lot of horror to be had here. And as each person was one by one killed, our suspicions only grew stronger.
The Faculty
This is an interesting one because we’re shown villains left and right. From the teachers to the other students, we know where the threats are coming from. However, it all had a beginning and that’s where this film takes us on some twists and turns as the heroes try to figure out how to end their nightmare.
Plus, it has a kickass soundtrack.
The Thing
Okay, so this one is a little different. We all know The Thing and how it’s one of the greatest horror movies ever, right? But does it fall under the “whodunit” subgenre? I think it does, although it’s more of a “who is it”. The protagonists know that the virus is the one to blame, so the “whodunit” is taken care of. That being said, mysteries are abound and everyone is suspicious of each other as one event after another work to pry them apart. And the film does have many scenes that make the viewer wonder, “Who did that?”
I’m not saying that the primary way to describe The Thing is a “whodunit”. But I am standing by my assertion that it falls into that category, among the other categories it infects.
Scream
Ahh, what a classic. The whole purpose of Scream was to keep people on the edge of their seat wondering who the killer was and then it shocked the hell out of them when the big reveal occurred. Wes Craven brought us a masterpiece and I still love the hell out of this movie.
