7 Sci-fi Movie Twists That Still Make No Sense

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In science fiction, plot twists can effectively catch an audience off guard and keep them hooked. However, not all twists seamlessly blend with the narrative or the universe portrayed in the film. Some twists may introduce confusion, contradictions, or feel contrived to shock viewers instead of enhancing the story. These moments are intended to be memorable highlights, but they sometimes fail, undermining the overall effect and leaving viewers disappointed and annoyed.

To put it simply, no one enjoys investing their precious hours into a film that leaves them feeling like they’ve wasted their time unnecessarily. Here’s a list of 7 sci-fi movies that masterfully present plot twists that remain hard to swallow even today. Please be warned: spoilers are included.

1) Prometheus

In 2012, sci-fi enthusiasts were first introduced to the movie “Prometheus”. Although it performed well financially, its narrative received a mixed response, primarily due to its major plot twist being excessively grand, outweighing the film’s capacity for execution. The revelation that Peter Weyland (played by Guy Pearce) is alive and concealed on the ship seemed contrived, as if the script was trying to include an additional scene featuring Pearce in heavy makeup. The concept of him pursuing immortality by linking with the Engineers has potential, but it’s hurriedly developed and not adequately established. His interactions with the aliens are minimal before his death, which undermines his overall impact on the story.

In summary, the narrative seemed to loop endlessly without progression, and unfortunately, the scientific aspects of the plot were inconsistent due to illogical character actions. Moreover, the twist in the story failed to make sense not because it was intricate, but simply lacked a coherent internal structure.

2) Signs

The surprising development in the movie Signs has been a topic of much discussion due to its unexpected and frustrating nature. Instead of continuing with the anticipated alien invasion, the film reveals that water is the aliens’ greatest vulnerability. This revelation seems simplistic and contradicts the logic of the threat, as it raises questions such as why these creatures would attempt an invasion on a planet largely covered in water. Consequently, this plot decision diminishes the built-up tension and even makes the conclusion seem comical.

The film attempts to link this plot twist with religious themes and fate, as if it carries some profound meaning. However, the tension is swapped out for a symbolic resolution that feels more like a hasty repair job than a satisfying conclusion. Given M. Night Shyamalan’s reputation for unexpected twists, this one certainly strains the logic of the universe the movie created.

3) Planet of the Apes (2001)

The surprise ending in the remake of “Planet of the Apes” feels like an unnecessary plot twist because it doesn’t fit with the movie’s internal logic. When the protagonist returns to Earth and discovers it ruled by apes, the film aims to startle us, but fails to provide a plausible explanation. Consequently, this twist falls flat. Unlike the original 1968 ending that was impactful and disquieting, this one leaves viewers puzzled instead.

In this case, the plot twist seems more like an obligatory element rather than a genuine surprise. There’s little to no foreshadowing or development throughout the film that makes this conclusion plausible. It’s a type of ending that requires additional explanation during interviews, which indicates flaws in the scriptwriting. Instead of providing a satisfying climax, the story comes across as an ill-conceived joke – and not in a humorous sense.

4) The Cloverfield Paradox

In simpler terms, “The Cloverfield Paradox” offers a plot twist unrelated to the main storyline. The movie attempts to connect with the “Cloverfield” series by suggesting that the enormous monster appeared due to interdimensional experiments. However, this revelation occurs towards the end and has no connection to the film’s actual narrative, making it seem contrived or added during post-production merely for branding purposes.

In simpler terms, the movie seems disorganized and hard to follow, as if it was a spin-off with no clear focus. It struggles to determine whether it’s aiming for thought-provoking sci-fi or capitalizing on its franchise name. The majority of the plot revolves around quantum paradoxes and crew conflicts, but these elements fall flat due to a finale that disregards everything previously established in the story.

5) The Matrix Resurrections

As a passionate fan, I must admit that The Matrix has left an indelible mark on science fiction. Its impact on cinema is undeniable. However, when The Matrix Resurrections was unveiled, it presented a twist that left me scratching my head. The revelation that Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), together, are the true source of power in the Matrix seems to overturn the foundational concept of the original trilogy. This shift not only alters the core idea but also makes the characters’ selfless acts seem like mere precursors to some new, seemingly arbitrary setup. To be frank, it appears more as a strategy to reintroduce the main characters than a genuine narrative progression.

Additionally, transforming Neo and Trinity into a shared power source diminishes the intellectual complexity that the series is recognized for. Rather than expanding upon the universe, this twist oversimplifies it, resulting in an emotionally vacant narrative. In essence, it seems as though the primary intention was to satisfy fans with yet another installment, rather than introducing fresh ideas.

6) Moonfall

In the plot of Moonfall, an unexpected turn reveals that the moon is not a natural celestial body but a colossal construction erected by an advanced alien race to protect humankind. However, this premise is so outlandish that it borders on satire, making the movie feel more like a joke than a serious production. While such an idea could be effective in a genre that leans towards satire, its treatment as a serious matter in this film creates an awkward and unrealistic atmosphere. The film abandons scientific logic to explore this outlandish concept, which is inconsistent with traditional space disaster narratives.

Additionally, the plot presents unexpected turns that seem disjointed and inconsistent. In rapid succession, viewers are introduced to various concepts such as a rogue AI, ancient societies, and fabricated recollections – elements that appear hastily and without clear connection. Ultimately, the movie aims for grandeur but fails to deliver on fundamental aspects, resulting in a plot twist that instead underscores its lack of coherence rather than surprising the audience.

7) Jupiter Ascending

The movie “Jupiter Ascending” didn’t do well due to several reasons, with its convoluted plot and unexpected twist being major factors. The notion that the protagonist is a reincarnation of an alien queen strains credulity and undermines the universe the film seeks to create. The premise that royal lineage is determined by DNA is outdated in sci-fi, and this movie’s execution of it comes off as excessively dramatic, bordering on comical. It appears as though they aimed to produce a sweeping space opera but lacked the reasoning and emotional depth necessary to make it convincing.

What adds to the problem is the inconsistent mood. The characters seem to belong to different styles: some are excessively emotional, some are comical, and some don’t fit in at all. The twist appears more like a hasty justification for action sequences, stereotypes, and peculiar dialogues, rather than a significant plot development. It’s challenging to find anything compelling when the fundamental narrative is illogical from the start.

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2025-07-30 16:15