stinger
n.a sharp, pointed object that can cause a lot of pain, like a bee's needle or a knife. In a more modern sense, it can also mean a powerful ending to a story or a movie that leaves a strong impression.
n.a sharp, pointed instrument or appendage used for piercing or injecting venom. In a figurative sense, it refers to a powerful, memorable conclusion to a narrative or performance.
“The bee's stinger is very painful if it gets you.”
“The documentary ends with a powerful stinger that shows the impact of the policy on local families.”
“The director used a clever stinger at the end of the film to tie the protagonist's personal journey back to the central mystery of the plot.”
“The researchers examined stingers of bees, wasps, and scorpions; the fangs of venomous snakes; and the claws of centipedes.”
From sting + -er. Both figurative and literal senses appeared in the 16th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.