After Thomas
A true story about a couple's struggles to meet the challenges of their son's autism.
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%)
After Thomas (2006) reveals precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Simon Shore's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 33 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Kyle sits alone in his bedroom, withdrawn and silent, establishing the grief-stricken world after his brother Thomas's death.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Kyle encounters a specific trigger or confrontation that forces him to face his suppressed grief rather than continue withdrawing.. 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.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat A false victory or revelation collapses—Kyle believes he's making progress but encounters a painful memory or realizes the permanence of Thomas's absence, raising the emotional stakes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 70 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Kyle's emotional breakdown—the "whiff of death" as he confronts the full reality that Thomas is gone forever, reaching his lowest point of despair., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 74 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Kyle takes action: reaches out to family, expresses his feelings, engages with the world again, demonstrating his transformed relationship with grief and memory., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
After Thomas's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping After Thomas against these established plot points, we can identify how Simon Shore utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish After Thomas within the biography genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Kyle sits alone in his bedroom, withdrawn and silent, establishing the grief-stricken world after his brother Thomas's death.
Theme
Kyle's mother or counselor speaks about the importance of expressing feelings and moving forward after loss, stating the film's theme about grief and healing.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Kyle's fractured family dynamics, his parents' struggling marriage, his isolation at school, and the pervasive absence of Thomas in their lives.
Disruption
Kyle encounters a specific trigger or confrontation that forces him to face his suppressed grief rather than continue withdrawing.
Resistance
Kyle resists opening up, debates whether to engage with his emotions, possibly guided by a counselor, teacher, or family member attempting to reach him.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Kyle explores what life can be like when engaging with grief rather than avoiding it; moments of connection, memory-sharing, and tentative emotional openness.
Midpoint
A false victory or revelation collapses—Kyle believes he's making progress but encounters a painful memory or realizes the permanence of Thomas's absence, raising the emotional stakes.
Opposition
Kyle's defenses resurface; family tensions intensify, his pain becomes more acute, and the weight of unprocessed grief threatens to overwhelm him completely.
Collapse
Kyle's emotional breakdown—the "whiff of death" as he confronts the full reality that Thomas is gone forever, reaching his lowest point of despair.
Crisis
Kyle sits in the darkness of his grief, processing the pain, the loss becoming real in a way he's been avoiding since Thomas's death.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Kyle takes action: reaches out to family, expresses his feelings, engages with the world again, demonstrating his transformed relationship with grief and memory.