The Silent Storytellers: How Props Build Suspense

Props aren't just random objects in a scene, they help tell the story, set the mood, and give the audience little clues about what's really happening. In our psychological horror film opening, every prop has a purpose. They don't just sit there, they show who Christina is and make the scene feel more real and unsettling.

When my partner, Addison, and I started planning, we made a list of all the props we needed and why they were important. Since our film is all about quiet tension making the audience feel uneasy, we chose props that seem normal on their own but, when put together, tell a much darker story.

Key Props and Why They Matter

• Pen and Notepad- Christina is seen writing and doing calculations in her car. At first, it's unclear what she's planning, but it shows she's thinking ahead. She's not acting on impulse this is all carefully planned.
• Purse- She carries a black leather purse while shopping which is part of the costume but also serves as a prop to make her look like a regular person running errands. It adds realism and helps her blend in.
• Shovel- Obviously for digging, but it's also symbolizing something bigger, she's burying more than just a body. She's burying her past, her marriage, and any chance of going back.
• Duct Tape & Black Trash Bags- pretty normal items, but together, they feel off. They hint whatever she's doing, it's not good. These props make the audience realize how prepared she is.
• Pillows for Fake Body- To make it look like Christina is actually moving something heavy when she drags the "body."
• Fake Body- The most important prop for making the scene feel real. Wrapped in black plastic, it lets the audience imagine the worst without showing too much.
• Machete- A super unsettling object. If she already killed him, why does she need this? It makes the audience wonder if she's making sure he can't be identified, adding more mystery.
• Car- More than just transportation, the car represents isolation where she's alone in her thoughts. It's also where she goes to bury the body.
• Ring- The biggest clue. When she drops it into the grave, it silently confirms that the body is her husband. Without saying a word, the audience understands the plot.

Why Props Are So Important

Every single prop in this scene helps create suspense. They don't just make the scene feel real, they make the audience feel uncomfortable. As stated in nightmaretoys.com, "When it comes to creating spine-chilling, hair-raising films, horror props play a crucial role in setting the eerie ambiance and heightening the fear factor. These props are meticulously chosen to immerse the audience in a nightmarish experience, amplifying the suspense and terror on screen." By picking the right props and using them in just the right way, we make sure the audience isn't just watching the scene, they're feeling it.

Source:

           Wilks,  Alex. “Which Horror Props Are Used Most Often during Filming?” Nightmare Toys, 13 Oct. 2023, www.nightmaretoys.com/blogs/news/which-horror-props-are-used-most-often-during-filming. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.