The Art of Plot Twists: Surprising and Impactful Twists in Movies and TV Shows

🔑Plot twists redirect the plot from its former trajectory, while subverting expectations is an audience impact resulting from events in the story. They are related but not equivalent.

🎭Good plot twists are clever, well-executed, and reframing the story, enhancing rewatch value. Bad plot twists contradict canon, lack coherence, or have no meaningful impact.

🎥Movies like The Sixth Sense, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Into the Spiderverse showcase effective plot twists that surprise, challenge audience expectations, and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

🚫Plan 9 from Outer Space and the Planet of the Apes remake demonstrate examples of bad plot twists that contradict canon or lack coherence, diminishing the story's impact.

🔁Understanding the difference between effective and ineffective plot twists can help writers create captivating and impactful story moments that resonate with audiences.

What is the difference between a plot twist and subverting expectations?

—A plot twist redirects the plot from its former trajectory, while subverting expectations is an audience impact resulting from events in the story. They are related but not equivalent.

What makes a good plot twist?

—A good plot twist is clever, well-executed, and reframes the story, enhancing rewatch value. It surprises the audience, challenges their expectations, and has a meaningful impact on the story.

Can you give examples of movies with effective plot twists?

—Movies like The Sixth Sense, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Into the Spiderverse showcase effective plot twists that surprise, challenge audience expectations, and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

What makes a plot twist bad?

—A bad plot twist contradicts canon, lacks coherence, or fails to have a meaningful impact. It can feel forced, confusing, or irrelevant to the story, diminishing its overall effectiveness.

How can I create effective plot twists in my writing?

—Understanding the difference between effective and ineffective plot twists is key. Craft twists that are clever, well-executed, and have a purpose within the story. Surprise the audience, challenge their expectations, and create a meaningful impact that resonates with them.

03:58Plot twists redirect the plot from its former trajectory, while subverting expectations is an audience impact resulting from events in the story.

06:41Retroactive twists reveal new information that retroactively changes the interpretation of the story, while trajectory twists are unexpected events that change the plot's direction.

08:07Bad twists contradict canon, lack coherence, or have no meaningful impact.