What is "suspension of disbelief" in film?

"Suspension of disbelief" refers to the audience's acceptance of a film's reality, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story and characters despite knowing it is fictional. This psychological phenomenon enables viewers to temporarily overlook logical inconsistencies or unrealistic elements within a film, fostering a deeper emotional engagement with the narrative.

For instance, when watching a fantasy film filled with magical elements, the audience sets aside their skepticism to enjoy the adventure. This acceptance is crucial for cinematic storytelling, as it allows filmmakers to explore imaginative and creative worlds beyond the constraints of reality. By contrast, options focusing on critical analysis, an actor's emotional range, or technical aspects do not encompass the core idea of suspension of disbelief, which is fundamentally about the audience's mindset in engaging with the film's narrative.