Hi Reader,

Let’s talk about risk in storytelling.

Because “taking risks” is one of those phrases everyone loves to say… but not everyone means the same thing when they say it.

These days, “risk” often gets confused with one thing: shock value.

A twist for the sake of a twist. Subversion just to be subversive.
A left turn just to prove the writer is “bold” or "defying conventions".
A moment designed to make people gasp - and then immediately forget it happened.

That’s not real risk. That’s a glorified jump scare.

It works for a second… and then the audience goes right back to checking their phones.

So what is a real storytelling risk?

To me, real risk is when you do something that feels unexpected and meaningful.

It’s when you take the audience somewhere they didn’t see coming… but when it happens, they go:

“Okay… I didn’t predict that. But it makes sense. And now I’m even more invested.”

That’s the difference.

Shock says: “Bet you didn’t expect THAT.”
​Real subversion says: “Here’s a NEW LAYER you didn’t know was there.”

One is a moment. The other is momentum.

Subversion isn’t the goal - investment is

Subverting audience expectations just to subvert them isn’t enough. That’s usually the fastest way to lose trust.

Because audiences aren’t mad when they’re surprised. They’re mad when the surprise feels like it came from a totally different movie.

Real subversion works because it:

• deepens the theme
• reveals character
• raises stakes
• forces a harder choice
• changes the direction of the story in a way that still fits the rules of the story world

What people have been saying about Contamination

One of the best compliments I’ve received since our theatrical run began is:

“I couldn’t predict where it was going… but in a good way.”

That’s the dream.

​

Because the twists and turns aren’t there to show off. They’re there to make the ride more thrilling and make you care more about the characters and their journey.

When people say they couldn’t predict it, what they really mean is:

“I had to pay attention.”
“I felt something.”
“I wanted to know what happens to these people.”

That’s what keeps audiences locked in.

The secret: risk has to be organic

Here’s the key: A surprise can come out of left field… but it can’t come out of nowhere. If it’s going to work, it has to be rooted in:

• the story world and its rules
• the character’s motivations
• their strengths and flaws
• the consequences you’ve already established

That’s why the best “unexpected” moments still feel believable.

They don’t break the story. They reveal it.

A quick gut-check for your own story

If you’re about to make a big risky move in your script, ask yourself:

• Does this twist change the story for the better - or just for surprise?
• Does it expose character, or replace character?
• Could I point to earlier moments that support this direction?
• Will the audience feel rewarded - or tricked?

If the answer is “rewarded”, you’re on the right track.

This is in line with my latest YouTube video, where I discuss five specific ways festivals and distributors can shift toward a theatrical experience that works - including taking storytelling risks in the right way.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Gatekeepers vs Audiences: Here's What Needs to Change​

​

Need help finding the right risks in your script?

This is the kind of work I do with writers all the time - especially during rewrites.

If you’ve got a script that feels:

• predictable
• flat
• too safe
• or like the tension runs out halfway through...

I can help you punch it up in a way that still feels true to your characters and your world.

✅ Screenplay Coverage (professional feedback + next steps): Click here!​

Click Here for Coverage!

✅ One-Hour Coaching Call (story, structure, pacing, strategy): Book Your Session today!​

Book Your Coaching Call Here!

Let’s make your story bolder, not louder - and more surprising, not random.

Until next time, stay creative!

Neil

P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for in-depth help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.

Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.

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