Unexpected Seismic Activity Increase (Situational Irony)
In one of the film's early scenes, Dr. Hayes and Dr. Kim travel from Caltech to the Hoover Dam in Nevada, where they hope to confirm that their seismic activity technology is functioning correctly. The seismologists are excited to use their seismic instruments on location and verify their findings of mild tremors along a new fault line. But in an instance of situational irony, their celebration is interrupted by a sudden and unexpected spike in seismic activity. Within seconds, the Hoover Dam breaks apart, and the scientists must flee for their lives.
Daniel Doesn't Rescue Blake (Dramatic Irony)
When the first major earthquake strikes San Francisco, Blake and Daniel are leaving the parking lot of Daniel's office building. A cement beam falls on the car, crushing Daniel's driver and pinning Blake's legs under the back of the driver's seat. Daniel leaves Blake in the car, telling her he is going to get help. The camera moves with him into the building lobby, where he tells a security guard that a woman is trapped. However, a piece of ceiling collapses on the guard before he can help, and Daniel staggers out of the building in a daze. In this instance of dramatic irony, the audience knows something Blake doesn't: that Daniel has abandoned her because he is afraid to stay in the disintegrating building.
An Even Bigger Quake is Coming (Dramatic Irony)
Midway through San Andreas, Dr. Hayes and his assistants analyze the data from their seismic activity detectors and realize that an even-more destructive earthquake is going to hit San Francisco, as the city is located over a dangerous section of the fault line. Dr. Hayes is anxious to inform everyone in San Francisco to flee the city as soon as possible. In an instance of dramatic irony, the scene of Dr. Hayes's revelation cuts immediately to Emma and Ray driving past a sign that says they are 184 miles away from San Francisco, completely ignorant of the danger they are speeding toward.
She Was There For Us (Situational Irony)
In the film's final scene, Emma thanks Ben and Ollie for "being there" for Blake as they struggled to survive the earthquake. However, Ben corrects Emma, admitting that it's more accurate to say Blake was there for him and Ollie. In this instance of situational irony, Ben inverts the gender stereotype of men as heroic saviors of women in distress, giving credit to Blake as a woman who led two males through the disaster using her ingenuity, bravery, and survival skills.
