Desierto
A group of Mexican emigrants attempts to cross the Mexican-US border. What begins as a hopeful journey becomes a harrowing, bloody and primal fight for survival when a deranged, rifle-toting vigilante and his loyal Belgian Malinois dog chase the group of unarmed men and women through the treacherous borderland. In the harsh, unforgiving desert terrain, the odds are stacked firmly against them as they discover there’s nowhere to hide from the unrelenting, merciless killer.
The film earned $4.9M 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%)
Desierto (2015) demonstrates precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Jonás Cuarón's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 28 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Moises and other migrants ride in a truck through the Sonoran Desert, heading toward the U.S. Border. They are hopeful, preparing for the dangerous crossing ahead.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Sam, a vigilante with a high-powered rifle and his dog Tracker, spots the group of migrants and begins hunting them. The first shots ring out, killing the coyote guide.. 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 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Moises makes the active choice to become the protector and leader of the remaining survivors. He decides they must outsmart Sam rather than simply run, taking responsibility for the group's survival., moving from reaction to action.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Sam gets close enough to wound one of the survivors, and the group is forced to separate. Moises realizes they cannot outrun Sam and must confront him. The stakes escalate - it's now life or death., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Moises is separated from Adela and the last survivors. He believes they are dead. Alone, wounded, and near death from dehydration, he faces the abyss - the whiff of death is literal and imminent., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Moises sets a trap for Sam, using the desert terrain to his advantage. The final confrontation occurs. Moises fights back against his hunter, ultimately causing Sam's death and saving Adela., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Desierto's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Desierto against these established plot points, we can identify how Jonás Cuarón utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Desierto within the thriller genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional thriller films include Eye for an Eye, Lake Placid and Operation Finale.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Moises and other migrants ride in a truck through the Sonoran Desert, heading toward the U.S. border. They are hopeful, preparing for the dangerous crossing ahead.
Theme
A fellow migrant discusses the dream of a better life in America and what they're willing to risk for their families. The theme of survival and human dignity in the face of dehumanization is established.
Worldbuilding
The group begins their trek across the desert on foot after the truck breaks down. We meet Moises, understand the diversity of the group, and see the harsh desert environment they must traverse.
Disruption
Sam, a vigilante with a high-powered rifle and his dog Tracker, spots the group of migrants and begins hunting them. The first shots ring out, killing the coyote guide.
Resistance
The migrants scatter in terror. Moises tries to help others survive and escape. Multiple members of the group are systematically hunted and killed. The group debates whether to surrender or keep running.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Moises makes the active choice to become the protector and leader of the remaining survivors. He decides they must outsmart Sam rather than simply run, taking responsibility for the group's survival.
Mirror World
Moises bonds with Adela, a woman in the group. Their connection represents hope and humanity amidst the brutality, reflecting the theme that human dignity persists even in dehumanizing circumstances.
Premise
The cat-and-mouse game intensifies. Moises uses his wits to evade Sam and Tracker, attempting to lead survivors to safety. The harsh desert becomes both enemy and ally as they navigate the terrain.
Midpoint
Sam gets close enough to wound one of the survivors, and the group is forced to separate. Moises realizes they cannot outrun Sam and must confront him. The stakes escalate - it's now life or death.
Opposition
Sam methodically closes in on Moises and the remaining survivors. More people die. The desert environment becomes increasingly hostile with dehydration and exhaustion taking their toll. Moises's options dwindle.
Collapse
Moises is separated from Adela and the last survivors. He believes they are dead. Alone, wounded, and near death from dehydration, he faces the abyss - the whiff of death is literal and imminent.
Crisis
Moises crawls through the desert in despair, barely alive. He confronts the possibility of dying alone in this wasteland, questioning whether the dream was worth the cost. His dark night of the soul.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Moises sets a trap for Sam, using the desert terrain to his advantage. The final confrontation occurs. Moises fights back against his hunter, ultimately causing Sam's death and saving Adela.