40 Days and 40 Nights
Matt Sullivan's last big relationship ended in disaster and ever since his heart's been aching and his commitment's been lacking. Then came Lent, that time of year when everybody gives something up. That's when Matt decides to go where no man's gone before and make a vow: No sex. Whatsoever. For 40 straight days. At first he has everything under control. That is until the woman of his dreams, Erica, walks into his life.
Despite a mid-range budget of $17.0M, 40 Days and 40 Nights became a financial success, earning $95.1M worldwide—a 460% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) exemplifies meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Michael Lehmann's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 34 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Matt Sullivan
Erica Sutton
Nicole
Ryan
Mandy
Jerry
Main Cast & Characters
Matt Sullivan
Played by Josh Hartnett
A web designer who vows to abstain from all sexual contact for Lent after a painful breakup, struggling with temptation and self-discovery.
Erica Sutton
Played by Shannyn Sossamon
An intelligent and compassionate woman who meets Matt during his vow of abstinence and develops genuine feelings for him despite the unusual circumstances.
Nicole
Played by Vinessa Shaw
Matt's ex-girlfriend whose lingering presence and manipulative behavior tests his resolve and creates obstacles for his new relationship.
Ryan
Played by Paulo Costanzo
Matt's roommate and best friend who provides comic relief, questionable advice, and unwavering support throughout the abstinence challenge.
Mandy
Played by Keegan Connor Tracy
Erica's roommate and close friend who is protective and skeptical of Matt's intentions, offering a grounded perspective on the unusual situation.
Jerry
Played by Griffin Dunne
One of Matt's co-workers who becomes heavily invested in the betting pool surrounding Matt's vow and actively tries to sabotage his efforts.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Matt is having passionate sex with his girlfriend Nicole, but he's distracted and unfulfilled, fantasizing about his ex-girlfriend throughout. His emotional disconnection is evident even during intimacy.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Matt runs into his ex-girlfriend Erica with her new boyfriend on the street. The encounter devastates him, forcing him to confront that she's moved on while he remains emotionally stuck.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Matt makes a vow: no sex, no masturbation, no sexual contact whatsoever for the 40 days of Lent. He commits to this radical experiment to cleanse himself and regain control., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Matt and Erica share an intimate, sensual shower together without breaking his vow. It's a false victory—they've found a profound connection, but the vow that brought them together now threatens to tear them apart., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Erica breaks up with Matt, unable to continue the relationship under his vow. She leaves devastated. Matt has lost the woman he loves, the very person his vow was meant to help him deserve. His spiritual journey has cost him everything., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 75 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. The 40 days end at midnight. Matt realizes his transformation is complete—he's learned self-control and authentic connection. He rushes to find Erica, understanding that the vow was preparation, not the destination., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
40 Days and 40 Nights's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping 40 Days and 40 Nights against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Lehmann utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish 40 Days and 40 Nights within the comedy genre.
Michael Lehmann's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Michael Lehmann films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. 40 Days and 40 Nights represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Michael Lehmann filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Michael Lehmann analyses, see Airheads, Because I Said So and My Giant.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Matt is having passionate sex with his girlfriend Nicole, but he's distracted and unfulfilled, fantasizing about his ex-girlfriend throughout. His emotional disconnection is evident even during intimacy.
Theme
Matt's brother John, a priest, advises him: "You can't keep running from yourself." The theme of self-control, abstinence as enlightenment, and confronting inner emptiness is stated.
Worldbuilding
Establishing Matt's world: a San Francisco web designer still hung up on ex-girlfriend Erica, cycling through meaningless hookups, surrounded by sex-obsessed coworkers. His life is empty despite physical pleasures.
Disruption
Matt runs into his ex-girlfriend Erica with her new boyfriend on the street. The encounter devastates him, forcing him to confront that she's moved on while he remains emotionally stuck.
Resistance
Matt spirals into depression, unable to perform sexually, haunted by Erica. His roommate and coworkers debate various solutions. Matt seeks guidance from his priest brother about his emptiness.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Matt makes a vow: no sex, no masturbation, no sexual contact whatsoever for the 40 days of Lent. He commits to this radical experiment to cleanse himself and regain control.
Mirror World
Matt meets Erica Sutton, a beautiful and intelligent woman at a laundromat. She represents authentic connection versus physical obsession. Their attraction is immediate but his vow creates tension.
Premise
The promise of the premise: Matt navigates abstinence while falling for Erica. His vow becomes public, spawning an office betting pool. Temptations escalate comically as Matt and Erica's relationship deepens non-sexually.
Midpoint
Matt and Erica share an intimate, sensual shower together without breaking his vow. It's a false victory—they've found a profound connection, but the vow that brought them together now threatens to tear them apart.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies from all sides. Erica grows frustrated with the vow. His ex Nicole actively sabotages him with seduction attempts. The office betting pool escalates with women trying to break him. Matt's resolve is tested daily.
Collapse
Erica breaks up with Matt, unable to continue the relationship under his vow. She leaves devastated. Matt has lost the woman he loves, the very person his vow was meant to help him deserve. His spiritual journey has cost him everything.
Crisis
Matt suffers through his dark night, questioning whether his vow was selfish rather than enlightened. He contemplates giving up with only days remaining but ultimately stays true to his commitment.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The 40 days end at midnight. Matt realizes his transformation is complete—he's learned self-control and authentic connection. He rushes to find Erica, understanding that the vow was preparation, not the destination.
Synthesis
Matt discovers Erica was sexually assaulted by his ex Nicole during the final hours of his vow as sabotage. He confronts the betrayal, supports Erica, and they navigate this trauma together, proving their connection transcends the physical.
Transformation
Matt and Erica reunite in her flower shop, having both transformed. They embrace with genuine intimacy born from emotional connection rather than physical compulsion. Matt has found what was missing: meaningful love.