Thesis statements are like movie, video game, and television series trailers; they give the viewer an insight into the film, video game, or television series and its main points and themes. Thinking like a trailer editor helps you identify the main argument of a story and summarize it concisely for an audience.
A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight about the trailer’s message or theme. Use the trailers below to practice writing strong thesis statements based on visual, thematic, and narrative evidence from the media.
Part 1: Practice Writing Thesis Statements Using Trailers
Watch two movie trailers. Write a one-sentence thesis statement that captures the core conflict or theme of each film.
Use the Guiding Questions below this list to assist your viewing and notetaking. You will want to watch each trailer at least twice to get all the important information you will need.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Rich in symbolism and themes like hope, unity, and moral struggle—excellent for argumentative writing.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Complex characters, psychological tension, and issues of justice, identity, and gendered power.
3. American Sniper
Provides moral ambiguity, patriotism vs. trauma, and internal conflict—perfect for analytical thesis claims.
4. The Last of Us Part II
Deep emotional stakes and themes of revenge, survival, and identity in a collapsing world.
5. Hijack (2023)
High-pressure negotiation, leadership, and morality under stress—ideal for tone and theme analysis.
6. Moonrise
Visually stunning sci-fi dealing with revenge, loyalty, and ethical warfare—great for discussing broader commentary.
7. True Detective: Night Country
Haunting atmosphere, slow-burn mystery, and complex female leads—perfect for tone and narrative tension analysis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bYLx2Nz6H8
8. Stranger Things Season 1
Combining horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age themes, students can argue about genre, nostalgia, and friendship dynamics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY
9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Explores freedom, destiny, and resilience through a minimalist, emotionally resonant presentation.
10. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Trailer #3
Western themes of honor, loyalty, and survival in a decaying world—strong in visual storytelling and character depth.
Guiding Questions for Trailer Analysis
Use these questions while watching each trailer. Take quick notes on:
While Watching:
What is the genre and tone of this trailer?
Who seems to be the main character, and what’s their conflict?
What visuals, music, or dialogue stand out?
After Watching:
Theme & Message
What ideas or themes does the trailer hint at?
What questions does it raise?
Tone & Technique
How does the trailer use color, sound, or pace to influence emotion?
Is there anything ironic, shocking, or emotionally powerful?
Perspective
Whose story is being told?
How are certain characters, events, or ideas portrayed?
Example Thesis Statements
The Last of Us (game or show)
Weak: It is about a virus and survival.
Improved: The Last of Us trailer presents survival as morally ambiguous, suggesting that in crisis, people become both protectors and threats.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Weak: It is about multiverses.
Improved: The trailer uses the multiverse as a metaphor to explore how identity, purpose, and generational trauma affect one woman’s sense of self.
Part 2: Reflection on Your Work
Write a short paragraph (250 words) about your strongest thesis statement. Answer the following questions in your paragraph.
· Which trailer did you watch for this thesis statement? Why did you choose this one?
· Have you seen the film, game, or series before? How did that help or hinder you?
Why do you feel this is your strongest thesis statement of the 3 you wrote?
· What evidence from the trailer did you use to craft your thesis statement? (visuals, audio, dialogue, etc.) Be specific and clearly explain your reasoning.
· Use the Developing Thesis Statements Handout section “How will I know if my thesis statement works?” from the module to help you justify your thesis statement.
Submit BOTH your 2 thesis statements and reflection paragraph on your strongest one in an MLA-formatted Word document.