Heads up: spoiler alert!
Most movies nowadays hang on the ending. Whether it is a twist in the plot or whether a character dies or lives, it’s safe to say that no one is seeking to know how any type of media concludes.
Certain iconic movies have twist endings that the public generally already knows. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know Darth Vader is Luke’s father, Bruce Willis is a ghost and Tyler Durden is the Narrator’s other personality. And if you’re one of those unfortunate souls who hasn’t seen those flicks, apologies.
Let’s make it clear: Different people think about spoilers differently. It can mean the very end of the movie, specific plot points or what the movie is about. Yes, there are some sticklers who avoid trailers because they “give too much away.”
The ending of a movie can either make or break a movie. We have all seen those movies where the plot and characters are so strong that a weak finale leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you exit the doors. But a satisfying conclusion can only elevate the film as a whole.
I see a movie almost every weekend because I like to be informed and to protect my cinematic experience by having fresh eyes free of spoilers. I went to see a 10 o’clock showing of Brave last year after I saw Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter only because I caught wind that there is was “twist.” Spoiler alert: there wasn’t. That’s only because my wife and I don’t have to work on the weekends or find a babysitter when we have to go out.
Hollywood isn’t hesitant to bombard us with blockbuster after blockbuster with enough hype and marketing to ensure that we are in those seats opening night. Not everyone has the luxury to attend opening weekend and may have to wait for a more opportune time and price. Until they see these hotly anticipated titles they have to dodge every bit of talk by closing their eyes and ears and hum.
It’s not just in our casual everyday goings on either. Our connection to social media is worse when trying to keep plot details and impressions away. Recently, I had to turn off and stay away from my phone and computer during the Breaking Bad finale because my free cable is three hours delayed. It was torture, believe me.
Despite the overexposure of technology, most viewers are relatively good at censoring what they say around people. Others, not so much. A YouTuber whom I subscribe to recently posted a review of a comic book that concluded a series with a specific plot detail in the title. It was posted three weeks before the release date. The media has an embargo to prevent it that wasn’t enforced in this instance. Although we may be overly excited about something, it doesn’t mean we have to be hasty in expressing it.
Keeping spoilers under wraps is a two-way street. In the next few weeks, whether you’ve seen Ender’s Game, Thor: The Dark World or The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, make sure you’re not spilling the beans to those who haven’t. If you’re one who hasn’t, take the right precautions to protect yourself. We all deserve a spoiler-free experience.