The Secret to Writing Compelling Plot Twists - The Art of Misdirection Explained
How to Write Compelling Plot Twists - a writer’s guide to writing plot twists, including the three most important elements to consider (misdirection, clues, and structure).
What is a Plot Twist? ►► bit.ly/pp-pt
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - What is a Plot Twist?
01:03 - Plot Twist Types and Definition
02:30 - Technique 1: Misdirection
09:23 - Technique 2: Breadcrumbs
14:25 - Technique 3: Story Structure
18:44 - Final Takeaways
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HOW TO WRITE PLOT TWISTS
When executed well, plot twists in movies can be shocking and thrilling at the same time. The best pilot twist movies figured out how to deliver these reversals to the audience so they don’t feel cheated. Anyone can be revealed as the killer in the end, but writing plot twists that work requires thoughtful consideration, misdirection, and clues. In this video, we’ll look at some of the most compelling plot twists in movies and the three elements that every writer should consider when learning how to write the perfect plot twist.
WRITING PLOT TWISTS REQUIRES MISDIRECTION
A plot twist is when the storyteller flips reality on its head, presenting an unexpected truth that changes everything. Misdirection is a key element in how this is done - focusing the audience’s attention in one area while the truth is hidden in another. But there are unspoken rules when it comes to writing plot twists, the primary of which is that the big reveal needs to make logical sense. And to lay the groundwork for the plot twist to not feel like a cheat, the writer needs to incorporate clues, which we like to call breadcrumbs.
COMPELLING PLOT TWISTS HAVE CLUES
For a truly satisfying reversal, as we can see in the best plot twist movies, the writer and director should leave clues that are only apparent on a second viewing. Those tiny details that flew under the radar now appear to be so obvious in hindsight. This is easier said than done - since even the most casual movie-goer knows everything we see or hear is important. The trick is learning how to drop those breadcrumbs in such a way that the viewer can easily disregard them.
WHEN TO REVEAL THE PLOT TWIST
A final consideration is to decide when and where the big plot twist is revealed. Naturally, every story is different, so there is no “one size fits all” approach to structuring compelling plot twists. Some of the best plot twist movies flip the script at the midpoint when the last thing you expect is for the story to take a completely different direction. In many cases, the best plot twists are unveiled as a break into Act 3, propelling the story toward its climax. Some filmmakers save their shocking reveal for the very end, leaving the audience slack-jawed as the credits roll.
The art of a plot twist is a delicate balance between the amount of misdirection, the dispensing of clues, and where in the story the plot twist will have the greatest impact.
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Chapters: 00:00 - Intro - What is a Plot Twist? 01:03 - Plot Twist Types and Definition 02:30 - Technique 1: Misdirection 09:23 - Technique 2: Breadcrumbs 14:25 - Technique 3: Story Structure 18:44 - Final Takeaways
My favorite narrator is back!
I'm glad I'm not the only one
After cinefix got a new one, i couldn't stand losing another.
Yeeeeeees!
... plot twist... it's the same guy
IM NOT ALONE 🙏🙏
one of if not the best channels for writing and film. the storytelling (narrator, edits, transitions, script) is so good that even ordinary guy who got nothing to do with writing and films would enjoy watching. please keep the great work!
Indeed. I decided to start a channel recently and been hooked on these videos sense. I have ZERO film experience. and I do mean zero.
If a plot twist when handled well, it can be better on rewatch. Sixth Sense, Memento, and Fight Club are great examples of plot twists done well in movies. If not handled well, it can make the audience feel like they've been cheated, like Don't Worry Darling or Serenity (2019).
Agreed!
Yes, there can be no cheating. Agatha Christie was very good at plot twists, as was O. Henry.
Sixth Sense doesn't make any (sense)... Malcolm doesn't work as a ghost from his own perspective where he should notice that nobody interacts with him. It only creates an illusion for the audience with no logical in-universe explanation.
I liked the twist in serenity
But it is stated outright that ghosts don't generally know that they are dead, so Malcolm not recognizing this fact is in keeping with the story rules.@@enoyna1001
One of my personal favorite twists was in The Prestige. On second viewing, the twist is practically force-fed to you. "Are you watching closely" indeed.
