A cinematic thrill that was unmatched by any other is being taken by surprise by an effective twist. Over time, authors and filmmakers have come up with novel strategies for captivating viewers. By today’s standards, some are still incredibly daring, while others have had their luster diminished by the films they have since inspired. Scroll down to read Top 8 most mind-blowing Moments in cinema history
Top 8 most mind-blowing moments in cinema history
The twist has been attempted as a trademark by certain directors (M Night Shyamalan), while others have successfully built an entire movie around its shocking conclusion (Christopher Nolan’s magician drama The Prestige was essentially one big magic trick).
In either case, they are entertaining to watch. Interestingly, twists seem to be more common in horror films, which is why it’s so amazing when one appears in the middle of a drama or, even more seldom, a comedy.
We’ve compiled a list of the best surprises ever, from Planet of the Apes and Spider-Man: Homecoming to The Others and Oldboy, to celebrate the release of Shyamalan’s new film Knock at the Cabin.
Continue reading to find out what was chosen. Naturally, there are many spoilers, so try not to ruin the surprise for anybody who hasn’t seen any of these flicks.
Arrival (2016)
Set up: When aliens land on Earth, Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a professor of linguistics, is needed. Louise tries to connect with the race to ascertain the reason for their visit while having visions of her daughter, who we discover passed away from cancer while she was in her teens.
The turn: Louise understands the language, which enables her to predict the future. What appeared to be flashbacks are flashforwards because her daughter has not yet been born.
Atonement (2007)
Set up: Saoirse Ronan’s character, Briony Tallis, falsely accuses James McAvoy’s character, the son of the housekeeper, of raping her cousin because she is envious of their friendship. He is imprisoned, but he escapes and joins the military, and the audience is informed that he later renewed his love for Cecilia and had a happily ever after.
The turn: They didn’t, though. An elder Briony reveals that this is a deception as well because both Robbie and Cecilia perished in the conflict.
Chinatown (1974)
Set up: JJ Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who has been engaged by Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) to look into her husband’s death, learns about Katherine, Evelyn’s sister, who is vital to the case.
The turn: Gittes confronts Evelyn, who then discloses that Katherine is also her child and was the result of her father raping her when she was 15 years old.
The Departed (2006)
Set up: While criminal Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department, cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrates the organization of gang leader Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), and both soon realize they have spies in their midst.
The turn: Both pass away. Sullivan kills Costigan in a startling scene while the latter thinks he’s gotten away with it. That is taken care of by Sergeant Sean Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) in a similarly dramatic climactic sequence.
Les Diaboliques (1955)
Set up: To kill her husband, Christina is recruited by his lover. But after the crime is committed, his body vanishes.
The turn: With the aid of his mistress, her husband staged his demise. To destroy Christina, the two tried to convince others that she was the murderer.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Set up: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda prepare Mark Hamill’s character Luke Skywalker for the ultimate fight with the wicked Darth Vader.
The turn: After uncovering a significant discovery—that the enemy is his father—Skywalker has dealt a blow. Startle and be amazed.
Fight Club (1999)
Set up: As they establish an underground club that allows regular people to engage in fistfights, the worlds of Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and the film’s insomniac narrator (Edward Norton) collide.
The turn: They are both the same person because the narrator and Tyler are dissociated personalities.
Gone Girl (2014)
The setup: In the wake of Amy Dunne’s (Rosamund Pike) abduction, her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) is the main suspect.
The turn: Everything is revealed about halfway through the movie: Amy pretended to be abducted and spent months accusing her husband of having an extramarital affair.
