There are movies that reveal a new plot hole or inconsistency every time you watch them. And then there are movies that just get better and better with every rewatch because you notice details that make you appreciate them more each time.
Luckily, Coherence (2013) is one of the latter.
I could go on and on about this one, guys. But I won’t, don’t worry.
Thank you for joining me, hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did. And, if that wasn’t obvious, I do highly recommend rewatching this one.
The next episode comes out in about a month and we’ll dive into Time Lapse (2014). See you on October 28th!
Stay creative ✨
Katja
I you enjoyed the episode, consider subscribing and don't forget to check out my Substack at https://plotbending.substack.com/
---
Notes
As I was editing this recording, I noticed I had made a few mistakes. Oh well, you live and you learn, right? I’ve thought about re-recording it but to be honest, it would be too much for me. So in the spirit of embracing imperfection, I am uploading the file as it is. It’s my own fault for choosing a film that is just so well thought-through.
Some specifics:
* I apologize for mispronouncing Alex Manugian’s name. Only after filming the episode did I actually hear it in a video by Jim Byrkit and it’s pronounced more like “ma-noo-ggen” (with the G as is “gas” not as in “range”).
* Towards the break into Act III, of course, the group goes out because they heard the noise of someone breaking in the car, not because they want to steal the book from the other house. I don’t exactly know why I mixed these two up when recording. Probably because I was nervous hehe.
* I only noticed the next one after rewatching the film again. Regarding the book, I do now agree that it technically is a MacGuffin. What I’m talking about in the episode - the theoretical basis or however you’d like to call it - comes only from Hugh’s brother’s notes and not the book itself.
---
Sources & material to dive deeper
* YouTube video Coherence Explained by Director Jim Byrkit (trailer). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_sXZlgXLJA&t=196s
* YouTube video James Ward Byrkit, Director, Coherence I DePaul VAS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bk9dYWgJ_0&t=2s
* Topel, F. Fantastic Fest 2013: James Ward Byrkit & Emily Foxler on Coherence. https://www.mandatory.com/fun/576483-fantastic-fest-2013-james-ward-byrkit-emily-foxler-on-coherence
* Tobias, S. How James Ward Byrkit constructed Coherence. https://thedissolve.com/features/emerging/633-how-james-ward-byrkit-constructed-coherence/
* Minow, N. Interview: James Ward Byrkit of “Coherence”. https://web.archive.org/web/20161114114849/http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/moviemom/2014/06/interview-james-ward-byrkit-coherence.html
* Prigge, M. Review: ‘Coherence’ is a mind-blower that’s actually mind-blowing. https://www.metro.us/review-coherence-is-a-mind-blower-thats-actually-mind-blowing/
* Lattanzio, R. How Gotham Nominee James Ward Byrkit Made ‘Coherence’ in 5 Days with No Script or Budget. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/how-gotham-nominee-james-ward-byrkit-made-coherence-in-5-days-with-no-script-or-budget-190468/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativehabitat.substack.com
