Predictable Horror Movie Twists That Left Audiences Guessing Wrong

Have you ever sat through a horror movie, fully expecting a particular twist, only to find out it was exactly what you expected? This phenomenon is surprisingly common in the genre, and there are a few notable examples that stand out.

1. Child's Play: It's the Doll

Child's Play is perhaps the most infamous example of a horror film that fully sets up its twist but fails to deliver in a significant way. Let's take a look at why the reveal in this 1988 cult classic was so predictable and what you can learn from it.

Plot: A False Sense of Ambiguity

A young boy, Andy, receives a doll for his birthday, and soon after, mysterious murders begin to occur around him. Initially, the film establishes an ambiguity regarding who is committing these murders: is it the doll, Chucky, or is it Andy himself? However, within the first few scenes, the true perpetrator is clear to the audience: the doll, Chucky.

The Twist That Wasn't a Twist

The marketing campaign for Child's Play emphasized the idea of the doll coming to life, and the opening scene made this setup all too obvious. The film’s creators went to great lengths to build up the mystery and the illusion of ambiguity, but the twist in this case fell flat. The moment when Chucky comes to life for the first time is a memorable one, but setting it up as a twist was unnecessary and misleading.

Despite this glaring error in storytelling, Child's Play remains a critically successful film, with some of its sequels being highly regarded. However, the tragedy of the original film lies in its failure to deliver on the establish twist, leaving audiences feeling disappointed rather than surprised.

Lessons Learned

One important lesson from Child's Play is the importance of maintaining suspense and not over-indicating the true nature of a character or event. Subtlety plays a pivotal role in keeping audiences engaged and maintaining the air of mystery until the very end. Over-reliance on setup and hints can backfire, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed.

2. M Night Shyamalan's Predictable Twist

Predictable twists in horror films are not a new phenomenon, but some directors, like M Night Shyamalan, are known for setting up their twists so blatantly that they can be guessed well into the film. A prime example is "The Village," released in 2004, which had a twist that was so obvious to many viewers that it became a topic of ridicule.

The Twist Unveiled Too Early

By the 10-minute mark in "The Village," viewers had already figured out what the twist was going to be. The film's deliberate and meticulous setup was too obvious, causing audiences to question the director's approach to storytelling. The reveal in "The Village" was so transparent that it felt like a misstep, detracting from the overall impact of the film.

Lessons Learned

The failure of "The Village" to surprise its audience highlights the importance of providing novelty in the storytelling process. The twist in a horror film should be a shock to the system, not a predictable continuation of setup. Overly obvious setups can lead to predictable and uninspired outcomes.

Conclusion

While unpredictable twists are a great way to keep audiences guessing and engaged, it's equally important to master the craft of subtlety and setup. Predictable horror movie twists, such as those in Child's Play and "The Village," serve as cautionary tales in the horror genre. Filmmakers should strive to maintain the element of surprise while also avoiding setups that feel too obvious and predictable.

Understanding the balance between building anticipation and delivering surprises is key in creating a truly impactful and suspenseful horror film.