The best psychological horror movies are the ones that feel almost impossible to talk about with anyone who hasn’t seen them. You want to gush about the brilliance of it all — the tension, the performances, the twist — but you don’t want to give anything away. You want to talk about that ending, yet even hinting that there is a twist feels like a spoiler already.
This article is part of Trick or Stream, a seasonal series where Tom's Guide writers share their favorite horror movies and thrillers.
That’s exactly how it is with "Triangle," a 2009 psychological horror film set on the open seas. Written and directed by Christopher Smith and starring Melissa George, the movie takes viewers on a bizarre, disorienting voyage aboard an abandoned ocean liner discovered by a group of friends forced to flee their capsized yacht. It’s a film that leaves me deeply unsettled, and, frankly, thankful I’ve never been much of a boat person.
What is 'Triangle' about?
"Triangle" begins with what seems like a simple setup: a group of friends heading out for a carefree day of sailing. But from the very first scene, it’s clear there’s much more lurking beneath the surface. The film opens with Jess (Melissa George) comforting her autistic son after a nightmare. Moments later, she’s knocking on a neighbor’s door, asking if they’ve seen anyone near her house, an exchange that feels oddly off-kilter. Soon, she’s at the docks, meeting her friend Greg (Michael Dorman), embracing him, and whispering an apology that raises quiet questions.
Jess joins Greg and his friends for a trip on his yacht. The mood is light but uneasy; everyone seems a little wary of Jess, who remains distant and distracted. In a private moment, Victor (Liam Hemsworth) confides in Greg that he’s puzzled why Jess didn’t bring her son; the boy was supposed to come along. Her explanation, that he’s at school, doesn’t quite make sense. After all, it’s Saturday.
Then the storm hits. The yacht is battered by violent waves, radios fail, and chaos reigns. When the survivors spot a massive ocean liner approaching through the fog, it feels like salvation. But as they climb aboard, relief quickly turns to dread. The ship is eerily silent and seemingly deserted ... except Jess can’t shake the feeling she’s been there before.
As the group explores the empty corridors, trying to piece together what’s happened, the tension spirals. Soon, they realize they are not alone, and someone (or something) is hunting them down one by one.
Why you should stream 'Triangle'
As I said from the start, "Triangle" is hard to discuss without giving away too much, but that’s part of its power. This isn’t just another slasher on the high seas; it’s a haunting, tightly woven psychological puzzle that rewards close attention and repeated viewing.
Melissa George delivers a standout performance as a woman trapped in a nightmare she can’t seem to escape. I’ll admit, she’s not an actress I usually seek out, but here she’s unforgettable. George wears Jess’s grief and confusion like armor that’s cracking under the weight of something unbearable. Her performance captures the essence of guilt, loss, and the desperate human need to make sense of the senseless.
When the credits roll, you’ll likely find yourself immediately wanting to hit “play” again. "Triangle" is one of those rare films that deepens with every watch. Each revisit reveals new clues, hidden meanings, and emotional layers. It doesn’t hand you all the answers and that’s exactly what makes it so endlessly fascinating. Be ready to rewatch, reflect and trade theories late into the night with your movie buddies. And never want to go on a boat again.
Watch "Triangle" on Prime Video
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