Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation
10-year-old Sebastien reluctantly spends his vacation in the mountains with his grandmother and aunt. Helping them with the sheep is hardly an exciting prospect for a city boy like him - but that is without considering his encounter with Belle, a huge dog mistreated by her owner. Ready to do anything to fight injustice and to protect his new-found friend, Sebastien will spend the craziest summer of his life.
The film earned $5.8M at the global box office.
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%)
Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation (2022) demonstrates carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Pierre Coré's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 36 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Sébastien
Belle
Pierre
Anna
Joseph
Angelina
Main Cast & Characters
Sébastien
Played by Robinson Mensah-Rouanet
A young boy who forms a deep bond with Belle and embarks on an adventure to protect his family and the mountain village.
Belle
Played by Belle (Dog)
The loyal Great Pyrenees dog who becomes Sébastien's companion and protector through dangerous circumstances.
Pierre
Played by Tchéky Karyo
Sébastien's grandfather, a wise mountain man who guides the boy through the challenges they face.
Anna
Played by Michèle Laroque
A caring woman who helps protect the children and provides emotional support during their ordeal.
Joseph
Played by Syrus Shahidi
A threatening figure who poses danger to the village and the protagonists.
Angelina
Played by Alice David
Sébastien's mother who cares deeply for her son and the village community.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ten-year-old Sébastien lives in the mountain village with his grandmother, a troubled boy struggling with his mother's absence and feeling like an outsider among the other children.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when A massive white dog (Belle) is accused of attacking local sheep. The mayor declares the dog dangerous and orders it to be hunted down and destroyed, creating fear throughout the village.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Sébastien makes the active choice to approach Belle and protect her from the hunters. He crosses into the wilderness, committing himself to proving the dog's innocence despite the village's opposition., moving from reaction to action.
At 48 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Sébastien discovers evidence of the real culprit (likely poachers or another predator), but the hunters close in on Belle's hiding spot. A false defeat: his proof is dismissed, and Belle is cornered. The stakes escalate dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 72 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Belle is captured by the hunters and sentenced to be put down. Sébastien's attempts to save her have failed. He faces the death of his friendship and the loss of the one being who understood him. His lowest point of powerlessness and despair., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 77 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Sébastien finds conclusive proof of the real predator (or perpetrator). Armed with new evidence and renewed determination, he rallies unexpected allies from the village. He synthesizes what Belle taught him with his own resourcefulness for one final rescue., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation'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 Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation against these established plot points, we can identify how Pierre Coré utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation within the adventure genre.
Pierre Coré's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Pierre Coré films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Belle and Sebastian: Next Generation takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Pierre Coré filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Pierre Coré analyses, see Sahara.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ten-year-old Sébastien lives in the mountain village with his grandmother, a troubled boy struggling with his mother's absence and feeling like an outsider among the other children.
Theme
Sébastien's grandmother tells him that "sometimes the greatest friendships come from the most unexpected places," hinting at the bond he'll form with Belle.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the Alpine village, Sébastien's strained relationship with other kids, his longing for his absent mother, and the local community dynamics. We meet the supporting cast including the mayor and other villagers.
Disruption
A massive white dog (Belle) is accused of attacking local sheep. The mayor declares the dog dangerous and orders it to be hunted down and destroyed, creating fear throughout the village.
Resistance
Sébastien debates whether to believe the accusations against Belle. He begins his own investigation, observing the dog from afar and questioning whether she's truly dangerous. He resists getting involved but is drawn to the mystery.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Sébastien makes the active choice to approach Belle and protect her from the hunters. He crosses into the wilderness, committing himself to proving the dog's innocence despite the village's opposition.
Mirror World
Sébastien and Belle form their first real connection in the mountains. This bond mirrors the legendary friendship between his grandfather and the original Belle, showing Sébastien what unconditional trust and loyalty mean.
Premise
Sébastien and Belle adventure together through the Alps. He hides her from the hunters while investigating who's really attacking the livestock. Fun sequences of their growing friendship, mountain exploration, and narrow escapes from pursuers.
Midpoint
Sébastien discovers evidence of the real culprit (likely poachers or another predator), but the hunters close in on Belle's hiding spot. A false defeat: his proof is dismissed, and Belle is cornered. The stakes escalate dramatically.
Opposition
The village intensifies the hunt for Belle. Sébastien faces increasing opposition from adults and peers who think he's foolish. His relationship with his grandmother strains. The real threat to the livestock continues, making Belle look guiltier.
Collapse
Belle is captured by the hunters and sentenced to be put down. Sébastien's attempts to save her have failed. He faces the death of his friendship and the loss of the one being who understood him. His lowest point of powerlessness and despair.
Crisis
Sébastien grapples with his failure in the dark night of the soul. He reflects on his grandfather's legacy and what Belle has taught him about courage and standing up for what's right, even when you're alone.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Sébastien finds conclusive proof of the real predator (or perpetrator). Armed with new evidence and renewed determination, he rallies unexpected allies from the village. He synthesizes what Belle taught him with his own resourcefulness for one final rescue.
Synthesis
The finale: Sébastien executes a daring rescue of Belle while simultaneously exposing the true threat to the village. A climactic confrontation where he proves Belle's innocence, saves her life, and vindicates his faith in their friendship.
Transformation
Sébastien, once an isolated outsider, is now accepted and respected by the village. He stands confidently with Belle by his side, having found his place and his purpose. The image mirrors the opening but shows a transformed, brave boy who found his identity.