Yeah that bird right at the start. The child cries and asks about the literal end of the movie
Went back to watch the Prestige after reading your comment. Has to be at least 10 years since the last time I watched it. You're right, there were clues peppered throughout. Also I wondered at the end of the rewatch, did Angiers kill himself? (did his copy kill him) Nolan always does this thing in his movies where he leaves a fundamental aspect of the main character's reality up for interpretation. I watched the scene over and over again and thought, his copy shot him didn't it, that's why he says "I'm the..."
One of my favorite plot twists was the character reveal in Spider-Man: Homecoming, when Liz’s dad opens the door for Peter and we realize (along with Peter) that Liz’s dad has been the Vulture this whole time. The clues to Vulture being Liz’s dad were all there for the audience to pick up on throughout the film; It was Liz’s drawing in the opening flashback and Liz’s family is rich since her dad has been stealing and selling Stark/Chitauri Tech. All the clues were there and all the dots were connected, but because of how the story was structured and how information was withheld from the audience, it made for a fantastic reveal where everything made sense and left us with a sense of dread for what happened next for Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
Good modern example!
That car scene after that reveal was the perfect way to up the ante. Chef's kiss of a scene filled with dread and tension.
I don't know if I would call it a plot twist, it's just a surprise, it doesn't really change the plot
Yes but let's be honest, the real reason we didn't notice was: he's white, she's black
@@cecily3797The actress is biracial in real life so it's not far fetched he is her dad in the movie
One of the worst plot twists is Now You See Me, where we learn at the end that Mark Buffalo’s character was ine if the henchmen all along. But during the runtime of the movie we never get a single clue ir a breadcrumb that would hint this. Even when Mark’s character is alone without anyone around, he still acts like he is frustrated because of the wizards’ actions
I love The Village despite people's criticism of it, but my one problem is that the movie doesn't emphasize enough that they're supposed to be in the 1800s. One of the first shots in the film shows a gravestone claiming that the person just died in 1898 or whatever, but it's only a split second shot, and the movie doesn't emphasize enough that they're supposed to be in the late 1800s, so that made it possible for some people to figure out the twist before the end. Amish and Hutterite etc. type communities exist in the modern world and the movie doesn't emphasize enough that that's not what they're supposed to be, making it too easy for some people to see the plot twist coming and not making the plot twist shocking enough.
Not to mention the cut to the cop’s pov turning the reveal into a punchline
I think THE OTHERS also had a great twist. It's such an under-rated movie. No violence or over use of jump scares....it's all suspense.
Have to agree The Others was brilliant. Also, Below and A Stir of Echoes were in a similar vein and very effectively structured.
The Others was SO good, in a really understated way as well.
Don’t you just love it when you’ve seen all the movies on the spoiler list :) No fear viewing 😎
haha happy viewing
I have never seen Psycho, believe or not.
lol I had to watch Get Out first before watching this since I keep hearing it was a good movie. Creepy mix between the Tales of the Cript and the Twilight Zone
@@scottslotterbeck3796 It's not bad. Don't watch it with your elders though.
@@PatientPerspective same. I need to watch Get Out before watching this as well 😂
Good analysis man, I love when movies construct an excellent plot twist, when you finish the movie, you want to watch it again to see how the movie constructs the mystery and how the truth was always there and you didn't catch it.
Nothing quite like it!
I watched the Sixth Sense again to see how he pulled off that one. I also watched it with my wife, to see when she got it. That was enjoyable.
It's a pleasure to be with studio binder from 400k to a million now
thanks for joining us on the ride :)
one of the greatest channels on youtube !! thank you so much for your amazing entertaining and informative viideos :)
Angel heart is an underrated and mostly unheard of film. It doesn't get enough credit for its brilliance, and a killer plot twist.
👍👍
That John Truby quote at the start was actually enough for me to explain why some of the supposed 'plot twists' I've experienced felt lame. Compared to great ones like Sixth Sense and Shutter Island, the bad ones were all like shocking for maybe 1 second but then when you think about it, barely has changed anything plot-wise. So it was more like a story with a peculiar conclusion rather than a twist.
Thank you so much StudioBinder ❤
Referring to your channel, here's no plot twist to be found at all. You again and as always created a masterpiece about how to create a masterpiece. Thanks so much for your great work!
