Punchline or Plot Device @punchlineorplot

In Peter Rabbit (2018), a blackberry allergy is a Punchline when rabbits attack Thomas with slingshots. "Shoot for the mouth!" And when the rabbits think they've killed him: "That should do it."

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In Monster-in-Law (2005), life-threatening nut allergies are a Punchline when a character is poisoned by their prospective in-law. The main character is upset by her swollen lips.

In Little Monsters (2019), a life-threatening dairy allergy is used as a Plot Device. To a lesser extent, it is used as a Punchline when the protagonist stabs himself in the hand with an auto-injector. Bonus points that the joke isn't at the expense of the allergy sufferer.

@punchlineorplot in Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 the villain's oatmeal allergy is used as a Plot Device when Blart's daughter uses her oatmeal concealer as a weapon by rubbing it on his face

In The Boxtrolls (2014), food allergies are a Punchline AND a Plot Device. Cheese represents high society, and Snatcher's allergy signifies his inability to break into the aristocracy. For making allergies integral to character and theme, Boxtrolls gets a rare Seal of Approval.

In The Wicker Man (2006), bee sting allergies are a Plot Device. At least Nicolas Cage carries an EpiPen. Please don't inject an exposed needle into anyone's neck, or anywhere for that matter.

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In Meet the Robinsons (2007), nut allergies are a Punchline. At least someone was ready with an injection of epinephrine 🤷

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In Hereditary (2018), nut allergies are a Plot Device.

Punchline: The final phrase or sentence of a joke or story, providing the humor or some other crucial element. Plot Device: Any technique in a narrative used to move the plot forward.