Psychological drama, orpsychodrama,^[1] is asubgenre ofdrama andpsychological fiction literatures that generally focuses upon the emotional, mental, and psychological development of the protagonists and other characters within the narrative, which is highlighted by the drama.^[2][3][4] It is widely known as one of the main subgenres of psychological fiction; the subgenre is commonly used for films and television series.

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.^[5]

Similar with these psychological genres, but rather than using imagery to provoke fear, suspense or terror, they utilize dramatic settings to elicit astrong, 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.^[3]

It can be also characterized as primarycharacter-driven, in which attention will be particularly paid to the psychology of the characters, to their intimate problems more than to the storyline context.^[6] 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.^[7]

It often overlaps with other genres such ascrime,fantasy,dark comedy,mystery andscience fiction, and it is closely related with thepsychological horror andpsychological 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 tomelodrama.

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 fromdramedy, as there is no to minimal humor in it likeGood Will Hunting (1997) andThe 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 andsubjective camera angles invite viewers into the character’s personal space, whiledisjointed editing andsurreal 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.^[5]

These primary themes in the subgenre related to depiction ofmental illness,psychological trauma, andsociety, but not limited to; other themes likealienation,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.^[5]

It can be explorethematic 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, andsocial issues.^[8]

Psychological drama films have generally rooted with traditional drama genre in the earliest years of 20th century, with these examples citedThe Whispering Chorus (1918)^[10] andGreed (1924).^[11] Additionally, early examples of popular subgenre films in 1930s to 1950s includeLa vuelta al nido (1938),^[12]Death of a Salesman (1951),^[13]Johnny Belinda (1948),^[14]A Place in the Sun (1951),^[15] andThe Snake Pit (1948)^[16]

Several films generally used the subgenre have employed controversiallysocial issues and/orpsychosexual themes, most notablyStanley Kubrick'sLolita (1962),^[17]A Clockwork Orange (1971), andEyes Wide Shut (1999).^[18] Other acclaimed films with similar themes includingLast Tango in Paris (1972),^[19]One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975),^[20][21]The Ninth Configuration (1980),^[22]Pink Floyd - The Wall,^[23]Sophie's Choice (both 1982)^[24]Heavenly Creatures (1994),^[25]Breaking the Waves (1996),^[26]I Stand Alone (1998),Magnolia (1999),Requiem for a Dream (2000),^[27]The Piano Teacher (2001),Elephant (2003),^[24]Enter the Void (2009),^[28]Biutiful (2010),^[29]Shame (2011),^[30]Jagten^[31] andThe Master (both 2012),^[32]Nymphomaniac (2013),^[26]Whiplash (2014),^[33][24]The Power of the Dog (2021),^[34][35][36] andBlonde andThe Whale (both 2022).^[37]

Films have some thematically-linked franchises ortrilogies to focus on aspects of human condition and psychological elements, notablyIñárritu'sDeath trilogy (consistsAmores perros (2000),21 Grams (2003) andBabel (2006)) andKrzysztof Kieślowski'sThree 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, notablyDrunken Angel (1948)^[28] andIkiru (1952).^[38] Each films includingThe Demon (1978),Batch '81 (1982),Silip (1986),Taare Zameen Par (2007),Himizu (2011),^[39]Aparisyon (2012),^[40]Like Father, Like Son andNorte, the End of History (both 2013),Black Stone (2015),Last Night (2017), andFamily History andJohn Denver Trending (both 2019).

• The Affair^[41]
• The Bear
• Beef^[42]
• Criminal^[43]
• The Cry^[44]
• A Death in California^[45]
• The Handmaid's Tale^[46]
• Maniac^[47]
• Ray Donovan^[48]
• Riget
• This Is Us^[46]
• Yellowjackets^[49]

Animated series are examples of this subgenre only focuses on characters' experience withmental health andpsychological trauma; these includedBojack Horseman,^[50]Morel Orel,Steven Universe Future,^[51][52] andUndone.

Japanese filmmaker and animatorHideaki Anno, who is best known of creatinganime seriesNeon Genesis Evangelion, a notorious example of the subgenre, delves into heavy psychological elements in its latter half of the entire series.^[53][54] The anime series was the subject to acclaim and controversy, especially for the latter centered on its final two episodes; this was resulted toreboot a feature film as an alternative ending.

Additionally, some anime series employed in psychological elements includingAkagi,^[55]The Flowers of Evil,^[56]The Fruit of Grisaia^[57],Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai^[58],Scum's Wish^[59][60],The Tatami Galaxy^[61],Welcome to the N.H.K.,^[62]Wonder Egg Priority^[63] andBanG Dream! Ave Mujica.^[64]

A Silent Voice,^[65]Anomalisa,It's Such a Beautiful Day,Inside Out (andits sequel),The Missing,Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, andWhen Marnie Was There^[66] are among the examples of animated films used in the subgenre, usually having the characters' portrayal dealt with several themes such asanxiety attack,fear of abandonment anddeath, and society.

Adam Elliot is the most notable example of animated psychological drama films, confronted with bitterness and human conditions. His films includedHarvie Krumpet (2003),^[67]Mary and Max (2009),^[68][69] andMemoir of a Snail (2024).

• Chicago, Yumi Tamura (2000)^[70]
• The Winter Wives,Linden MacIntyre (2021)^[71][72]
• Final Psychodrama, Davide Roccamo (2021)^[73]
• Saint X, Alexis Schaitkin (2022)^[74]
• Trish, James C. Bennett (2022)^[75]

• The Chinese Lady,Lloyd Suh (2021)^[76]

• 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),^[77]There Will Be Blood (2007),^[78] andThe Master (2012).^[79]
• Sofia Coppola - An American filmmaker, daughter ofFrancis Ford Coppola, known for psychological drama films about isolation and society.
  • Examples:The Virgin Suicides (1999)^[80] andLost in Translation (2003).^[81]
• Todd Field - An American filmmaker well known of his filmography introduced with psychologically-mind characters and themes.
  • Examples:In the Bedroom (2001),^[82]Little Children (2006),^[24] andTár (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 likeidentity crisis,mortality, and themeaning of life through ametaphysical orparapsychological framework.
  • Examples:Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).^[83][84]
• Andrei Tarkovsky - A Soviet and Russian filmmaker, known for his philosophical and psychological movies dealing withexistence,faith and dreamlikememories.
  • Examples:Solaris (1972),Mirror (1975) andStalker (1979).^[85]

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

• Psychological drama films
• Psychological fiction
• Drama films
• Drama television series
• Drama genres
• Drama
• Film genres
• Television genres

• CS1 Spanish-language sources (es)
• CS1 Japanese-language sources (ja)
• Articles with short description
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