Best female performances in psychological thrillers

Sophie Thatcher delivers a star-making performance as Iris in this sci-fi thriller. Her character's journey of self-discovery and navigation of control and identity themes are central to the film's tension.

Sydney Sweeney is set to deliver a compelling performance as Millie, a parolee entangled in a nightmarish situation. Her role promises a complex character in a twisty narrative, making it a highly anticipated psychological thriller.

Keira Knightley stars as Laura 'Lo' Blacklock, a journalist who witnesses a crime no one believes. Her performance is crucial in conveying the desperation and determination of a character fighting to uncover the truth in a twisted mystery.

Claire Danes plays a grieving author entangled with a potentially murderous neighbor in this Netflix hit. Her performance is central to the film's numerous twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Dove Cameron stars in this erotic thriller, portraying one half of a couple whose intense love affair leads to a mysterious death. Her performance is vital in maintaining the film's suspense and the guessing game surrounding the victim.

Lucy Liu anchors the emotional core of this supernatural thriller, portraying a mother whose relationship with her daughter is central to the mystery. Her performance is crucial to the voyeuristic experience created by the film's unique camera technique.

Naomi Ackie plays Frida, a cocktail waitress invited to a tech billionaire's private island where nothing is as it seems. Her performance is central to this psychological thriller, exploring themes of wealth and deception.

Anna Kendrick directs and stars as Sheryl, an aspiring actress who crosses paths with a serial killer on a dating show. Her performance highlights her ability to portray a character in a dreadful and terrifying situation.

Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx, navigating Hollywood while dealing with a serial killer. Her performance continues to explore themes of fame, age, and purity within a distinct horror-thriller style.

Eliza Scanlen plays a young woman investigating her missing sister, whose disappearance is linked to a mysterious lake. Her performance drives the twisty narrative of this M. Night Shyamalan-produced thriller.

These Oscar-winners portray best friends whose lives are shattered by tragedy, leading to a gripping battle of wills and paranoia. Their combined performances explore the darker side of maternal love in this tense thriller.

Soheila Golestani is the linchpin of this captivating political thriller, portraying a wife and mother torn between loyalty and family well-being. Her remarkable control navigates simmering political and domestic drama.

Nicole Kidman received Golden Globe recognition for her lead role in this psychological thriller. Her performance showcases her continued strength in the genre, delivering a compelling and intense portrayal.

Florence Pugh's performance as Alice, a woman questioning her reality in a seemingly utopian community, was highly celebrated. She delivers a frightening yet empowering depiction of a woman fighting psychological manipulation.

Elisabeth Moss's performance as Cecilia, an abuse survivor haunted by her supposedly deceased ex, is highly praised. She expertly conveys unceasing anxiety and suffering as she fights an unseen threat.

Rosamund Pike's iconic performance as Amy Dunne is a standout for its exploration of manipulation and deception. She meticulously crafts her own disappearance to frame her husband, embodying the 'cool girl' myth.

Natalie Portman's Oscar-winning role as a ballerina losing herself to stress and competition is iconic. Her performance cleverly maps Nina's psychological decline through hallucinations, creating a powerful sense of fear and internal struggle.