Analysis of Thriller Posters

 Thriller Research 

Poster Analysis 

Tagline – “QUESTION EVERYTHING” 

The tagline gives an insight into what might happen in the film. It indicates that the main plot will be focused on Hugh Grant’s character's control over the two girls and suggests that they will not be aware of what’s real and what’s set up, meaning they should question everything.

Main Image

-> The main image features a close-up of Hugh Grant’s face, looking focused on his task. His hand is also in the frame, which, despite the stillness of the photo, we can assume is moving towards the figures of the two girls with a puppeteering gesture, seeming as if he is going to pick them up and move them. This is an analogy for the psychological torture and manipulative control Grant’s character will exert over the Mormon girls in the film. Being controlled by someone/something else is a major trope of the psychological thriller sub-genre. 

Heretic | 2024 | A24 | Scott Beck | Bryan Woods

Starring – Hugh Grant

Lighting 

-> The lighting in the poster is mostly dark, with Hugh Grant’s only just visible with shadows covering his shoulders and the edges of his face. However, the figurines of the two girls appear to be spotlit, creating importance for them as they are the two protagonists of the narrative. 

Layout

-> The layout of this poster is unconventional for most movie posters; however, this originality is something we see almost always with posters from this studio (A24). The only actor on the poster is Hugh Grant, likely due to his star status as it will drive audiences into the cinema because they like him as an actor. The figurines do represent characters, despite not being actors, and like Grant are still not in the foreground of the image, instead the title and credits are, which is quite unusual for film posters. 

Colour Scheme 

-> The colour scheme is muted, with only dark and warm tones. The poster has many shadows, so it is mostly dark. 

Text

-> The typography used for the main title of the poster ‘HERETIC’ is put in a unique font, seemingly made up of wooden blocks, balanced together to form letters. This is a deictic reference to the model of the puzzle space in the house Hugh Grant’s character has constructed, which can be altered through movable wooden blocks and the carved characters on the poster. 

Text

-> This poster is very streamlined and only has small bits of text. It states who it is directed by (Ben Stiller) as he is a big name in the film industry, for both directing and acting. Most people will think of comedic acting when they think of Ben Stiller, but this is a more serious directorial role, which will intrigue people. The poster can be aesthetic with minimal text, as the big Apple TV+ logo denotes, this is shown on a streaming service, with all the information being available alongside the poster on the platform.

Main Image 

-> The main image here has clearly been edited, and Adam Scott’s character doesn’t really have a smaller version of himself at a desk where his brain should be. However, this is likely trying to convey some sort of social point and using the premise of the show, it is likely this is a commentary on the work-life balance. This visual suggests that work occupies a disproportionate space in the character’s identity, tying into the show’s theme of severing personal and professional selves.

Severance | 2022– | Apple TV | Dan Erickson 

Starring - Adam Scott

Colour Palette

-> The muted greys, whites and greens present a sterile, corporate atmosphere, reflecting the oppressive and monotonous workplace in the show. The lack of vibrance hints at a lack of emotional or personal fulfilment.

 

Tagline – “Everything Happens for a Reason"
-> The tagline provides a cryptic clue to the show's overarching mystery. It suggests that the events within the narrative are interconnected, encouraging audiences to search for hidden meanings and connections, a hallmark of the thriller genre. The phrase hints at destiny or fate, which aligns with the show's exploration of deeper philosophical and existential themes.

Main Image
-> The poster's main image features a large ensemble cast positioned in front of a dense jungle, indicating that the narrative revolves around a group of characters stranded in an unknown, potentially hostile environment. The use of close-ups for the foreground characters (Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'Quinn) positions them as central figures, while the others are grouped further back, symbolizing their roles as a collective but with personal narratives. The jungle backdrop reinforces the themes of isolation, survival, and danger, key aspects of the thriller genre.

Lost | 2004–2010 | ABC Studios | Jeffrey Lieber & J.J Abrams 

Starring – Matthew Fox

Lighting
-> The lighting is naturalistic but moody, with subtle highlights on the characters' faces to draw attention to their expressions, which convey anxiety, determination, and mystery. The surrounding jungle is darker, creating a sense of foreboding and emphasizing the characters' vulnerability in this environment.

Layout
-> The characters' positioning creates a hierarchy, with the main cast in the foreground and supporting characters in the background. This layout implies a mix of individual and group conflicts within the show. The jungle imagery surrounds the cast, visually trapping them, which mirrors the show's premise: survival on an isolated island.

Colour Scheme
-> The poster predominantly uses greens, browns, and blacks, creating an earthy, natural palette. These colours reflect the island setting and evoke feelings of mystery and danger. The contrast between the dark jungle and the brighter sky above symbolizes the struggle between hope and despair, a recurring theme in the series.

Text
-> The title "LOST" is in bold, cracked white text, resembling erosion or wear, symbolizing the characters' emotional and physical struggles on the island. Its simplicity ensures the focus remains on the ensemble cast and the tagline, while its distressed appearance aligns with the rugged survival narrative.