political thriller

Meaning

A genre of fiction, film, or television that features a suspenseful plot involving a political power struggle, government conspiracies, espionage, or corruption. The stakes are usually high, affecting national or international security.

Examples

• House of Cards is a dark political thriller that exposes the ruthless side of Washington.

  House of Cards is a dark political thriller that exposes the ruthless side of Washington.

• I couldn't stop watching that political thriller; the government conspiracy plot was so gripping.

  I couldn't stop watching that political thriller; the government conspiracy plot was so gripping.

• The novel is a fast-paced political thriller about a whistleblower in the White House.

  The novel is a fast-paced political thriller about a whistleblower in the White House.

• He specializes in directing political thrillers that keep audiences guessing until the very end.

  He specializes in directing political thrillers that keep audiences guessing until the very end.

• If you enjoy stories about international espionage and cover-ups, this political thriller is for you.

  If you enjoy stories about international espionage and cover-ups, this political thriller is for you.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I watched an interesting politics thriller last night.

  ✓ I watched an interesting political thriller last night.

  Use the adjective form 'political' instead of the noun 'politics' to modify 'thriller'.

• ✗ The film is a political thriller about a serial killer chasing victims in the woods.

  ✓ The film is a psychological thriller about a serial killer chasing victims in the woods.

  Unless the killer is operating within government power structures, stories about serial killers are usually 'psychological thrillers' or 'slasher films', not 'political thrillers'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The movie about a journalist uncovering a major government cover-up is a classic ___.

  💡 A high-suspense story involving government corruption or secrets.

  Show answer

  political thriller

• I love a good ___ where you never know which politician is telling the truth.

  💡 A genre that combines state affairs with high-stakes suspense.

  Show answer

  political thriller