psychological drama

The roots of the subgenre can be traced back to the early 20th century, emerging from a rich tapestry of literature that focused on the inner workings of the mind. As cinema evolved, filmmakers began to see the potential for the medium to explore complex psychological themes and narratives.{{Cite web |title=What is the Psychological Drama Film Genre? |url=https://www.europeanstudios.com/encyclopedia/psychological-drama-film/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=European Studios |language=en-US}}

Similar with these psychological genres, but rather than using imagery to provoke fear, suspense or terror, they utilize dramatic settings to elicit a strong, emotional value from audiences. Psychological dramas commonly deal directly with the psychological state and mental health, emphasize on emotional conflicts and often serve as a portrait of introspective personal struggle.

It can be also characterized as primary character-driven, in which attention will be particularly paid to the psychology of the characters, to their intimate problems more than to the storyline context.{{Cite web |title=Drame psychologique |url=http://www.lecinema.free.fr/htm/Genre/Drame_psychologique.htm |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.lecinema.free.fr}} The characters are confronted with doubts, dilemmas or inner personality conflicts. The challenges they encounter will often force them to react, making them go through a whole psychological process during the film, even a metamorphosis.{{Cite book |last=Jagu |first=Tony |title=The Notebooks of a Cinephile |date=4 April 2014 |isbn=978-2-342-02123-3 |pages=196|publisher=Société des Ecrivains }}

It often overlaps with other genres such as crime, fantasy, dark comedy, mystery and science fiction, and it is closely related with the psychological horror and psychological thriller genres. Psychological dramas use these genres' tropes to focus on the human condition and psychological effects, usually in a mature and serious tone, nearly similar to melodrama.

The difference between "drama" and "psychological drama" that places emphasis is that in the latter scenario, the focus is more on the psychological character of the characters and on existentialism in general, and not on the context of the narrative itself. So, the end is not necessarily tragic: the main character can doubt himself and sometimes overcome his intimate problems. Psychological drama can be very clearly distinguished from dramedy, as there is no to minimal humor in it like Good Will Hunting (1997) and The Truman Show (1998) but since the subgenre is rather devoid of humor.

Each films utilize a range of techniques to mirror the psychological landscape of their characters. Close-ups and subjective camera angles invite viewers into the character’s personal space, while disjointed editing and surreal imagery can reflect fragmented states of mind. The use of symbolism is also prevalent, with objects, settings, and colors imbued with psychological significance. Music and sound design play crucial roles, often used to heighten the emotional intensity and draw audiences deeper into the psychological experience.

These primary themes in the subgenre related to depiction of mental illness, psychological trauma, and society, but not limited to; other themes like alienation, self-doubt, and the quest for identity are common, with narratives often blurring the lines between reality and illusion to reflect the turmoil within the characters’ minds.

It can be explore thematic elements include: denialism, depression, disability, distorted sequences, dysfunctional relationships, existential crisis, human sexuality, identity crisis, mass hysteria, mood swings, odd behaviors, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological abuse, psychedelic art, and social issues.{{Cite web |title=Ciné-club : Le drame psychologique au cinéma |url=https://www.cineclubdecaen.com/analyse/dramepsychologique.htm |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.cineclubdecaen.com}}

File:The Whispering Chorus 1918 newspaperad.jpg (1918) is considered an early example of this subgenre.{{Cite web |title=The Whispering Chorus |url=https://www.listal.com/movie/the-whispering-chorus |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=www.listal.com}}]]

Psychological drama films have generally rooted with traditional drama genre in the earliest years of 20th century, with these examples cited The Whispering Chorus (1918){{Citation |title=The Whispering Chorus |url=http://www.flickchart.com/movie/F5CC6AD906 |access-date=2021-08-19 |language=en}} and Greed (1924).{{Citation |title=Greed |url=http://www.flickchart.com/movie/A2F740D803 |access-date=2021-08-19 |language=en}} Additionally, early examples of popular subgenre films in 1930s to 1950s include La vuelta al nido (1938),{{cite book |last=Zolezzi |first=Emilio |title=Noticias del viejo cine criollo |publisher=Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken |year=2006 |isbn=9789876030182 |location=Buenos Aires |page=23 |language=es}} Death of a Salesman (1951),{{Citation |title=Death of a Salesman (1951) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/F161A36DBB |access-date=2021-08-12 |language=en}} Johnny Belinda (1948),{{Citation |title=Johnny Belinda (1948) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/DFD6F605DA |access-date=2021-08-12 |language=en}} A Place in the Sun (1951),{{Citation |title=A Place in the Sun (1951) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/EE323CFFB4 |access-date=2021-08-12 |language=en}} and The Snake Pit (1948){{Citation |title=The Snake Pit (1948) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/03C1BFC078 |access-date=2021-08-12 |language=en}}

