What element is commonly associated with suspense in film?

Music that foreshadows events is a crucial element commonly associated with suspense in film. This type of music often employs techniques such as dissonance, crescendos, or minor keys to create a feeling of tension and anticipation. By foreshadowing what might happen next, the soundtrack can evoke emotional responses from the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seats and enhancing the sense of uncertainty and dread.

In suspenseful scenes, the music builds an atmosphere that suggests danger or a significant turning point, guiding the viewer's emotional journey and highlighting critical moments in the narrative. This auditory cue transforms a visual experience into a more immersive one, as the audience becomes more attuned to the underlying tension and the stakes involved.

In contrast, while predictability can alleviate suspense, and clarity in a storyline can enhance engagement, they do not inherently contribute to a sense of tension. Similarly, character development plays a significant role in storytelling but does not specifically create suspense; instead, it often provides context that leads to enhancing or alleviating it, depending on how characters are portrayed in high-stakes situations.