I’m forever on the hunt for a good psychological thriller. My undying thirst for thrillers is part of the reason that I decided to write the Mermaid of Venice book series.

I wanted to share with you a few of the thriller movies that I've been happily gobbling up lately. Reply back and let me know some of your favorite thrillers. I’ll put them in a future email.

The Invisible Guardian (it’s a trilogy!)

Wow, wow, wow. I can’t say enough good things about this creepy-ass trilogy. The films are adapted from a series of novels by Spanish writer Delores Redondo. The first movie is THE INVISIBLE GUARDIAN, followed by THE LEGACY OF THE BONES and then finishing up with AN OFFERING TO THE STORM.

The tone is foreboding and dark. If you like crime thrillers, this is a great series for you, because it follows a police officer as she investigates various heinous crimes in and around her hometown in northern Spain.

That said, it’s a genre-bender, because the series also incorporates supernatural elements and the occult. There’s a deeply disturbing family saga at the center of the story. I was honestly so creeped out by one of the scenes in the second film that I had trouble sleeping.

Don’t watch these during a rainstorm! Or do, if you want to be fully freaked out!

RATING: 4.5 OF 5 STARS

The Courier

I grew up on James Bond movies. Every holiday, my brother and I would go to the theater with our dad (and sometimes our mom, she liked them also) and take in the latest entry into the franchise.

THE COURIER is about a real-life spy who was recruited during the Cold War to bring Russian secrets to the UK and the US. Benedict Cumberbatch is incredible, as always. He’s such a talented character actor. I watched this back to back with THE POWER OF THE DOG, and it’s hard to believe he’s the same person. His transformations into various character are seamless.

This also stars Rachel Brosnahan of THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL. I was less excited about her performance, but I do enjoy seeing her in period costumes, so I was willing to forgive her “forehead acting”.

The film is gripping, at times tense, but it also has a wonderful sense of humor. It reminded me of ARGO.

You can rent it on Amazon. Highly recommend.

RATING: 4.5 OF 5 STARS

FLASHBACK

I picked this film from Amazon Prime because I like movies that explore the bounds of time and space. I also love the female lead, Maika Monroe. She was the star of the incredible horror film IT FOLLOWS (I also recommend that one, if you like scary movies).

This story reminded me a bit of THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, and I enjoyed the way it blended past and present together. The editing was incredible, and they have some truly stunning match cuts that really drive the narrative, in addition to establishing a unique sense of identity. Very cool filmmaking techniques at play here.

I wasn’t as engrossed by the plotline as I hoped I would be, but I didn’t really care. This trippy film takes you on a journey regardless.

RATING: 3 OF 5 STARS