Several films generally used the subgenre have employed controversially social issues and/or psychosexual themes, most notably Stanley Kubrick's Lolita (1962),{{Citation |title=Lolita (1962) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/3711C17849 |access-date=2021-07-06 |language=en}} A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).{{Citation |title=Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Flickchart |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/eyes-wide-shut-v158829 |access-date=2021-08-22 |language=en}} Other acclaimed films with similar themes including Last Tango in Paris (1972),{{Cite web |date=2021-04-20 |title=Oscar-winning director Bernardo Bertolucci dies at 77 |url=https://apnews.com/article/bernardo-bertolucci-ap-top-news-rome-paris-international-news-15b3aae5cd0a4c8ebf30c11eb8bdbb11 |access-date=2021-07-05 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}} One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975),{{Citation |title=One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/524F1C7D3F |access-date=2021-07-01 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chandler |first=Sarah |date=2021-08-11 |title=Movies Like Requiem For A Dream For Fans Of Psychological Dramas |url=https://www.looper.com/484400/movies-like-requiem-for-a-dream-for-fans-of-psychological-dramas/ |access-date=2021-08-15 |website=Looper.com |language=en-US}} The Ninth Configuration (1980),{{cite book |last=Reyes |first=Xavier Aldana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OvrDDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT213 |title=Gothic Cinema |date=December 12, 2019 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1315395364}} Pink Floyd - The Wall,{{Citation |title=Pink Floyd The Wall |url=http://www.flickchart.com/movie/00C2D3EDFB |access-date=2021-08-19 |language=en}} Sophie's Choice (both 1982){{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Kaitlin |title=The Best Psychological Dramas For When You Need A True Mind Melt |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/08/238540/best-psychological-drama-films |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}} Heavenly Creatures (1994),{{Citation |title=Heavenly Creatures |url=http://www.flickchart.com/movie/9A7A53789E |access-date=2021-08-19 |language=en}} Breaking the Waves (1996),{{Citation |title=Breaking the Waves (1996) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/3EC1BB4797 |access-date= |language=en}} I Stand Alone (1998), Magnolia (1999), Requiem for a Dream (2000),{{Cite web |date=2017-02-22 |title=Movie Review Throwbacks: Requiem for a Dream {{!}} |url=https://www.ecufilmfestival.com/movie-review-throwbacks-requiem-for-a-dream/ |access-date=2021-07-08 |website=www.ecufilmfestival.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121150819/https://www.ecufilmfestival.com/movie-review-throwbacks-requiem-for-a-dream/ |url-status=dead }} The Piano Teacher (2001), Elephant (2003), Enter the Void (2009),{{Citation |title=Enter the Void (2009) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/8D79E68AA0 |access-date= |language=en}} Biutiful (2010),{{Cite web |title=Biutiful - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/A8CEA2BD42 |access-date=2021-07-06 |website=AllMovie |language=en}} Shame (2011),{{Citation |title=Shame (2011) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/CE4BF46A72 |access-date=2021-08-12 |language=en}} Jagten{{Cite web |last=Seferou |first=Aliki |date=2018-02-08 |title=The 11 Most Controversial Films in Denmark |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/denmark/articles/11-controversial-films-denmark/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Culture Trip}} and The Master (both 2012),{{Cite web |date=2012-09-02 |title=The Master – review |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/sep/02/the-master-review |access-date=2022-01-22 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} Nymphomaniac (2013), Whiplash (2014),{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ashley |date=2014-10-10 |title='Whiplash': What the Critics Are Saying |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/whiplash-review-what-critics-are-739461/ |access-date=2021-07-06 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} The Power of the Dog (2021),{{Cite web |title=The Power of the Dog review: a gripping psychodrama |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/power-dog-draws-out-instability-american-west-myths |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=BFI |date=17 November 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |date=2021-09-02 |title='The Power of the Dog' Review: Jane Campion's Psychodramatic Western Is Impeccably Crafted but Lacks the Major Voices of 'The Piano' |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/the-power-of-the-dog-review-jane-campion-benedict-cumberbatch-kirsten-dunst-jesse-plemons-1235054229/ |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-17 |title=Review: 'The Power of the Dog' is a sublime gothic Western |url=https://apnews.com/article/film-reviews-entertainment-reviews-arts-and-entertainment-jane-campion-b03ab22da222bcab8caf3f06085555f1 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}} and Blonde and The Whale (both 2022).{{Cite magazine |last=Syed |first=Armani |date=2022-12-09 |title=What to Know About 'The Whale' Controversy |url=https://time.com/6240001/the-whale-fatsuit-controversy/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |magazine=TIME |language=en}}

