Despicable Me 4
Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.
Despite a significant budget of $100.0M, Despicable Me 4 became a massive hit, earning $969.6M worldwide—a remarkable 870% return.
2 wins & 6 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Gru and Lucy living happily with their three daughters and baby son Gru Jr., established as a loving suburban family working for the AVL (Anti-Villain League).. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when At a high school reunion, Gru's old rival Maxime Le Mal (a cockroach-themed villain) escapes from prison and swears revenge on Gru, threatening his entire family.. At 9% through the film, this Disruption arrives earlier than typical, accelerating the narrative momentum. 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 20% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Gru makes the active choice to enter witness protection, accepting new identities. The family relocates to the safe house town of Mayflower, becoming the Cunninghams., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina track down the family's location. False defeat: their cover is blown, and Maxime attacks. Gru realizes he can't hide from his past and puts his family in greater danger., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (62% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Maxime captures the family (or Gru Jr.). Gru's worst fear realized - his villain past has destroyed his family's safety. He loses everything he tried to protect. The family unit is torn apart., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 66% of the runtime. Gru realizes he must combine his villain skills with his father instincts. Gets help from unexpected source (Perry, the Minions, or reunited family). Discovers the key to defeating Maxime and winning Gru Jr.'s trust., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Despicable Me 4's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Despicable Me 4 against these established plot points, we can identify how the filmmaker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Despicable Me 4 within the animation genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Gru and Lucy living happily with their three daughters and baby son Gru Jr., established as a loving suburban family working for the AVL (Anti-Villain League).
Theme
Lucy tells Gru that "family means accepting everyone, even when they're difficult" - establishing the theme of family bonds and acceptance.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Gru's reformed life: his AVL work, his struggle bonding with baby Gru Jr. who doesn't like him, the girls at school, and the Minions' antics. Shows the comfortable family life they've built.
Disruption
At a high school reunion, Gru's old rival Maxime Le Mal (a cockroach-themed villain) escapes from prison and swears revenge on Gru, threatening his entire family.
Resistance
The AVL insists on putting the family in witness protection. Gru resists leaving their life behind, debates the decision with Lucy, and struggles with uprooting the family. Preparation for their new identities.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Gru makes the active choice to enter witness protection, accepting new identities. The family relocates to the safe house town of Mayflower, becoming the Cunninghams.
Mirror World
The family meets their overly friendly neighbor Perry Prescott and his family. Perry becomes a parallel to Gru - showing what an "honest" suburban dad looks like, contrasting Gru's secret identity.
Premise
Fish-out-of-water comedy as the family adjusts to suburban life. Gru struggles with his fake identity, the girls navigate new school/friends, Lucy tries to fit in with neighbors, and Gru Jr. continues rejecting Gru. Meanwhile, separated Minions have their own adventure.
Midpoint
Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina track down the family's location. False defeat: their cover is blown, and Maxime attacks. Gru realizes he can't hide from his past and puts his family in greater danger.
Opposition
Maxime escalates his attacks. Gru's attempts to protect his family while maintaining cover fail. Neighbor Perry discovers Gru's secret. Gru Jr. remains distant. The family fractures under pressure. Maxime's cockroach army grows stronger.
Collapse
Maxime captures the family (or Gru Jr.). Gru's worst fear realized - his villain past has destroyed his family's safety. He loses everything he tried to protect. The family unit is torn apart.
Crisis
Gru at his lowest point, believing he's failed as a father and husband. Processes that he can't protect his family by hiding who he is - he must embrace both his past and his present.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Gru realizes he must combine his villain skills with his father instincts. Gets help from unexpected source (Perry, the Minions, or reunited family). Discovers the key to defeating Maxime and winning Gru Jr.'s trust.
Synthesis
Final confrontation with Maxime. Gru uses both his gadgets/villain expertise AND his family bonds. The girls, Lucy, Minions, and even Gru Jr. contribute. Defeats Maxime through teamwork. Gru finally connects with Gru Jr. by being authentic.
Transformation
Mirror of opening: family together, but now Gru Jr. accepts and loves his father. Gru has integrated his past and present - no longer hiding who he is. Family stronger through acceptance of their whole truth.