12.6 Plot twists

Plot twists are game-changers in storytelling for film and TV. They captivate audiences, propel narratives forward, and leave lasting impressions. From surprise revelations to character-driven shifts, twists serve multiple purposes in engaging viewers and reinforcing themes.

Effective twists require careful planning and execution. Writers must balance shock value with logical consistency, using techniques like foreshadowing and misdirection. Timing is crucial, whether employing early reveals, multiple twists, or climactic surprises that recontextualize entire stories.

Types of plot twists

• Plot twists serve as crucial narrative devices in storytelling for film and television
• Effective twists can elevate a story, captivate audiences, and leave lasting impressions
• Understanding different types of twists allows writers to craft more engaging and memorable narratives

Surprise vs revelation

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• Surprise twists shock audiences with unexpected events or information
• Revelation twists gradually unveil hidden truths throughout the story
• Surprise twists often occur suddenly (character death in Game of Thrones)
• Revelation twists build tension over time (identity reveal in The Sixth Sense)
• Both types can be combined for maximum impact in complex narratives

Reversal of fortune

• Dramatically changes a character's circumstances, often from good to bad or vice versa
• Can affect the protagonist, antagonist, or supporting characters
• Creates emotional impact and drives plot forward
• Examples include:
  • Rags to riches stories (Slumdog Millionaire)
  • Fall from grace narratives (Breaking Bad)

False protagonist

• Introduces a character initially presented as the main hero or focus of the story
• Shifts focus to the true protagonist later in the narrative
• Subverts audience expectations and creates memorable twists
• Can be used to misdirect viewers or establish tone
• Notable examples:
  • Janet Leigh's character in Psycho
  • Drew Barrymore's character in Scream

Unreliable narrator

• Presents a story through a narrator whose credibility is questionable
• Challenges audience perceptions and interpretations of events
• Can be revealed gradually or in a sudden twist
• Adds layers of complexity to the narrative
• Examples in film and TV:
  • Fight Club
  • Mr. Robot

Functions of plot twists

• Plot twists serve multiple purposes in storytelling for film and television
• They can enhance various aspects of the narrative and viewing experience
• Understanding these functions helps writers utilize twists effectively

Audience engagement

• Captivates viewers by introducing unexpected elements
• Encourages active participation in piecing together clues
• Creates memorable moments that spark discussion and analysis
• Increases emotional investment in characters and storylines
• Can lead to repeat viewings to catch missed details

Narrative momentum

• Propels the story forward by introducing new conflicts or revelations
• Prevents plots from becoming predictable or stagnant
• Can rejuvenate interest in long-running series or franchises
• Shifts the direction of the story in exciting ways
• Examples of momentum-driving twists:
  • Mid-season reveals in TV shows (Lost)
  • Act breaks in films (The Usual Suspects)

Thematic reinforcement

• Strengthens the central themes or messages of the story
• Adds depth to character arcs and motivations
• Challenges audience perceptions and beliefs
• Can provide commentary on social issues or human nature
• Examples of thematically resonant twists:
  • Identity and perception in The Truman Show
  • Nature of reality in The Matrix

Techniques for effective twists

Foreshadowing and misdirection

• Foreshadowing subtly hints at future events or revelations
• Misdirection guides audience attention away from crucial details
• Balancing these techniques creates satisfying yet surprising twists
• Effective foreshadowing examples:
  • Visual clues in The Sixth Sense
  • Dialogue hints in Fight Club
• Misdirection techniques:
  • Red herrings (false clues)
  • Emphasis on less important plot elements

Red herrings

• False clues intentionally planted to mislead the audience
• Create suspense and misdirect attention from the true twist
• Can be characters, events, or seemingly important plot points
• Enhance the impact of the eventual reveal
• Examples of effective red herrings:
  • Suspect misdirects in murder mysteries (Knives Out)
  • False plot threads in thriller films (Gone Girl)

Subverting expectations

• Deliberately contradicts audience assumptions or genre conventions
• Challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of the story
• Can lead to shocking or thought-provoking twists
• Requires careful setup to avoid feeling contrived
• Examples of expectation subversion:
  • Genre-blending twists (From Dusk Till Dawn)
  • Character role reversals (The Usual Suspects)

Timing of plot twists

Early vs late reveals

• Early twists can reshape the entire narrative (The Matrix)
• Late twists provide climactic revelations (The Sixth Sense)
• Early reveals allow for exploration of consequences
• Late twists often have a more shocking impact
• Timing considerations:
  • Story structure and pacing
  • Audience engagement throughout the narrative
  • Thematic relevance of the twist

Multiple twist structures

• Incorporates several twists throughout the story
• Maintains audience engagement and unpredictability
• Requires careful planning to avoid confusion or fatigue
• Can create layered, complex narratives
• Examples of multiple twist stories:
  • Inception
  • The Prestige

Climactic twists

• Occur at or near the story's climax for maximum impact
• Often serve as the narrative's primary revelation
• Can recontextualize the entire story
• Challenges in execution:
  • Maintaining logical consistency
  • Avoiding deus ex machina resolutions
• Notable climactic twists:
  • Planet of the Apes (1968)
  • The Usual Suspects

Genre-specific plot twists

Mystery and thriller twists

• Central to the genre, often involving reveals of culprits or motives
• Rely heavily on misdirection and red herrings
• Can involve unreliable narrators or false protagonists
• Examples of effective mystery twists:
  • Identity reveals in Agatha Christie adaptations
  • Conspiracy unraveling in Chinatown

