Is a Deus Ex Machina Bad?

A Deus ex machina more often than not feels like lazy writing that seeks to solve a tricky problem in the plot with an easy and largely unexplained solution. It can take the audience out of the story by reminding them they are watching a contrived reality. However, in certain circumstances, such as in comedy or in a rich, well-built world a Deus ex machina can prove satisfying.

How to Avoid Using a Deus Ex Machina

The best way to avoid a Deus ex machina is to build your story world as richly as possible. This way, the audience will be happy to abide by the rules you have created for your story. In addition, foreshadowing can be a great way of taking the pressure off the ending, placing pieces of the ending throughout so that it doesn't completely blindside the audience.

Deus Ex Machina: How to USE and/or AVOID in Screenwriting

What is a Deus ex machina? It sounds like something technological and complex. But it’s actually quite simple. Well, have you ever just been watching a film totally invested, your anticipation at an all-time high waiting for the ending? The movie has been good, and you cannot imagine anything taking away from it. So, as the end approaches it becomes clear all hope is gone. Nothing will be able to save the characters in the film from certain death or

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