Films have some thematically-linked franchises or trilogies to focus on aspects of human condition and psychological elements, notably Iñárritu's Death trilogy (consists Amores perros (2000), 21 Grams (2003) and Babel (2006)) and Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colours trilogy.

Asian films have contributed the subgenre, often employs several psychological and social elements. For example: Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese renowned filmmaker, known for his landmark filmography with the subgenre, notably Drunken Angel (1948) and Ikiru (1952).{{Citation |title=Ikiru (1952) - Akira Kurosawa {{!}} Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related {{!}} AllMovie |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/ikiru-v24340 |access-date=2021-07-06 |language=en}} Each films including The Demon (1978), Batch '81 (1982), Silip (1986), Taare Zameen Par (2007), Himizu (2011),{{Cite web |title=Minoru Furuya's Himizu Manga Gets Live-Action Film |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-09/minoru-furuya-himizu-manga-gets-live-action-film |access-date=2021-12-30 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}} Aparisyon (2012),{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=Exclusive Interview: "I wanted to break as many rules as possible" Isabel Sandoval on her early films Señorita & Apparition now playing on Criterion Channel |url=https://thequeerreview.com/2021/05/10/exclusive-interview-isabel-sandoval-on-senorita-apparition-on-criterion-channel/ |access-date=2021-08-18 |website=The Queer Review |language=en-US}} Like Father, Like Son and Norte, the End of History (both 2013), Black Stone (2015), Last Night (2017), and Family History and John Denver Trending (both 2019).

• The Affair{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=John |date=23 August 2019 |title=Anna Paquin on Joanie's Story & Getting Answers in 'The Affair' Season 5 |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/803390/the-affair-season-5-anna-paquin-joanie/ |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=TV Insider |language=en-US}}
• The Bear
• Beef{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Beef TV Series: Why you can't afford to miss series of the year |url=https://showsnob.com/2023/04/13/why-you-cant-miss-beef/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Show Snob |language=en-US}}
• Criminal{{Cite web |date=2019-09-23 |title=Netflix's interrogation drama Criminal is both an intriguing and claustrophobic experiment in intensity |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/criminal-netflix-review-david-tennant-hayley-atwell-cast-release-date-stream-watch-a9112036.html |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=The Independent |language=en}}
• The Cry{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Christina |date=2018-04-03 |title=Jenna Coleman to begin filming new psychological drama in the west end |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/tv/drama-in-the-west-end-14485498 |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=GlasgowLive |language=en}}
• A Death in California{{Cite web |date=2018-12-15 |title='Death in California': A Gritty Psychological Drama |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-05-11-8501290728-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181215062847/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-05-11-8501290728-story.html |archive-date=2018-12-15 |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=Chicago Tribune}}
• The Handmaid's Tale{{Cite web |last=Turchiano |first=Danielle |date=2018-06-04 |title=The Importance of Leaning Into Dark Dramas During Dark Times in History (Column) |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/columns/handmaids-tale-westworld-good-fight-importance-of-dark-tv-1202827894/ |access-date=2021-08-23 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
• Maniac{{Cite web |last=D'Addario |first=Daniel |date=2018-09-13 |title=TV Review: 'Maniac' With Emma Stone and Jonah Hill |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/reviews/maniac-review-emma-stone-jonah-hill-netflix-1202931847/ |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
• Ray Donovan{{Cite web |last=Ashley |first=James |date=2021-08-03 |title=Ray Donovan Season 8 Release Date, Cast, Plot - All We Know So Far |url=https://www.thebulletintime.com/news/ray-donovan-season-8/ |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=The Bulletin Time |language=en-US}}
• Riget
• This Is Us
• Yellowjackets{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Lorraine |date=2021-12-09 |title=Trust us: It's time to catch up on 'Yellowjackets,' your next TV obsession |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-12-09/yellowjackets-showtime-juliette-lewis-christina-ricci-melanie-lynskey?_amp=true |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