Never will have a plot twist on that ;)
The Plot Twist is what makes A Movie storytelling more Original. Thank you StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. A video where every detail is a clue to understand what means the Plot Twist.
Thanks for watching!
The Village is one of my favorite films and I dont know why it is often critizised. It has such great philosophical conflict, emotional meaningful Twists, the most touching dialogue and Soundtrack, outstanding acting...I just think some people dont get it when its not Just about meaningless horror
It's one of Shyamalan's best!
I watched it on theater and feels disappointed. Mainly because it differs from my expectation. But boy oh boy, I watch it again and again, it is aging like a fine wine. It's so deep and philosophical, plus has a very neat twist execution.
I think it good one. But the ending just not thrilling. Thats the problem. Mr. Night took many twist as his style of written. That make every time people watch his movies. They will looking for the twist not the story
I think it was more of an initial reaction to the marketing and not the story itself. It was marketed as this edge-of-your-seat horror/thriller and is in fact a much slower, deeper, and more compelling story that much of the audience was either not ready for or not expecting.
It’s because it’s a terrible plot. Sometimes people care about that.
This is the best channel period
Thanks for listing the spoiled movies at the start! I haven't seen a couple of them yet, so I'm keeping this saved until I have!
Ok, this channel is now my go to for classic movie recommendations. Can't believe I never watched Scream. Or Village.
Thanks guys! I need more videos and tutorials like this. Do you write Complete guide about Twists and Tropes?
I'm planning on including twists in my thriller novel trilogy and in some of the screenplays I plan to write, and those tips will certainly help. Thank you for explaining how to write plot twists well.
Good luck!
Remember that if you twist a plotline too much, the whole thing can spiral out of your control.
@@JohnZ117, thanks for the reminder. The twists I am including are things that make sense for the story and help express its themes.
One of the videos on KZhead I view till the end ❤❤
🙌🙌
The plot twist in "The Others" gave me anxiety, did not see it coming. "The Sixth Sense" is more obvious. "The Village" was another that took me off guard. Now it's more difficult to keep plot twists hidden from audiences because of all the leaks on the internet
You guys are great, but I wish you would use more movies, it feels like you're repeating them a little bit, especially in the longer examples. Also, it would be fun if you could make a video talking more about the clues movies have for the upcoming twists (lines, characters, props, clothes, vfx, etc...), and maybe "The art of sequels and prequels" or something like that.
My favorite misdirection is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice where she makes us think of Lizzie's father as good and sensible and the mother delirious. Well, aren't we in for a shock when life proves otherwise
The only thing left to say is Thank You StudioBinder!!!
Thank you!
Awesome video! I want to point out that both of narrators are equally good!
Thanks!
@@StudioBinder You welcome!!!
David Fincher 🔥
Great at plot twists!
Awesome twist at the end.
my favourite twists that actually got me stumped were the ones from the zero escape games (999 and virtue's last reward), like vlr's protag (spoiler) having traveled down his timeline and he's been looking like an old dude this whole time to the other characters and he and the player didn't know because there were no mirrors anywhere but it made sense when he made a comment normal for some young dude and the girls would look at him weird
The Six Sense, back then first watch. Not knowing anything. No social media ruining it. Has to be the greatest plot twist in cinema history. Period.
Quite literally my favorite channel on KZhead. Amazing quality content.
Cheers!
Finally the video I wanted from you heven man
Glad you liked it!
A Beautiful Mind, Split, NOPE & American Psycho was also 4 great films of Plot Twists.
My favourite plot twist is The Sixth Sense.... oh, how time goes by, how Olivia William so lovely at that time, and Bruce... he is a legend ♥👍
Love from Bangladesh! ❤❤ thanks for educating me every day.
Watch the 2022 Malayalam Legal-thriller Jana Gana Mana 🩶, that was really astonishing ❤
Cheers!
Exactly what I needed!
Cheers!
Predestination should also be an example of how to make a great plot twist. That ending is a chef's kiss. Anyway, great video once again, StudioBinder!
Thanks for watching!
That end gave me chills
@@144digital They literally took the 'love yourself' message very seriously.
@@somecallmejeremy love thyself, birth thyself
To be honest my fav plot twist is from the movie THE PRESTIGE. I was blown away at the ending. When Borden(Christian Bale) discovers multiple Angier(Hugh Jackman) in the glass tank.
