Captive State
Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system -- and dissent among the populace.
The film box office disappointment against its mid-range budget of $25.0M, earning $8.8M globally (-65% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the science fiction genre.
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%)
Captive State (2019) exhibits meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Rupert Wyatt's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 50 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Gabriel Drummond
William Mulligan
Rafe Drummond
Jane Doe
Daniel
Jurgis
Anita
Commissioner Igoe
Main Cast & Characters
Gabriel Drummond
Played by Ashton Sanders
Young man living in occupied Chicago whose brother was a resistance fighter. Reluctantly drawn into the underground movement against alien occupation.
William Mulligan
Played by John Goodman
Chicago police officer who collaborates with the alien occupiers while secretly having a more complex agenda regarding the resistance.
Rafe Drummond
Played by Jonathan Majors
Gabriel's older brother and resistance leader who faked his death nine years prior to continue fighting the alien occupation.
Jane Doe
Played by Vera Farmiga
Resistance operative working undercover in the collaboration government. Resourceful and committed to the cause of liberation.
Daniel
Played by Kevin Dunn
High-ranking official in the alien-controlled government who maintains order in the occupied zone.
Jurgis
Played by Machine Gun Kelly
Resistance fighter and explosives expert working with Rafe to execute attacks against the occupation.
Anita
Played by Madeline Brewer
Member of the resistance cell who helps coordinate the underground movement operations.
Commissioner Igoe
Played by Alan Ruck
Ruthless law enforcement official enforcing alien occupation rules with brutal efficiency.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Title cards establish that nine years ago, aliens arrived and conquered Earth. Chicago is now Sector 13, divided into "Closed Zones" and collaborator areas. The world is one of occupation and surveillance.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when A bombing at a government Unity Rally kills multiple collaborators and civilians. The resistance Phoenix claims responsibility. This triggers a massive crackdown and investigation led by Commander Igoe.. 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 Collapse moment at 82 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The resistance plan fails catastrophically. Multiple resistance members die. Jurgis sacrifices himself in the alien tower. Gabriel witnesses the brutal cost of the fight. The whiff of death is literal and complete., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The full scope of the resistance victory unfolds. The alien facility is actually compromised. Igoe discovers he's been outmaneuvered. The global resistance network reveals itself. Gabriel completes his role in the larger plan., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Captive State'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 Captive State against these established plot points, we can identify how Rupert Wyatt utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Captive State within the science fiction genre.
Rupert Wyatt's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Rupert Wyatt films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.5, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Captive State represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Rupert Wyatt filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional science fiction films include Lake Placid, The Postman and Oblivion. For more Rupert Wyatt analyses, see The Gambler.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Title cards establish that nine years ago, aliens arrived and conquered Earth. Chicago is now Sector 13, divided into "Closed Zones" and collaborator areas. The world is one of occupation and surveillance.
Theme
Commander Igoe tells Gabriel about his brother Rafe: "He made a choice. We all make choices." The theme of collaboration versus resistance, and whether survival justifies compliance, is introduced.
Worldbuilding
We see Gabriel's life as a dockworker under alien occupation. The resistance network is introduced through various characters. We learn Rafe, Gabriel's brother thought dead, may be alive and leading Phoenix, the resistance cell.
Disruption
A bombing at a government Unity Rally kills multiple collaborators and civilians. The resistance Phoenix claims responsibility. This triggers a massive crackdown and investigation led by Commander Igoe.
Resistance
Gabriel is pulled between two worlds: Igoe pressures him for information about his brother, while resistance members test whether he can be trusted. We follow both the resistance's planning and the government's investigation in parallel.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
The relationship between Igoe and Gabriel deepens. Igoe represents the collaborationist path—survival through compliance. He genuinely believes cooperation with the aliens is humanity's only future, mirroring Gabriel's internal conflict.
Premise
The resistance executes their elaborate plan to strike at the alien legislation building. Multiple cells coordinate. Gabriel performs his role. The audience experiences the intricate cat-and-mouse between resistance and security forces.
Opposition
Igoe and security forces close in. Resistance members are captured and killed one by one. The operation becomes increasingly desperate. Gabriel realizes the depth of surveillance and infiltration. The stakes intensify as the true cost of resistance becomes clear.
Collapse
The resistance plan fails catastrophically. Multiple resistance members die. Jurgis sacrifices himself in the alien tower. Gabriel witnesses the brutal cost of the fight. The whiff of death is literal and complete.
Crisis
Gabriel processes the devastation. Igoe interrogates him, offering one final chance to abandon resistance. Gabriel must choose between safety through collaboration or continued resistance despite apparent futility.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The full scope of the resistance victory unfolds. The alien facility is actually compromised. Igoe discovers he's been outmaneuvered. The global resistance network reveals itself. Gabriel completes his role in the larger plan.