If you loved
The Grownup
Gillian Flynn · Book · 2015
If you loved the way The Grownup masterfully weaponizes deception to pull you into a chilling, reality-bending psychological game.
Films on the same thread
Gone Girl
David Fincher · Film · 2014
Shares a thread with The Grownup: Psychological Thriller.
Just as the protagonist of The Grownup thrives on calculated fraud, this film showcases the lethal consequences of social manipulation and the terrifying reality behind a carefully constructed facade.
The Housemaid
Paul Feig · Film · 2025
Shares a thread with The Grownup: Psychological Thriller.
Much like the unsettling power dynamics found in The Grownup, this story pulls you into a high-stakes game of secrets and hidden agendas where the line between victim and predator blurs.
The Gift
Film · 2015
Shares 2 threads with The Grownup: Social manipulation, Psychological thriller.
This film mirrors the psychological unease of The Grownup by exploring how a seemingly ordinary life can be systematically dismantled through the calculated deception of a mysterious, unwanted guest.
Doctor Sleep
Mike Flanagan · Film · 2019
Explores: Trauma, Addiction, Psychic Powers.
Fans of the supernatural ambiguity in The Grownup will appreciate how this narrative forces characters to confront lingering, traumatic ghosts that refuse to stay buried in the past.
Series on the same thread
Gossip Girl
Stephanie Savage · Series · 2007
Explores: Privilege, Social Status, Secrets.
The voyeuristic thrill of navigating a world defined by secrets and social status in this series captures the same sharp, observational intensity that defines the narrative voice of The Grownup.
The Haunting of Hill House
Mike Flanagan · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with The Grownup: Gothic Horror.
The haunting atmosphere and focus on fractured family history in this series echo the unsettling, gothic dread that permeates the house at the center of The Grownup.
The Peripheral
Scott B. Smith · Series · 2022
Explores: Virtual Reality, Dystopian Future, Corporate Conspiracy.
This narrative’s focus on a deceptive reality and the blurred lines between observation and participation will resonate with anyone captivated by the con artist themes of The Grownup.
Sharp Objects
Marti Noxon · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with The Grownup: Psychological Thriller.
The dark, atmospheric tension found in this series mirrors the psychological weight of The Grownup, as a woman returns to a toxic past to face her own demons.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
These cinematic audio stories mirror the bite-sized, unpredictable nature of The Grownup, offering listeners a series of sharp, suspenseful twists that prioritize atmosphere and clever narrative deception.
Dirty John
LA Times Studios · Podcast · 2026
This real-life descent into manipulation and survival captures the exact brand of chilling, deceptive intimacy that made the protagonist of The Grownup such a compelling and dangerous narrator.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Grownup a full-length novel?
The Grownup is an Edgar Award-winning short story by Gillian Flynn. While it was originally featured in an anthology, it is published here as a standalone work for readers to enjoy on its own.
Does The Grownup feature supernatural elements?
Yes, The Grownup is written as an homage to the classic ghost story. The narrative follows a young woman who works reading auras before her encounter with Susan Burke leads her into a complex situation.
Who is the author of The Grownup?
The Grownup was written by Gillian Flynn. It was originally published in 2015 and has since been recognized as a New York Times bestseller for its unique take on the ghost story genre.
What is the primary plot of The Grownup?
The Grownup centers on a young woman who survives by committing various levels of fraud. Her life changes when she meets a client named Susan Burke, an event that drives the plot of this Edgar Award-winning story.