Paramount+ Thrillers to Watch This Week
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3 New to Paramount+ Thriller Movies to Watch This Week (Sept. 16-22) — And There’s Good News for Ben Affleck Fans (But Sadly No Matt Damon)
Paramount+ has added three gripping thrillers to its vast library, each one promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Among them are two films directed by Ben Affleck, a masterful director known for his work in both genre and historical drama.
Affleck’s early directing effort, “Gone Baby Gone” (2007), is a critically acclaimed detective thriller set in Boston. The film follows private investigator Patrick Kenzie as he navigates the complexities of a missing child case. With its morally ambiguous undertones and complex characters, “Gone Baby Gone” is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
Affleck’s subsequent directorial efforts have solidified his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. His 2012 film “Argo,” which won Best Picture at the 85th Academy Awards, dramatizes the true story of six American embassy employees who escaped from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. Affleck’s performance as CIA extractor Tony Mendez is remarkable, and his vision for this film has become an iconic representation of American ingenuity in the face of adversity.
The third thriller added to Paramount+ is “Red Eye” (2005), a psychological suspense film directed by Wes Craven. This lean, mean machine packs a punch with its economical storytelling and unexpected twists. Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams deliver standout performances as two strangers whose lives become inextricably linked on a red-eye flight from Dallas to Miami.
These thrillers represent the best of the genre: expertly crafted plots, complex characters, and heart-pumping tension that will keep viewers hooked until the very end. “Gone Baby Gone” grapples with the complexities of moral ambiguity, while “Argo” celebrates the ingenuity of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. In contrast, “Red Eye” taps into our deep-seated fear of strangers and the unknown.
These films remind us that thrillers are not just escapist entertainment but also a reflection of our collective anxieties and fears. As we watch these thrillers on Paramount+, we’re engaged in a conversation about what it means to be human, to navigate the complexities of life, and to confront the darker aspects of our nature.
Ultimately, these thrillers are more than just recommendations for a Friday night; they’re a testament to the power of storytelling to captivate, inspire, and provoke. So go ahead, grab some popcorn, and immerse yourself in these gripping tales.
Reader Views
- MTMarko T. · expedition guide
While Paramount+ has made some solid additions to its thriller lineup with "Gone Baby Gone", "Argo", and "Red Eye", I'm surprised they didn't include more information on the behind-the-scenes story of Affleck's directing career. Fans might be intrigued to know that his early work was influenced by the gritty, real-life experiences of Boston detectives he interviewed while researching the film. This context adds depth to understanding the complex themes and moral gray areas explored in "Gone Baby Gone".
- JHJess H. · thru-hiker
What's striking about Paramount+ adding these thrillers is how they cater to different flavors of suspense fans. While Ben Affleck's crime dramas are more cerebral and complex, Wes Craven's "Red Eye" offers a leaner, more visceral experience that relies on quick-witted performances from Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams. I'm still waiting for someone to analyze the specific cinematic techniques used by Affleck in his detective thrillers, as they're often overlooked in favor of his blockbuster fare like "Argo."
- TTThe Trail Desk · editorial
While Paramount+ has certainly done its due diligence in rounding up some of Ben Affleck's most impressive directorial efforts, thrill-seekers should be aware that these films' availability might soon be overshadowed by more recent and potentially more impactful releases from the platform. Given the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, it's a wild west out there for content providers, and Paramount+ needs to stay competitive with fresh and timely offerings to keep subscribers hooked – not just relying on critically acclaimed but older films.