Chaw
A black comedy about the events that are set into motion in a town after a man-eating boar goes on a rampage.
The film earned $10.7M 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%)
Chaw (2009) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Shin Jung-won's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 1 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Officer Kim arrives in the quiet rural village, establishing his fish-out-of-water status as a city cop transferred to the countryside.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when A brutal attack leaves villagers dead and partially eaten, revealing this is not a normal wild boar but something monstrous.. 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 61 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The team's first major trap fails catastrophically. The boar proves far more intelligent and dangerous than anticipated, killing one of their own. They realize they've underestimated their enemy., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 91 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The hunter, their most experienced member, is killed by the boar in a devastating attack. The team scatters in fear. Kim believes he's failed completely as a protector., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 97 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The final battle combining Kim's newfound courage with the environmentalist's understanding of nature. The team reunites for one last coordinated effort to stop the boar and save the village., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Chaw'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 Chaw against these established plot points, we can identify how Shin Jung-won utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Chaw within the horror genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Officer Kim arrives in the quiet rural village, establishing his fish-out-of-water status as a city cop transferred to the countryside.
Theme
A villager comments that "nature always finds a way to restore balance," hinting at the film's theme about humanity's disruption of the natural order.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the rural village community, Kim's integration struggles, the local characters including the hunter and environmentalist, and hints of mysterious animal attacks.
Disruption
A brutal attack leaves villagers dead and partially eaten, revealing this is not a normal wild boar but something monstrous.
Resistance
The makeshift team debates how to handle the creature. Kim resists taking charge, the hunter wants to track it traditionally, and the environmentalist argues for understanding it. They gather information and prepare.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun of the creature-feature premise: tracking the giant boar, close calls, increasingly creative traps, team bonding, and darkly comedic moments as the mismatched group works together.
Midpoint
The team's first major trap fails catastrophically. The boar proves far more intelligent and dangerous than anticipated, killing one of their own. They realize they've underestimated their enemy.
Opposition
The boar goes on the offensive, hunting them. Government interference complicates matters. The team fractures under pressure. Kim's leadership is questioned. Casualties mount and hope diminishes.
Collapse
The hunter, their most experienced member, is killed by the boar in a devastating attack. The team scatters in fear. Kim believes he's failed completely as a protector.
Crisis
Kim processes his guilt and failure in the darkness. The remaining team members contemplate abandoning the mission. The village prepares to evacuate in defeat.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final battle combining Kim's newfound courage with the environmentalist's understanding of nature. The team reunites for one last coordinated effort to stop the boar and save the village.