Animated series are examples of this subgenre only focuses on characters' experience with mental health and psychological trauma; these included Bojack Horseman,{{Cite web |date=8 September 2017 |title=How 'BoJack Horseman' Depicts Depression More Honestly Than Any Show On TV |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/how-bojack-horseman-depicts-depression-more-honestly-than-any-show-on-tv-80926 |access-date=2022-01-06 |website=Bustle |language=en}} Morel Orel, Steven Universe Future,{{Cite web |last=Chow |first=Kai-Ming |date=2020-09-12 |title=Steven Universe Future: Normalizing Mental Health Awareness |url=https://medium.com/cinemania/steven-universe-future-normalizing-mental-health-awareness-fd0389dfab23 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Cinemania |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=King |first=Jade |date=2021-05-05 |title=Steven Universe Future Wasn't Afraid To Teach The Meaning Of Trauma |url=https://www.thegamer.com/steven-universe-future-trauma/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=TheGamer |language=en}} and Undone.File:Hideaki Anno.jpgJapanese filmmaker and animator Hideaki Anno, who is best known of creating anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, a notorious example of the subgenre, delves into heavy psychological elements in its latter half of the entire series.{{cite web |last=Loo |first=Egan |date=September 8, 2007 |title=Human-Sized Eva Spear Auctioned for 13.7 Million Yen |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-08/human-sized-eva-spear-auctioned-for-13.7-million-yen/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722201122/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-08/human-sized-eva-spear-auctioned-for-13.7-million-yen/2 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |website=Anime News Network}}{{Cite web |title=CJAS Newsletter Archives -- In the Eyes of Hideaki Anno, Writer and Director of Evangelion |url=http://www.cjas.org/~echen/articles/spring97/05_03b.html |access-date=2021-08-27 |website=www.cjas.org}} The anime series was the subject to acclaim and controversy, especially for the latter centered on its final two episodes; this was resulted to reboot a feature film as an alternative ending.

