If you are wondering what kids mean when they say, “It’s cringe” then watch this movie. Otherwise save yourself some time. On paper everything about this movie should work, but, and it’s an enormous but, it doesn’t. It’s easy to identify why. This movie doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up – is it a romance, a spy or an action movie. On the upside, if you listen to this episode you will learn the difference between action stories and spy stories – I have very strong opinions about this. We also have lots of fun with our cranky pants on. -M
(The following summary was generated by A.I.)
In this week’s episode of the Story Nerd Podcast, we dive deep into the 2023 film “Ghosted,” directed by Dexter Fletcher. Co-hosts Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill dissect what went wrong in this movie, providing valuable insights for writers looking to hone their storytelling skills. The film, which stars Ana de Armas and Chris Evans, promised a blend of romance and action but instead left viewers confused and unsatisfied. Valerie and Melanie discuss how the film’s genre confusion—oscillating between a rom-com and an action film—ultimately detracted from the viewer’s experience. They emphasize the importance of understanding storytelling principles, including knowing which genre takes primacy in a narrative. One of the key points raised in the episode is the concept of lazy storytelling. The hosts point out that the film suffers from stereotypical characters and poor dialogue, which fails to engage the audience. Melanie highlights a particularly striking review from Martin Carr, who notes that “Ghosted looks expensive but lacks substance.” This encapsulates the film’s failure to deliver on its initial promise. Valerie and Melanie also explore the lack of stakes within the story. They discuss how the characters, particularly Cole and Sadie, lack depth and motivation, making it difficult for viewers to empathize with them. The hosts argue that when characters fail to resonate with the audience, the story loses its impact, and this is evident in “Ghosted.” Moreover, they draw comparisons to successful films like “Romancing the Stone,” which effectively balances romance and action while maintaining clear character arcs. In contrast, “Ghosted” is criticized for its weak romantic plot and lack of coherent action sequences, leaving viewers bewildered about the film’s direction. As the episode unfolds, Valerie and Melanie share their own experiences of disengagement while watching the film, underscoring the importance of keeping the audience invested. They remind writers that a compelling story requires clear stakes, relatable characters, and a consistent genre. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in storytelling, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out. Tune in to learn from the missteps of “Ghosted” and discover how to avoid similar pitfalls in your own writing. The hosts emphasize that understanding story theory does not have to be difficult; it’s a tool that can help you write more effectively and with greater enjoyment. So grab your headphones and join us as we dissect what went wrong in “Ghosted.