Pls upload a video about - How many Categories present for making a full movie..?? And their work ??
Make a video about "What is arthouse film?"
Thanks for the suggestion!
As usual,great video. I prefer when the twist is revealed before the end, cause I kind of feel cheated, so that way I still can enjoy the film for a while knowing the truth. Like a reward from the author for being lying to me.
You'd love Psycho
Great video !! But you guys forgot Identity ! 👀 Truly masterpiece
Talking about plot twists without Nolan’s “Prestige” is missing out on a unique technique. Highly recommended.
another great masterclass!
Cheers!
My Favorite Movies Plot Twist are : -Star Wars Episode 5 the Empire Strike Back (1980) -The Usual Suspects (1995) -Shutter Island (2010) -Seven (1995) -Scream (1996) -Fight Club (1999) -Gone Girl (2014) -Parasite (2019) -Psycho (1960) -Memento (2000) -Old Boy (2003) -The Planet of the Apes (1968) -Soylent Green (1973) -The Wicked Man (1973) -Angel Heart (1987) -The Village (2004) -The Ring (2002) -Saw (2004) And even Plot Twist in video games and comic books.
Great list. I love all of those too. People don't talk about Angel Heart (1987) NEARLY enough, though. SPOILERS: It even includes breadcrumbs in character names (De Niro's character "name"). Shutter Island uses a similar technique, but it's much harder to unscramble an anagram than it is to notice phonetical similarities... Some of my favorite plot twists of ALL TIME are in Bong Joon Ho's "Mother" (2009) and Park Chan Wook's "The Handmaiden" (2017), which is pretty much a game of "plot twist cat-and-mouse" with the audience. Both directors feature in your list, btw...
👍👍
@@Pedro_Larroza Effectively. The Twist of Angel Heart (1987) is traumatic. This is where its quality lies.
Good video. Thanks. What I really enjoyed in the Village was the use of the word 'Alley.' I think the line was "He was attacked in an alley." In the context it seems shockingly modern and anachronistic. It is however a word from the 14th century. The plot twist in the Sixth Sense is not that we lean that Bruce Willis' character is a ghost, we've suspected that all along -- but it's undermined. The big surprise is our reaction to Willis' character finding this out. The Sixth Sense is full of 'ghost' troupes from movies, the ghost is seen, he can't interact physically with the world.... I don't remember any of these specifically, but I clearly remember picking up on 'movie ghost code,' but then dismissing it because of new information. It is Shyamalan's best movie I think because of this greater depth. Instead of us the viewers being surprised and shocked, we are emotionally connected to the character and his shock.
maybe because you saw the movie 20 years later or maybe because you're a movie buff who has seen so many that you're hard to surprise, but the Bruce Willis character reveal was a huge plot twist, in itself.
I agree with you. I meant to write that the ''ghost IS seen, but he can't interact physically,' And yes I did apply what I've seen in a lot of movies, especially Kon Ichikawa's The Burmese Harp. So I did think 'ghost,' but then, nah.. So M. Night Shamaylan really surprised me at the end. He did a great job. @@ebbyc1817
In Scream you can actually see the twist coming in the videostore scene. When Billy accuses Randy of being the killer you can see Stu standing behind him with a giant grin on is face.
Narrator ❤❤❤
❤❤
I LOVE his voice. My voice is like a boring 20 something kid trying to be a grown up.
very informative video
Thank you so much for being my guide, mentor, teacher love you team studio binder
happy filming!
Hooray! The posh British guy is back! Lots of love!
Hi! i appreciate you guys producing this high quality educational videos, I've noticed that you have not tackled Wong kar wai movies and their themes of longing, lost and loneliness and his use of motifs and unique cinematography such as step-printing technique, im curious about this and hope you can tackle this in future videos!
We probably will cover more of his work!
You're the free University for filmmakers, thanks for being here, one day I will become a director I will gave my whole credit to you 🙏
We'll be waiting!
Thank You
We want more How to write type videos ❤
Ah came looking for Arrival based on the title alone. SO glad to see it in here! EDIT: dammit, spoke too soon 😢
Mr Robot series is master at plot twists. I highly recommend the series.
Good choice!
