The denouement of a film or screenplay occurs sometimes during the climax, but more often immediately afterward. Denouement brings the story to a close by tying up loose ends and answering unanswered questions. Denouement can be as brief as a final brief scene, a bit of narration, or a brief bit of action in some cases. The golden rule of screenwriting is that the denouement should be as brief as possible, so that the audience is left with the climax’s power as they exit the theater. An overly long denouement dilutes the emotional impact of the climax and detracts from the overall impact of the film.
In a murder mystery starring a cop, the climax will reveal the criminal’s capture or ultimate escape. If the hero is successful in capturing his or her target, the denouement will most likely focus on the hero’s next steps. Is he able to reclaim his life? Conquer the drinking problem that the case has caused? Start working on his marriage? Do you want to retire? If the villain manages to elude capture, the denouement will usually leave room for a sequel and will reveal what happens to the hero as a result of his failure. Denouement in the latter case may leave the future open, but story questions will still be answered.
A story that is overly reliant on explanations provided in the denouement is most likely poorly constructed. The main mechanics of the plot, particularly the climax, should be causal and obvious as they occur. Otherwise, the audience will find it difficult to suspend their disbelief. The resolution’s explanations must also be satisfactory and consistent with the character. Convenient or shoddy explanations reveal a sloppy writer and undermine the story’s credibility.
Coming full circle is a common theme in life. Denouement is frequently linked to the beginning of the film via setting, mood, or a specific action. While the end of the picture may resemble the beginning, there is a significant difference in that the hero will have undergone a significant transformation during the course of the story. Seeing a heroine tuck her small child in to sing a lullaby in the opening scene will have a different effect in the denouement. Life may have returned to normal, but the character has been forever altered, and life has taken on a new meaning.
The denouement allows the audience to take a breath, put everything in perspective, and let the movie’s main message or emotion resonate after the excitement and anxiety created by a heart-racing climax. While many scenes in a film can be overlooked by the audience, the denouement is crucial because it comes last. A poorly written denouement can derail a story that has otherwise been well-written.