You’re right, the frame‑rate dip is like pulling a breath from a quiet room. Those 23.98‑fps moments turn a steady drum into a jittery pulse. It’s almost like the film is taking a step back to jump forward, making the audience feel like the clock is ticking against them. New psychological thrillers use it to blur the line between real time and the mind’s own rhythm, keeping you guessing whether the terror is coming from the screen or from the pause itself. It’s a subtle trick, but the effect is louder than a scream.