Setting: Can be urban, isolated suburban settings, cities or quiet country villages.
Mise-en-scene: Normally dim lighting hiding parts to a character, large threatening weapons for props e.g. large knives, guns etc. Camera shots are normally point of view shots, frames within frames, or close ups. Also, there is often a lot of camera movement. Colours are also used to signify different emotions like red symbolises blood or danger, blue cold mystery or death.
Narrative: Events in the storyline enable the film to progress, and allow the audience to second guess what will happen next. In many films this will be wrong so adds to suspense.
The dialogue in thrillers never contains a complete explanation of events or plot, to give it pace, and maintain the mystery, which is essential in building up suspense.
