SPOILERS BELOW! There's just something magical about movie twists. When done right, they can totally BLOW YOUR MIND! Where you just can't stop thinking about it and want to discuss it with every friend you have. These days I think it works to the industry's disadvantage that almost every film tries to have one, or multiple twists, in some form or another. Doing it right often requires a lot of patience to properly build up to that pivotal moment. They need to feel earned rather than carelessly squeezed in. Let these 5 nominees be examples for how to do it right. These are my top 5 favorite movie twists that I never saw coming!
Favorite Movie Twist Nominees:
Interstellar
 | Interstellar used its casting decision to its advantage to completely throw us off guard. Who can forget that emotional moment when the crew first discovered Dr. Mann on that distant planet? Enhanced by the fact that he was played by none other than Matt Damon! Then director Christopher Nolan used Damon's typical good nature against us by turning him into the unexpected bad guy! Matt Damon, you sly son of a gun! |
The Fault in Our Stars
 | This one hurts. I hadn't read the book prior to seeing the movie, so I had no idea what was about to unfold. The reemergence of Augustus' cancer is a bitter and unexpected twist of fate. Just as things are reaching extraordinary new heights in Hazel and Gus' loving relationship, their worst nightmare rears its ugly head. Augustus' premature death is a most unfortunate reversal of fate, but a highly effective twist nonetheless. |
The Drop
 | "They never see you coming, do they, Bob?" Detective Torres of The Drop may have been onto this twist, but I'm pretty sure the rest of is were totally taken by surprise. The Drop ends with one of the most shocking, powerful, and satisfying twists of the year. Tension climbs steadily throughout the film, and as it approaches this climactic moment, the kind but enigmatic Bob Saginowski must face his inner-demons. |
Gone Girl
 | This twisted little film keeps the twists coming! Gone Girl is an unpredictable movie that holds you in suspense and keeps you guessing from beginning to end. With a director like David Fincher, I knew I would be in for a treat when watching this movie, but it was all so much more beautifully orchestrated than I could have imagined. It's single greatest twist is how it undoes the first major twist, in horrific fashion. |
How to Train Your Dragon 2
 | A bittersweet twist concludes the second act of the movie, and will have a resonating impact on the future of the How to Train Your Dragon series. Stoick's untimely death is perhaps a necessary twist in Hiccup's story arc, but it happens in the most tragic of ways and at the most unsettling time. After having reunited with his long lost wife, Stoick dies honorably protecting his son, ultimately paving the way for him to lead. |
And the Winner Is...
Gone Girl
Favorite Movie Twist
I estimate that I must have spent about one-fifth of the duration of Gone Girl with my jaw touching the floor. It hits you with twist after twist, and they're all so brilliantly crafted and weaved together. Amy Dunne is a master manipulator, and also a total nutcase. Even more impressive than her staged disappearance was the way she managed to get herself out of it and come back home, without the world ever knowing that it was all her own doing. Then the film hits us with another twist right at the end, allowing Amy to continue her diabolical reign, while Nick is helpless to do anything about it. Moral of the story: don't cheat on your wives, guys!
| Tell me what you think! Do you agree or disagree? Vote for which of these films has your Favorite Twist of the Year! Share your own choices in the comments below! | |
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