What The Thriller Genre Can Learn From Netflix's You

gamerant.com:

When You was released on Lifetime in 2018, thriller fans were immediately caught up in the story of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a seemingly regular guy who just wanted real, genuine love. As viewers watched more of season 1, it became obvious that Joe's «love» for Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) was totally toxic and also incredibly dangerous. Joe had trouble with anyone who was close to Beck, even going so far as to murder anyone who stood in the way of his goal. The show moved to Netflix after season 1 and has a large fanbase who can't stop watching everything that Joe is going to do next.

With 3 seasons so far and a fourth coming, You has totally ruled the thriller TV genre, featuring solid and interesting characters, stakes that are raised all the time, and even some jokes along the way. There are several things that You can teach other TV shows and films that are part of the thriller genre.

This Sandra Bullock Thriller Is A Perfect Example Of How Not To Do Time-Bending Stories

You makes fun of suburbia in season 3, and every season that has been released so far maintains a great sense of humor while still being scary and creepy. Whether You is poking fun at an influencer like Sherry who is super afraid of fruit's sugar content or Joe makes jokes in seasons 1 and 2, the show never forgets to add some humor to the horror.

If You was simply terrifying and didn't have a fun, sometimes campy tone, the show would be much duller. From the beginning, it's clear that Joe Goldberg is entertaining while also freaking viewers out. Joe is aware of what he's doing and seems to realize that stalking people and hurting them is totally wrong while also having no idea how to stop. Joe also feels different from everyone around him, which