Devotion
The harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.
The film financial setback against its substantial budget of $90.0M, earning $20.0M globally (-78% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its bold vision within the war 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%)
Devotion (2022) demonstrates strategically placed story structure, characteristic of J.D. Dillard's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 19 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jesse Brown stands alone in front of a mirror, confronting himself with racial slurs, psychologically preparing himself for the prejudice he faces as the Navy's first Black aviator. This establishes his isolated struggle and the internal armor he must wear.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when The squadron receives orders: they're being deployed to Korea for combat duty. The stakes shift from training exercises to life-and-death warfare. Jesse must leave his family behind, intensifying the personal cost of his service.. 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 35 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The squadron ships out to Korea and enters the war zone. This is the irreversible commitment to combat. Jesse and Tom are now wingmen in actual warfare, their lives dependent on each other. They cross from the safety of training into the chaos of the Korean War., moving from reaction to action.
At 71 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat A major victory or moment of recognition: Jesse receives commendation or the squadron achieves a significant military success. Jesse and Tom's partnership is at its peak—they're a formidable team. This false victory moment shows Jesse seemingly overcoming all obstacles, but the stakes are about to rise dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 104 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jesse's plane is hit during a mission. He crash-lands in enemy territory behind North Korean and Chinese lines, trapped in the wreckage in freezing conditions. He's critically injured and unable to free himself. This is the "whiff of death"—Jesse is dying in the snow, surrounded by approaching enemy forces., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 112 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Tom makes the active choice to crash-land his own plane near Jesse in enemy territory. This is devotion actualized—he sacrifices safety, career, and potentially his life to be with his wingman. Tom embodies the theme: true devotion means being willing to die alongside those you serve with., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Devotion'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 Devotion against these established plot points, we can identify how J.D. Dillard utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Devotion within the war genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional war films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Fury and Sarah's Key.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Jesse Brown stands alone in front of a mirror, confronting himself with racial slurs, psychologically preparing himself for the prejudice he faces as the Navy's first Black aviator. This establishes his isolated struggle and the internal armor he must wear.
Theme
A fellow pilot or commanding officer remarks on the meaning of being a wingman: "You're only as good as the man flying next to you." This establishes the theme of devotion, trust, and brotherhood that transcends individual achievement.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the naval aviation world of 1950. Jesse's exceptional skills as a pilot are established, as is the racial tension he navigates. Tom Hudner arrives as the new pilot. Jesse's family life with wife Daisy and daughter Pam shows what he's fighting for. The squadron dynamics and competitive training environment are set up.
Disruption
The squadron receives orders: they're being deployed to Korea for combat duty. The stakes shift from training exercises to life-and-death warfare. Jesse must leave his family behind, intensifying the personal cost of his service.
Resistance
The squadron prepares for deployment. Jesse grapples with leaving his family. Tom Hudner attempts to befriend Jesse, who remains guarded. Training intensifies as the reality of combat looms. Jesse and Tom begin to develop mutual respect through flight exercises, though Jesse keeps emotional distance. The pilots debate what they're getting into.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The squadron ships out to Korea and enters the war zone. This is the irreversible commitment to combat. Jesse and Tom are now wingmen in actual warfare, their lives dependent on each other. They cross from the safety of training into the chaos of the Korean War.
Mirror World
Jesse and Tom's friendship deepens through combat missions. A significant moment of connection occurs—perhaps sharing a drink, a conversation about their lives, or Tom witnessing Jesse's burden. Tom becomes the relationship that will teach Jesse he doesn't have to carry everything alone.
Premise
Combat missions over Korea. The "promise of the premise"—aerial combat sequences, the brotherhood of the squadron, Jesse proving himself repeatedly in battle. They encounter enemy fire, complete dangerous missions, and the bond between Jesse and Tom strengthens. Jesse's skills shine, earning respect from the squadron. The war intensifies.
Midpoint
A major victory or moment of recognition: Jesse receives commendation or the squadron achieves a significant military success. Jesse and Tom's partnership is at its peak—they're a formidable team. This false victory moment shows Jesse seemingly overcoming all obstacles, but the stakes are about to rise dramatically.
Opposition
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir begins. Missions become increasingly dangerous. The Chinese forces intensify their opposition. Jesse faces mounting pressure—more dangerous sorties, harsher conditions, equipment failures. The enemy closes in. Tom witnesses Jesse's exhaustion and burden. The cold, the combat, and the odds turn against them.
Collapse
Jesse's plane is hit during a mission. He crash-lands in enemy territory behind North Korean and Chinese lines, trapped in the wreckage in freezing conditions. He's critically injured and unable to free himself. This is the "whiff of death"—Jesse is dying in the snow, surrounded by approaching enemy forces.
Crisis
Tom circles overhead, unable to leave his wingman. He radios for help but knows rescue is unlikely. Tom faces his dark night of the soul: abandon Jesse and follow orders, or risk everything. Jesse, trapped and freezing, knows he's going to die. The emotional devastation of the inevitable unfolds.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tom makes the active choice to crash-land his own plane near Jesse in enemy territory. This is devotion actualized—he sacrifices safety, career, and potentially his life to be with his wingman. Tom embodies the theme: true devotion means being willing to die alongside those you serve with.
Synthesis
Tom reaches Jesse but cannot free him from the wreckage. They share final words. Tom stays with Jesse as he dies, refusing to leave him alone. Rescue helicopter arrives but it's too late. Tom must leave Jesse's body behind. Return to base, memorial service, Tom faces Jesse's widow Daisy. The squadron honors Jesse's sacrifice and legacy.
Transformation
Tom receives the Medal of Honor for his attempted rescue, but the final image shows Jesse's legacy: his photograph, his daughter, the barrier he broke. Tom is transformed by Jesse's devotion to duty and country. The closing image mirrors the opening—but where Jesse stood alone, he is now remembered and honored, his sacrifice giving meaning to devotion itself.