Great video, you guys never let us down !
Glad you liked it!
Handmaiden should be included in these twist videos. It's twistS are so so good
This channel is gem.
❤❤
I have to watch every video, it's that good.
Very Helpful
Glad you liked it!
thank you Please upload English subtitles! ❤❤
subtitles should be up!
Awesome content!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for helping , 😊 love and fans from India 🎉
Glad you liked it!
@@StudioBinder OMG you replied for me , by the way sir , hats off to your talent and dedication .
Great video👍
Cheers!
The the 6th sense had one of the best plot twists.
All time classic!
StudioBinder: "We will spoil the following movies" Also StudioBinder: "Let's spoil Old Boy too without any warning"
Anna look directly at him in the restaurant. That convinced me he was alive and she could see him. She DID interact with him.
I was afraid this video would have the same plot twist I've seen in so many KZhead videos. You know, the one where you're led to believe you're going to see a good, well-researched presentation but it turns out to be an AI-generated piece of crap. I was very pleased that no reversal took place here, as well with the work and attention to detail that went into this. :D
could you do “HOW TO WRITE anthology script/screen-play” !!!
Incendies and Mulholland drive also have one of the smartest and unexpected mind-bending plot twists of all time 🙌
Mulholland drive is much underrated, or just not well known. But begs the question, was he set up, or was he delusional the entire time? The way Tim Robbins smiles tells me set up brilliantly, but you never know right?
@@MisterGames I read the movie explaination and try to fit it together and from what I understand, the idea is about fantasizing about some one's famous lives and the disappointement when you wake up in the reality and all the glamorizing staff disappears and the real ones slice us over ! If I get it right, I haven't seen other movies discuss such idea in such surreal way so I respect that even though I don't like the movie itself but as I said Mind-bending plot twist you couldn't or at least I didn't get it easily 😉🙌
@@marwanel-aghoury8822why don't you like it?
@@sarangasaikia343 lesbian relationship and many nude scenes and I don't like such things in movies or any form of media production
Pilot Twist especially in the horror movies is amazing.
The Others
Great video
💖💖
Old boy is great movie.. I am so proud this movie and our country is so happy.. korea
A classic!
Nice video ❤🎉, please make a video on how to write a comedy script.
2:42 Why MYSTERIO [in Spider-Man FFH] is the most entertaining movie villain. His encore was EPIC payback!
The Twist is a standard plot point in a character arc but not every movie has a "plot twist" like the sixth sense. What's the difference between the two
I have seen all of these movies, loved all of them, can you recommend lesser known movies with great plot twist ?
We might!
Great! Thanx!
👍👍
Can you talk about kishotenketsu? And other structure of story? Some KZheadrs say its better way to make character more deep into the story. But i still not get it yet
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
The narrator needs to do a film podcast!
What about the ATTACK ON TITAN plot twist? Isayama's masterstoke with Eren YEAGER'S character?❤😊
That's a great one!
The plot twist in Oldboy was so shocking that it goes to show about the extremes of vengeance people take out on people and the plot twist makes the ending ambiguous!! A very unique revenge film I have to say!!
THE revenge film arguably
I was honestly shocked that the final twist is the video is over hahahaha awesome video as usual @studiobinder what is you favorite twist off all time?
maybe we'll make a video list ;)
Superb bro ✋😁😁
😊
Book of Eli is another amazing plot twist.
Knives out is one of the best plot twist
Love a great mystery film!
i liked the plot twist from enders game where the kids find out the simulations were real
Even better in the book!
Great video. Totally.... unexpected 🤨
What a reversal
Could you do a video on roomtone, making dialogue sound natural and sound design
Thanks for the suggestion!
Bro please make a videos on how many types of plots to make movies
Please, please, please publish a book of filmmaking techniques!
we have several ebooks you would like! Check out our lighting technique ebook ►► bit.ly/sl-p2
What's the name of the movie at 0:23?
Normally, I know how to write a great plot twist. One of my favorite short stories I’ve ever wrote is only three pages and I scattered breadcrumbs, and it still wasn’t obvious but it makes sense. Right now I’m struggling with simply what I want to plot twist to be. There’s this one character who just has a clearly different vibe than the others but I’m not sure how to turn that into a twist.
Top tier
💯