Screen Psyche - screenpsyche.com

Three East Asian individuals reflect quietly as they sit near a sunset-lit window, evoking themes of nostalgia, regret, and emotional distance

Past Lives: Nostalgia, Regret, and the Unlived Self

The film Past Lives (2023) has garnered critical acclaim for its profound exploration of nostalgia and regret. In this character analysis, we identify how these themes manifest throughout the narrative.…

Screen Psyche August 8, 2025

Oil painting depicting symbolic representations of famous characters like Walter White, Anna Karenina, Tony Stark, Fleabag, Don Draper, and Dexter Morgan, illustrating cognitive dissonance and internal conflict.

Psychological Concepts via Characters

Cognitive Dissonance and Character Arcs: The Collision of Morality and Desire

Cognitive dissonance and character arcs create compelling narratives in film and television. When characters face internal conflicts, their journeys become relatable and profound. This article explores how cognitive dissonance influences…

Screen Psyche August 7, 2025

Oil painting of a woman with red curly hair in a dark hallway, inspired by Nadia from Russian Doll, symbolizing time loops and trauma recovery

TV Character Analysis

Russian Doll: Exploring Death, Loops, and Trauma Traps

In the acclaimed series Russian Doll, we follow Nadia, a complex character caught in a cycle of death and rebirth. Nadia's journey through these loops serves not only as a…

Screen Psyche August 7, 2025

Oil painting of Saoirse Ronan portraying Lady Bird, capturing adolescent rebellion and emotional depth

Film Character Analysis

Individuation Through Rebellion: Analyzing Lady Bird’s Journey

In the coming-of-age film Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig, the central theme revolves around individuation through rebellion. This cinematic exploration of adolescence captures the struggle against societal expectations and…

Screen Psyche August 7, 2025

Artistic oil painting of emotionally entangled family members inspired by characters from Gilmore Girls, This Is Us, and The Simpsons

Psychological Concepts via Characters

Enmeshment in Popular Culture: An Analysis of Family Dynamics on Screen

Enmeshment in popular culture is a pervasive theme that often adorns our screens in the form of complex family dynamics. Family enmeshment describes a relationship where personal boundaries become blurred,…

Screen Psyche August 4, 2025

Oil painting representing the psychological themes of Hannibal, with Baroque-style shadows and symbolic predator imagery

TV Character Analysis

Fear and Trauma in Hannibal: Aestheticizing the Predator Mind

Introduction to Fear and Trauma in Hannibal The intricate themes of fear and trauma in Hannibal resonate deeply throughout the series, which remains one of television's most psychologically rich offerings.…

Screen Psyche August 2, 2025

Traditional oil painting of a man and a glowing AI figure inspired by the movie Her, illustrating emotional intimacy in the age of artificial intelligence

Film Character Analysis

Her Film Character Analysis: Emotional Intimacy in the Age of AI

In the modern cinematic landscape, Her stands out as a poignant exploration of emotional intimacy in the wake of artificial intelligence. This film characterizes a futuristic society where human connection…

Screen Psyche August 1, 2025

Oil painting of The Punisher with a dramatic, realistic style and dark tones, symbolizing moral ambiguity and vigilante justice.

Psychological Concepts via Characters

What is an Anti-Hero? Understanding the Psychology of Moral Gray Zones

In storytelling, character distinctions are crucial. One popular type is the anti-hero, an intriguing character often seen in literature, films, and television. But what is an anti-hero? This article delves…

Screen Psyche July 31, 2025

TV Character Analysis

Big Little Lies Gaslighting: Understanding Emotional Manipulation in Relationships

Gaslighting in the series Big Little Lies highlights the psychological toll emotional manipulation can take on personal relationships. This gripping narrative reflects how gaslighting operates within couples, creating emotional turmoil…

Screen Psyche July 30, 2025

Oil painting of Walt Kowalski from Gran Torino showing emotional transformation from prejudice to compassion

Film Character Analysis

Prejudice to Compassion: Redemption and Moral Conflict in Gran Torino

The movie Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood, explores the profound journey of Walt Kowalski, who transforms from a man fueled by prejudice to one touched by compassion. This striking…

Screen Psyche July 29, 2025