Twists, Turns, & Tension: Why We Love Mystery Movies

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required.     This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (true crime junkie and twist-ending evangelist) dive into the shadowy world of mysteries and thrillers.    From Jake Gyllenhaal’s chilling ambition in Nightcrawler to Nicolas Cage’s quiet heartbreak in Pig and his unhinged menace in Longlegs, Kristy and Jeff share the Kanopy thrillers that unsettle, surprise, and linger long after the credits roll.    Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.     Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.     Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.    🎞️ Episode Highlights   00:06:00 – Jeff kicks things off with Nightcrawler and Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense performance  00:09:00 – Kristy highlights the emotional complexity of Pig starring Nicolas Cage  00:12:00 – Jeff revisits the neon-soaked serial killer procedural Manhunter  00:14:00 – Kristy recommends the mind-bending time loop thriller Triangle  00:17:00 – Jeff brings in the grounded realism of A Hijacking, a Danish hostage drama  00:19:00 – Kristy explores The Awakening, a ghost story with gothic atmosphere  00:21:00 – Jeff breaks down the occult horror and Nicolas Cage’s performance in Longlegs  00:24:00 – Kristy shares her pick: Sea Fever, a tense and eerie maritime thriller  00:26:00 – Jeff unpacks the slow-burning tension of The Invitation  00:29:00 – Kristy makes her case for Serenity—and why she loves its bonkers twist