When it comes to storytelling, cinema knows how to play with our emotions. The adrenaline-pumping build-up, gripping dialogue, and characters we can’t help but root for all converge to give us unforgettable experiences. But what really seals the deal and leaves an indelible mark on our minds? You guessed it—a plot twist so masterfully executed that you didn’t see it coming. Over the past decade, we’ve been fortunate to witness storytelling brilliance through various genre-defying plot twists, and today, we’re diving deep into the unforgettable curves that had us all talking. Buckle up, and spoiler alert: if you haven’t watched these movies, now’s your chance to close this tab.
The Emotional Rollercoaster That Is ‘Coco’ (2017)
“Coco explores Mexico’s colorful and beloved holiday, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead…”
What’s so intriguing about ‘Coco’ is the way it layers its narrative with emotional twists and turns. “In classic Disney fashion (nobody loves turning a good character into the movie’s villain quite like Disney), Ernesto is unveiled to be a fraud,” says an ardent movie buff. The film delivers a string of revelations about Miguel’s ancestry and the true origin of the famous song “Remember Me.” Each revelation not only surprises but adds layers to the emotional depth of the story, making ‘Coco’ a must-watch.
Stream on Disney+
Why ‘La La Land’ (2016) Isn’t Your Average Rom-Com
“For most of the film, La La Land is an upbeat musical about fools who dream…”
At its core, ‘La La Land’ teases us with the prospect of a fairytale ending, only to pivot into a direction that tugs at our heartstrings. “The movie suddenly jumps ahead five years… Mia and Sebastian don’t end up together,” a cinema critic elaborates. By subverting the ‘happily ever after’ trope, ‘La La Land’ gives us a love story that feels as real as it is heartbreaking.
Stream on Netflix
The Dark Complexity of ‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)
“In Promising Young Woman, Cassie (Carey Mulligan) goes from being a promising, young medical student to a revenge-obsessed dropout…”
In this story of revenge and justice, ‘Promising Young Woman’ leaves us astounded with its unforeseen revelations. Just when you think Cassie’s quest for revenge has reached a tragic end, you’re proven wrong. “While attending her murderer’s wedding, Ryan receives scheduled text messages from Cassie from beyond the grave,” explains an entertainment journalist. These twists make the film not only a pulse-pounding thriller but also a sobering commentary on the post-MeToo era.
Rent on Apple TV+
Drumming to a Different Beat: The Power Dynamics in ‘Whiplash’ (2014)
“Whiplash follows a talented drummer named Andrew (Miles Teller) and his tumultuous relationship with his renowned instructor Terence Fletcher…”
The movie builds up an excruciating tension between student and teacher, only to release it in a grandiose showdown. “Whiplash’s twist ending packs the most explosive punch in the movie,” a film reviewer notes. Andrew’s incredible comeback turns the tables and leaves audiences with an unforgettable climax.
Stream on Hulu
When ‘Frozen‘ (2013) Redefined True Love
“After Elsa (Idina Menzel) uses her magic to accidentally freeze her sister’s heart, Anna (Kristen Bell) learns that she’ll soon be frozen solid…”
The twist here is an act of sheer narrative genius. By positioning familial love as the key to salvation, ‘Frozen’ breaks away from Disney’s age-old tradition. “It was family love, not romantic love, that saved Anna,” says an ardent Disney fan. The twist not only surprises but also enriches the film’s emotional undercurrent.
Stream on Disney+
‘Split’ (2016) and the Shyamalan Universe
“His 2016 thriller, Split, follows Kevin Wendell Crumb (played magnificently by James McAvoy), a man suffering from an extreme form of dissociative identity disorder…”
M. Night Shyamalan delights fans by tying in ‘Split’ with his earlier work, ‘Unbreakable,’ setting the stage for an unexpected trilogy. “In a shocking last-minute twist, Shyamalan sets both Split and Unbreakable in the same universe,” a movie critic confirms. This twist reinvigorated Shyamalan’s career and got fans excited about what would come next.
Rent on Apple TV+
The Social Dissection in ‘Parasite’ (2019)
“The impoverished Kim family takes advantage of the wealthy Park family, posing as unrelated workers…”
‘Parasite’ subverts its initial comedic tone to offer a deeper, more unsettling commentary on social dynamics. “The Kims learn that another poor family is also taking advantage of the Parks, living beneath their home,” a film reviewer elaborates. The turns in ‘Parasite’ serve as shocking narrative detours that magnify the harsh realities of inequality.
Stream on Hulu
The past decade in film has been a feast of narratives that kept us on the edge of our seats, and the movies we’ve highlighted here represent some of the finest storytelling out there. These plot twists not only provide surprises but enrich the films’ emotional and thematic landscapes, ensuring that they stay with us long after the credits roll.
When Comedy Genius Met Horror: The Unforgettable Twist in “Get Out”
Before 2017, Jordan Peele was primarily a comedy guy. So when he jumped genres with Get Out, we were all a tad surprised. But then the movie started rolling, and oh boy, did it roll. Starring Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, Get Out takes us through a gripping psychological maze, where rich white families mind-hack African-Americans for their own deranged purposes.
“Get Out feels like something out of The Twilight Zone, an imaginative and creepy story that’ll send chills down your spine from beginning to end.”
But what made everyone’s jaws drop was the revelation about Rose, Chris’s girlfriend. Played by Allison Williams, Rose turns out to be the mastermind luring black men into this grim web. Unveiling the treachery of someone thought to be an ally? A move as shattering as it is brilliant.
Blade Runner 2049: Sequel, Spin, and Surreal Twists
Denis Villeneuve took the helm for the Blade Runner sequel, and boy, did he deliver. Ryan Gosling’s K, a blade runner, is on a quest that might prove he’s actually a human. But the real spectacle? The revelation about Dr. Ana Stelline, originally introduced as a minor character.
“It’s a satisfying twist that connects Blade Runner 2049 to the original movie while introducing new ideas, making this one of the best sequels to come out of Hollywood.”
In the end, it turns out that Ana is the real offspring of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) and replicant Rachael. It’s a surprising but fitting link that not only pays homage to the original but also takes the narrative in a fascinating new direction.
Arrival: A Revolutionary Take on Alien Cinema
“Alien movies” and “realistic” rarely go hand-in-hand, but Arrival changed the game. Amy Adams plays Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist tasked with understanding the language of the squid-like Heptapods.
“These scenes are actually flash-forwards, visions of a future that has not yet come to be.”
What makes the twist so staggering is the Heptapods’ perception of time; they see it all—past, present, future—at once. This makes Louise experience time in a non-linear fashion, giving us what we thought were flashbacks, but were actually glimpses of her future. It’s an emotional and unexpected turn, enriched by Max Richter’s evocative score.
The Last Frame
So there you have it, folks! The beauty of cinema lies in its power to astonish, and these movies have truly rewritten the rulebook when it comes to plot twists. So next time you’re in for movie night, maybe give these a spin—if you’re ready for your mind to be utterly blown, that is.