Additionally, some anime series employed in psychological elements including Akagi,{{Cite web |date=2012-01-27 |title=AnimeNation Anime News Blog » Blog Archive » Ask John: What Are Some Good Psychological Anime? |url=http://www.animenation.net/blog/2012/01/06/ask-john-what-are-some-good-psychological-anime/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127180749/http://www.animenation.net/blog/2012/01/06/ask-john-what-are-some-good-psychological-anime/ |archive-date=2012-01-27 |access-date=2021-08-29}} The Flowers of Evil,{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Charles |title=Sentai Filmworks Bringing Rotoscoped 'Flowers of Evil' Anime To The U.S. |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2628777/flowers-of-evil-anime/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104003200/http://www.mtv.com/news/2628777/flowers-of-evil-anime/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |access-date=2021-08-24 |website=MTV News |language=en}} The Fruit of Grisaia{{Cite web |title=Sentai Filmworks Licenses "Le Fruit de la Grisaia" |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-10-02/sentai-filmworks-licenses-le-fruit-de-la-grisaia/.79506 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai{{Cite web |title=Aniplex of America Adds Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai and DAKAICHI – I'm being harassed by the sexiest man of the year - to Fall 2018 Anime Line-Up |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2018-09-22/aniplex-of-america-adds-rascal-does-not-dream-of-bunny-girl-senpai-and-dakaichi-im-being-harassed-/.137191 |access-date=2021-12-30 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}, Scum's Wish{{Cite web |date=2018-08-22 |title=Scum's Wish [Anime Review] |url=https://otakuusamagazine.com/scums-wish-anime-review/ |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=Otaku USA Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=13 June 2017 |title=Scum's Wish: A romantic drama that is decidedly unromantic |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2017/06/13/scums-wish-romantic-drama-decidedly-unromantic |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=SBS PopAsia |language=en}}, The Tatami Galaxy{{Cite web |title=The Tatami Galaxy (TV) - Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=11200 |access-date=2021-09-01 |website=www.animenewsnetwork.com}}, Welcome to the N.H.K.,{{Cite web |title=Right Turn Only!! - Hikikomori Festival |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2007-02-20 |access-date=2021-08-23 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}} Wonder Egg Priority{{Cite web |date=2021-12-14 |title=The Best Anime of 2021 Winner |url=https://sea.ign.com/attack-on-titan-1/179657/feature/the-best-anime-of-2021 |access-date=2021-12-30 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |language=en-sg}} and BanG Dream! Ave Mujica.{{cite web|website=Animate Times|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1741242390|title=衝撃的な展開の続くTVアニメ「BanG Dream! Ave Mujica」。柿本広大監督が明かす、第9話までの制作の裏側。そして気になるAve Mujicaのこれから【ロングインタビュー】|date=March 6, 2025|language=ja}}

A Silent Voice,{{Cite web |title=A Silent Voice (movie) - Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=16661 |access-date=2021-09-01 |website=www.animenewsnetwork.com}} Anomalisa, It's Such a Beautiful Day, Inside Out (and its sequel), The Missing, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and When Marnie Was There{{Cite web |title=When Marnie Was There (movie) - Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=15761 |access-date=2021-09-01 |website=www.animenewsnetwork.com}} are among the examples of animated films used in the subgenre, usually having the characters' portrayal dealt with several themes such as anxiety attack, fear of abandonment and death, and society.

Adam Elliot is the most notable example of animated psychological drama films, confronted with bitterness and human conditions. His films included Harvie Krumpet (2003),{{Citation |title=Harvie Krumpet |url=http://www.flickchart.com/movie/F9BB64FF37 |access-date=2021-08-22 |language=en}} Mary and Max (2009),{{Cite web |title=Mary and Max |url=https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/movie-reviews/mary-and-max |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=Raising Children Network |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-05-30 |title=Mary and Max: rewatching classic Australian films |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/australia-culture-blog/2014/may/30/mary-and-max-rewatching-classic-australian-films |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} and Memoir of a Snail (2024).

• Chicago, Yumi Tamura (2000){{Cite web |date=2019-12-06 |title=Chicago, Volume 2: Book Of Justice by Yumi Tamura, Paperback {{!}} Barnes & Noble® |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chicago-volume-2-yumi-tamura/1112934608 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206221743/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chicago-volume-2-yumi-tamura/1112934608 |archive-date=2019-12-06 |access-date=2021-08-24}}
• The Winter Wives, Linden MacIntyre (2021){{Cite book |last=MacIntyre |first=Linden |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YGcFEAAAQBAJ |title=The Winter Wives |date=2021-08-10 |publisher=Random House of Canada |isbn=978-0-7352-8206-3 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Linden MacIntyre investigates deception, financial crimes and identity in psychological drama, The Winter Wives |url=https://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/books/linden-macintyre-investigates-deception-financial-crimes-and-identity-in-psychological-drama-the-winter-wives |access-date=2021-08-29 |website=calgaryherald |language=en-CA}}
• Final Psychodrama, Davide Roccamo (2021)Amazon.it

https://www.amazon.it

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/102876145-final-psychodrama

