PLOT TWISTS in "Safe & Sound"

Plot twist is a radical

action which changes a course of events in fiction writing. It is an unexpected development of events, a deviation from expected story beats.

How do we it in “Safe & Sound”?

‘Safe & Sound” is a 20-minute short film produced by Karolina Rum that went on to gain over 900 000 views on YouTube.

This is a logline of the film: Sam, a neurotic young man, with the support of his boyfriend, invites his eccentric latino family over for dinner to deliver life-changing news.

The first scene establishes a relationship between Sam and Daniel. The next scene shows Sam’s family arriving to dinner. What does the audience think?

It is a coming-out story.

PLOT TWIST NO. 1

No, it is not. So what is it about? To find out 2 more plot twists please watch a film here:

What is the magic of plot twists?

Within 7 minutes we get 3 plot twists thanks to amazing writing by Alejandro Ibarra, who also directed the film. Plot twists keep the audience engaged in a story. Whenever you see a predictable film, you get bored and turn it off. Because what is the point of watching something that you already know? Good writing is unpredictable writing that brings to light fresh voices and ideas. Plot twist is a literary device that enables you to evoke emotions in a viewer. May it be surprising, disappointing, frightening or satisfying.

However, beware of making it unrealistic. In “Safe & Sound” all the plot twists seem plausible. That’s why, it does not bother a viewer to see so many in such a short amount of time. If you fall a victim to writing an unrealistic plot twist, the audience will discredit you and at worst switch off the movie, or at best continue watching with skepticism.

“Safe & Sound” has been watched by over 900 000 people. I believe part of its success must be contributed to the outstanding writing in which plot twists play a significant part. Within shortening span of attention across social media, filmmakers and content creators need to engage a viewer quicker. Similar mechanism starts to be present in film and television as well. You have only as many minutes or even seconds before a viewer decides to watch something else instead. Plot twists can be an answer to save your writing. Master them and just might be on a way to your first 1M views.