In addition to the diverse genres of films to vintage and modern cinema catalogs, a unique approach to storytelling and film production within and beyond Hollywood has dominated the box office and streaming platforms. These films deviate from the typical straightforward plots, shifting dialogues, flawless main characters, and dynamic cinematography. Instead, the plots are mysterious, the monologues are more profound, the protagonists are far from perfect, and the cinematography is primarily static and subtle. These movies have no intention of being in your face. Because they do not need to before it arrests your attention from the opening scene till its credits begin to roll.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

These slow burn movies that emanate from some of the best directors of our time generously utilize every second of their run time to effectively reel the audience into the main character’s world. So much that it feels like the audience is living the protagonist’s life, moment by moment, scene by scene, twist by twist. Unlike other genres of films that appear over-fictionized with their use of CGI, special effects, and over-the-top post-production edits, slow burn movies embrace the nature of inner emotions and the immediate environment surrounding the protagonists. The strengths of slow burn films are the core rudiments of cinema: a moving script, unique picture, brilliant acting, distinctive directing, and, ultimately, a simple yet immersive storyline with a rewarding reveal at the closing.

The History of Slow Burn Movies

     Warner Bros.

Before Aftersun and Shutter Island, many classic film noirs were the foundational blocks of this genre. Slow burn emerged from a blend of traditional literary genres: thriller, horror, and drama. One example of these classic film noirs is 1967’s Wait Until Dark. In which a blind woman (played by Audrey Hepburn) is traumatized when burglars break into her apartment. The burglars’ desired outcome is slowly built up in the film as Hepburn’s persona and relationships are gradually revealed. It gradually becomes clearer who she is and what abilities she has that will enable her to overcome her invaders.

Another significant title is 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby, a horror-drama film that tells the story of a pregnant woman who fears she is bearing the spawn of Satan spirals into lunacy in this movie, which is nearly two hours long and takes the audience through hints, side characters, and a backstory uncovered. This film was one of the pillars that sustained the slow burn archetype before Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood made their respective entry to the definitive list.

One unique factor about slow burn flicks is its ability to mold into any emotional output for the audience. Although they are mostly infused into the horror genre (Hereditary, Midsommar) and true crime, slow burn movies could blend into diverse genres. This includes coming-of-age (Lady Bird), Sci-Fi (Interstellar), and other film genres.

Slow Burn in Across Genres and Mediums

     Warner Independent Pictures

Slow burn jokes takes a few beats to start rolling. This is common in comedic storylines for cinema and television. An example is how the hilarious cast of Modern Family throws shades at one another in between their dialogues without making it so obvious.

Occasionally, we speak of a slow-building relationship between two love interests. When two characters first meet, even though they don’t immediately exhibit overt chemistry, you get the impression there might be love entanglements in the future. It could take some time to get there, but eventually, it becomes evident that there are lingering emotions present. An excellent example of a slow burn romance is Before Sunrise.

In Praise of the Slow Burn

     Scott Rudin Productions

Slow burn movies have gained prominence within the film community and academy organizations for several reasons. First is their effortless portrayal of life. Second is its celebratory or poignant exploration of social, cultural, or familial themes, depending on the film’s plot. The third reason, yet to be popularly admitted, is a longing to retain filmmaking’s simple days and Hollywood’s golden age, when the audience’s attention span was guaranteed. Lastly is its minimal exposition. Because character motivations are frequently ambiguous and unclear, the audience and critics have no choice but to sit through the whole play.

Slow burn movies frequently have slow, meticulous pacing in their scenes. This enables a great deal of innovation and intentionality in shot selection and narration for some of the greatest masters of the genre who have worked in the technique. The audience pays close attention to every movement, pause, and line of phrase since characters can breathe and fully live out specific scenes. This process is used in Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun where in a scene, the camera and audio focus on Sophie’s snoring while her father smokes in the background.

For random movie buffs or new members of this genre, who wonder what the fuss is about, slow burn movies might seem intimidating, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t for everyone. Slowness is a satisfying sensation; it allows you to reflect, connect with the characters, be pleasantly confused by red herrings, and explore their motivations to get a satisfying conclusion after a compelling buildup to the climax.

The Future of Slow Burn Movies

     A24

The “slow burn” movie has emerged as a popular choice for contemporary digital filmmakers working on indie budgets since it is both conceptually potent and accommodating of filmmaking with constrained production resources. So far, it has been rewarding for production companies backing this style of filmmaking such as A24, an indie production company that consistently created excellent slow burn movies that sweep Academy Awards usually for Best Acting performances and Best Picture. As long as this progression continues, blockbuster franchises like Marvel and DC must brace themselves for the new dominating force to reckon with.