• Saint X, Alexis Schaitkin (2022){{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2022-01-24 |title=Hulu Orders Series Adaptation of Alexis Schaitkin Psychological Drama Novel 'Saint X' |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hulu-series-saint-x-alexis-schaitkin-1235161550/ |access-date=2022-01-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
• Trish, James C. Bennett (2022){{Cite web |title=Author James C. Bennett's new book "Trish" is a stunning psychological drama of one man's confusion as he experiences different forms of his own reality |url=https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/22/08/n28594607/author-james-c-bennetts-new-book-trish-is-a-stunning-psychological-drama-of-one-mans-confusion-as- |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Benzinga |language=English}}

• The Chinese Lady, Lloyd Suh (2021){{Cite web |date=21 October 2021 |title=Review: 'The Chinese Lady' a layered intimate psychological drama at the Long Wharf |url=https://news.yahoo.com/review-chinese-lady-layered-intimate-162600316.html |access-date=2021-10-24 |website=news.yahoo.com |language=en-US}}

• Paul Thomas Anderson - An American filmmaker known for his depictions of flawed characters and exploration of subjects and themes such as dysfunctional families, alienation, loneliness and redemption.
• Examples: Magnolia (1999),{{Cite web |title=Magnolia (1999) |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/a5cbe0af-dae7-5b36-90f6-2212137dcc65/magnolia |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=BFI |language=en}} There Will Be Blood (2007),{{Cite web |last=dudeoi |date=2024-12-02 |title=There Will Be Blood : The Destructive Pursuit of Power |url=https://www.dudeoi.com/there-will-be-blood-the-destructive-pursuit-of-power/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=DUDE OI |language=en-US}} and The Master (2012).{{Cite web |title=A Psychoanalytic Look at 'The Master' {{!}} Psychology Today |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/a-headshrinkers-guide-to-the-galaxy/201305/a-psychoanalytic-look-at-the-master |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=www.psychologytoday.com |language=en}}
• Sofia Coppola - An American filmmaker, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, known for psychological drama films about isolation and society.
• Examples: The Virgin Suicides (1999){{Cite web|last=Chandler|first=Sarah|date=2021-08-11|title=Movies Like Requiem For A Dream For Fans Of Psychological Dramas|url=https://www.looper.com/484400/movies-like-requiem-for-a-dream-for-fans-of-psychological-dramas/|access-date=2021-08-23|website=Looper.com|language=en-US}} and Lost in Translation (2003).{{Citation|title=Lost in Translation (2003) - Sofia Coppola {{!}} Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related {{!}} AllMovie|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/lost-in-translation-v283628|language=en|access-date=2021-07-06}}
• Todd Field - An American filmmaker well known of his filmography introduced with psychologically-mind characters and themes.
• Examples: In the Bedroom (2001),{{Cite web |title=In the Bedroom (2001) - Flickchart |url=https://www.flickchart.com/movie/64AAE5A355 }} Little Children (2006), and Tár (2022).
• Alejandro González Iñárritu - A Mexican filmmaker who has directed numerous films that focus on aspects of the human condition.
• Charlie Kaufman - An American director and screenwriter, whose work explores universal themes like identity crisis, mortality, and the meaning of life through a metaphysical or parapsychological framework.
• Examples: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).{{Cite web|title=Anomalisa|url=https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/blogs/detail/cultural-blog/2016/11/14/anomalisa|access-date=2021-07-06|website=www.rcpsych.ac.uk|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Charlie Kaufman {{!}} Biography, Movie Highlights and Photos|url=https://www.allmovie.com/artist/charlie-kaufman-p271315|access-date=2021-08-13|website=AllMovie|language=en}}
• Andrei Tarkovsky - A Soviet and Russian filmmaker, known for his philosophical and psychological movies dealing with existence, faith and dreamlike memories.
• Examples: Solaris (1972), Mirror (1975) and Stalker (1979).{{Cite web|title=TSPDT - Andrei Tarkovsky|url=http://www.theyshootpictures.com////tarkovskyandrei.htm|access-date=2021-12-27|website=TSPDT|language=en}}

• List of drama films
• Cult film
• Hyperlink cinema
• Postmodernist film
• Realism
• Social issues
• Slow cinema
• Tragedy
• Tragicomedy

{{reflist}}

Category:Psychological drama films

Category:Psychological fiction

Category:Drama films

Category:Drama television series

Category:Drama genres

Category:Drama

Category:Film genres

Category:Television genres