Science fiction twists

• Often explore concepts of reality, time, or technology
• Can involve revelations about the nature of the world or characters
• Frequently challenge audience perceptions of what's possible
• Notable science fiction twists:
  • Planet reveals (Planet of the Apes)
  • Reality-bending concepts (The Matrix)

Comedy twists

• Subvert expectations for humorous effect
• Can involve absurd revelations or character transformations
• Often play with genre conventions or tropes
• Examples of comedic twists:
  • Identity mix-ups in Shakespeare's comedies
  • Unexpected character reveals in sitcoms (The Good Place)

Iconic plot twists in film

Classic movie twist examples

• Establish benchmarks for effective plot twists in cinema
• Often referenced and parodied in popular culture
• Demonstrate lasting impact on audience and filmmaking
• Notable classic twists:
  • Citizen Kane's "Rosebud" reveal
  • Psycho's shower scene and character shift
  • The Empire Strikes Back's paternity revelation

Modern twist endings

• Reflect contemporary storytelling techniques and audience expectations
• Often incorporate meta-commentary or genre subversion
• Can leverage technology or social media in the twist
• Examples of impactful modern twists:
  • The Sixth Sense's protagonist reveal
  • Inception's ambiguous ending
  • Get Out's subversion of racial expectations

Writing plot twists

Balancing surprise and logic

• Ensures twists are both unexpected and believable
• Requires careful setup and consistent internal logic
• Avoids plot holes or contradictions that undermine the twist
• Techniques for maintaining balance:
  • Planting subtle clues throughout the narrative
  • Ensuring character motivations align with the twist
  • Providing satisfying explanations post-reveal

Character-driven twists

• Arise from character motivations, secrets, or transformations
• Often feel more organic and impactful than plot-driven twists
• Can deepen audience connection to characters
• Examples of effective character-driven twists:
  • Breaking Bad's Walter White's moral decline
  • The Good Place's Eleanor's self-discovery

Twist vs deus ex machina

• Distinguishes between satisfying twists and contrived solutions
• Deus ex machina introduces an unexpected power or event to resolve conflicts
• Twists should feel earned and consistent with the story's logic
• Avoiding deus ex machina:
  • Establish rules and limitations of the story world early on
  • Ensure resolutions stem from established elements or characters

Audience reaction to twists

Shock value vs satisfaction

• Balances immediate surprise with long-term narrative fulfillment
• Shock value creates immediate impact and discussion
• Satisfaction ensures the twist enhances the overall story
• Factors influencing audience response:
  • Setup and foreshadowing
  • Emotional investment in characters
  • Consistency with established themes and tone

Rewatchability factor

• Determines whether a twist enhances or diminishes repeat viewings
• Well-crafted twists can reveal new layers upon rewatching
• Poorly executed twists may feel gimmicky or reduce engagement
• Enhancing rewatchability:
  • Planting subtle clues throughout the narrative
  • Developing complex characters with hidden depths
  • Creating multi-layered stories that reveal new meanings

Cultural impact of twists

• Measures how twists resonate beyond individual viewing experiences
• Can lead to widespread discussions, theories, and references
• Influences future storytelling and audience expectations
• Examples of culturally impactful twists:
  • The Sixth Sense's "I see dead people" revelation
  • Fight Club's narrator twist
  • Lost's series-long mystery reveals

Plot twists in television

Season finale twists

• Often used to create cliffhangers and ensure audience return
• Can reshape the direction of the series for upcoming seasons
• Challenges in execution:
  • Balancing satisfaction with suspense
  • Avoiding repetitive or predictable patterns
• Notable season finale twists:
  • Game of Thrones' Red Wedding
  • Breaking Bad's "Face Off" revelation

Series-long mystery reveals

• Central enigmas that drive multi-season story arcs
• Require careful planning and consistent clue-dropping
• Risk disappointing audiences if poorly executed
• Successful examples:
  • Lost's island mysteries
  • Westworld's timeline and identity revelations

Cliffhangers vs resolutions

• Cliffhangers leave storylines unresolved to build anticipation
• Resolutions provide closure while potentially opening new questions
• Balancing act between satisfying audiences and maintaining engagement
• Considerations for writers:
  • Network scheduling and potential cancellations
  • Audience fatigue with unresolved plotlines
  • Pacing of overall series arc

Criticism of plot twists

Overuse in storytelling

• Can lead to audience fatigue or skepticism
• Risk of prioritizing shock value over coherent narratives
• May result in formulaic or predictable storytelling
• Challenges for writers:
  • Finding fresh approaches to twists
  • Balancing twists with straightforward storytelling

Predictability vs originality

• Tension between meeting genre expectations and surprising audiences
• Overly familiar twist tropes can diminish impact
• Highly original twists may alienate or confuse viewers
• Strategies for maintaining originality:
  • Subverting common twist tropes
  • Combining multiple twist elements
  • Focusing on character-driven surprises

Plot holes and inconsistencies

• Logical flaws or contradictions that undermine twist credibility
• Can result from poor planning or prioritizing shock over coherence
• May lead to audience dissatisfaction or loss of trust
• Avoiding plot holes:
  • Thorough outlining and story mapping
  • Consistency checks throughout the writing process
  • Beta readers or script consultations to catch inconsistencies