This week I sat down in my first post-pandemic theater to watch the highly anticipated sequel A Quiet Place Part II and it got me thinking of plot versus story in horror. My favorite definitions of the two come from a filmmaking hero of mine, Seth Rogen, who was quoted in No Film School’s latest column describing plot as, “What happens in the movie” and story as, “What the movie is about.” Without spoilers, my reaction to the newly released AQPPII was that it had a very good plot, but the story was too familiar to the original. So, how do we appropriately navigate elevating both plot and story in our horror scripts to make sure they’re both equally serviced? Here are three personal tips that I use:
Create compelling stakes
This is always my number one go-to because your plot and story both depend on them. In horror, stakes are what get us our set-pieces, jump scares, and ultimately lead us to our defined ending. What is at risk for your characters? What will happen if they don’t meet their goal? What happens if they do reach their goal?
My favorite example of compelling stakes that elevate both the plot and story is from 2014’s found-footage horror As Above, So Below starring Edwin Hodge (check out the Afro Horror podcast in August for our interview with Hodge about this film). In the movie, a group of friends travel through the Catacombs of Paris in search of the philosopher’s stone and end up (spoiler alert) finding themselves in multiple levels of hell. The stakes in this film are pretty obvious: find the stone, die, or find the stone and spend eternity in hell. As you can imagine, it’s pretty stressful for the group. Through these tense stakes where the explorers are forced to go deeper into the underworld in order to get out, the plot and story really pop.
In terms of plot, as we descend into the earth we also descend further into Dante’s Inferno. At the same time, as we push forward (and down) in terms of story, the truth about each diver's seedy past is revealed through pain and torment, informing the audience that this film’s themes are restitution, forgiveness and sin (to name a few).
Let’s say the stakes were mild in this film; no threat of death, but maybe a slap on the wrist by the Parisian police. The plot and story would fall apart. What would stop them from just turning around and going home? Moving on with their lives and looking back on this moment as the time they almost found Nicolas Flamel’s mysterious stone? The answer is nothing. Therefore, the first step to a balanced horror plot and story is creating compelling stakes for the...
Developed characters
Movies don’t exist without characters, but how do they influence the plot and story? Your character's defined want and need within their goal are a good place to start. What do my characters want? Is what they want exactly what they need or is what they want something they think will make them happy, but the journey is actually what they need?
A character’s wants and needs are going to be challenged by their stakes, but just as in As Above, So Below, they also should have some levels to them. Who are they on the surface? A people pleaser? A narcissist? Who are they underneath? A liar? An undiscovered hero? Just like humans, who your characters present themselves to be in the plot are not usually who they are at their core. Whether you create a character chart or do one of those character background worksheets, take the time to define your main players' ethos and how their actions will move the plot forward while revealing the story. Lastly, if all else fails...
Write it down
I am a visual learner. I absorb things by nature, so if I really need to focus on something I write it down. Back when I was moonlighting as an actor, this is how I learned my lines; old-school style, just writing the words over and over again until I had them completely memorized. I use the same technique now as a writer. When I am outlining my scripts, I will make notes at the top of every page to remind myself what my goals are for this piece. If it’s TV I usually list my A, B, C story for reference. For my features, I write my story themes down: mortality, vengeance, acceptance, etc. I do the same with my plot points. I will write sticky note reminders on the computer with sequences that will move the journey forward. A wise friend once told me to “work harder, not smarter” in my thirties and now I am sharing that advice with all of you. When in doubt, write it down. Remind yourself of what you're working toward.
All the elements I’ve listed above can be applied to any genre, not just horror. However, as audiences become smarter and horror becomes more popular, as horror screenwriters we have to elevate ourselves beyond the status quo of what we’re used to seeing on the screen. More now than ever, with decreasing attention spans, finding a balance between your plot and story within your script is vital. While I firmly believe you cannot have a satisfying plot without a compelling story, I also believe you cannot have a compelling story without a well-executed plot. With a healthy balance of both, you’ll find yourself leaving the theater with half-eaten popcorn in your teeth feeling so-so... or so I’m told.