Now this is the epitome of a left-brained story. THE LAST OF SHEILA has puzzles within puzzles, an intricate plot that has been expertly set up, and a cast of characters who aren’t who they seem to me. There are so many amazing things about it, I hardly know which of them to highlight for you here so I’ll give you a bit of trivia: this movie was Rian Johnson’s inspiration for THE GLASS ONION. Oh, and if you solved the mystery before the murderer was revealed, tag me on IG/Threads and let me know. I didn’t get anywhere close to solving it. -V
(The following summary was generated by AI.)
If you’re a writer or an avid reader fascinated by the craft of storytelling, particularly when it comes to the gripping world of murder mysteries, then you’re in for a treat. The latest episode of the Story Nerd podcast is a must-listen, as hosts Melanie Hill and Valerie Francis dissect the 1973 film ‘The Last of Sheila’, directed by Herbert Ross with a screenplay by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins.
The episode kicks off with a spoiler alert, urging listeners to watch the film first if they don’t want the intricate plot spoiled. But the truth is, even if you know the outcome, the hosts’ analysis is so rich and detailed that you’ll find the discussion enthralling regardless.
Melanie, a connoisseur of spy stories, fairy tales, and detective novels, alongside Valerie, who specializes in stories about women, delve into what they describe as a ‘left brain story’—a narrative that’s as logical and puzzle-filled as it is creative. They explore the film’s complex layering of puzzles within puzzles, a hallmark of a well-crafted murder mystery that leaves even the most astute viewers guessing until the very end.
The hosts commend ‘The Last of Sheila’ for its meticulous attention to detail and its clever use of clues and red herrings. They explain how the film’s structure itself is a puzzle for the audience to solve, with secrets and motives woven throughout the narrative in a way that is both challenging and satisfying.
Throughout the episode, Melanie and Valerie offer insights into the broader genre of murder mysteries, discussing tropes and conventions that have become staples in the genre, such as multiple murderers—a concept borrowed from Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. They also touch on the pitfalls of overused plot devices, like unreliable narrators, and how they can detract from the story’s impact if not executed with originality and care.
But it’s not just a discussion about the film. The hosts also provide actionable advice for writers, emphasizing the importance of secrets in storytelling. They argue that a juicy secret with high stakes can propel a narrative forward, creating the kind of narrative drive that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.
Whether you’re a writer looking to hone your craft or a lover of stories seeking a deeper understanding of what makes a mystery tick, this episode of the Story Nerd podcast is a goldmine. It’s an invitation to look behind the curtain of a genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide and a reminder of the power of a well-told tale.
Don’t miss this episode; it’s a masterclass in storytelling that will leave you eager to both watch ‘The Last of Sheila’ and write your own compelling narratives.