trilleri

Trilleri is the Finnish term for the thriller genre, used to describe works in literature, film, television, and other media that aim to evoke suspense and excitement. Borrowed from the English word thriller, trilleri covers stories characterized by high tension, danger, and rapid pacing rather than slow, contemplative development.

Characteristics: Plots typically involve a perilous situation for the protagonist, investigations or pursuits, twists and red herrings, and a climactic confrontation. Subgenres include psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, espionage thrillers, and techno-thrillers; the emphasis is often on momentum and the uncertainty of outcomes.

Context and terminology: In Finnish usage, trilleri sits alongside related categories such as jännitys (suspense) and dekkari (crime fiction). The boundaries between these terms can be fluid, with some works marketed as trilleri while others are described as jännitys- or dekkari-fiction, depending on focus and marketing.

Usage and reception: Trilleri is common in Finnish publishing, cinema, and television, including both original Finnish works and translations from other languages. Internationally, many well-known thrillers—such as Gone Girl, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Silence of the Lambs—are described as thrillers in their original languages and translations.