Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman
For generations, the eldest son of the village has been the protector, but the current heir, Dr. Cheon, is a fake exorcist who doesn't believe in ghosts. Using his penetrating insight into people's minds, he performs fake exorcisms and resolves cases brought to him. However, Yoo-kyung, a client who can see ghosts, approaches him with an offer too tempting to refuse. With his assistant In-bae, Dr. Cheon heads to Yoo-kyung's house, and gets involved in a series of strange phenomena. As they delve into the mysteries there, they uncover the secrets of a talisman known as 'Seolkyung'...
The film earned $14.0M 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%)
Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman (2023) demonstrates carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Kim Seong-sik's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Dr. Cheon performs a staged exorcism for his popular YouTube channel, revealing his cynical world as a fake exorcist who doesn't believe in the supernatural despite his family legacy.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Yoo-kyung arrives desperately seeking help for her possessed younger sibling, presenting evidence of a genuine supernatural case that challenges Dr. Cheon's skeptical worldview.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. 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 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Dr. Cheon witnesses undeniable supernatural power during his first encounter with the possessed girl and chooses to fully commit to the case, accepting that the supernatural world is real., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Dr. Cheon discovers the true identity of the main antagonist and realizes the Beom-cheon demon is far more powerful than anticipated, requiring the lost talisman his grandfather once possessed. The stakes escalate dramatically., 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 (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Yoo-kyung is captured and possessed by the Beom-cheon demon. In-bae is gravely injured trying to protect Dr. Cheon, and Dr. Cheon's fake talisman is destroyed, exposing his continued reliance on deception., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Dr. Cheon realizes the talisman was never a physical object—it represents pure faith and spiritual conviction. He accepts his grandfather's legacy and chooses to believe, unlocking his true exorcist powers., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman'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 Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman against these established plot points, we can identify how Kim Seong-sik utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman within the fantasy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Dr. Cheon performs a staged exorcism for his popular YouTube channel, revealing his cynical world as a fake exorcist who doesn't believe in the supernatural despite his family legacy.
Theme
In-bae mentions that Dr. Cheon's grandfather always said "true power comes from believing in what you cannot see," foreshadowing the theme of faith versus skepticism.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Dr. Cheon's fraudulent exorcism business, his partnership with assistant In-bae, his strained relationship with his past, and the introduction of his grandfather's legacy as a genuine exorcist.
Disruption
Yoo-kyung arrives desperately seeking help for her possessed younger sibling, presenting evidence of a genuine supernatural case that challenges Dr. Cheon's skeptical worldview.
Resistance
Dr. Cheon reluctantly investigates the case, encountering real supernatural phenomena that shakes his disbelief. He researches his grandfather's old journals and discovers the legend of the Beom-cheon demon.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dr. Cheon witnesses undeniable supernatural power during his first encounter with the possessed girl and chooses to fully commit to the case, accepting that the supernatural world is real.
Mirror World
Dr. Cheon connects with Yoo-kyung on a deeper level as she shares her family's suffering, creating a relationship that will teach him about genuine faith and the importance of protecting others.
Premise
Dr. Cheon learns authentic exorcism techniques from his grandfather's teachings, battles minor demonic entities, and uncovers the conspiracy behind the Beom-cheon demon's return, delivering the supernatural action the audience expects.
Midpoint
Dr. Cheon discovers the true identity of the main antagonist and realizes the Beom-cheon demon is far more powerful than anticipated, requiring the lost talisman his grandfather once possessed. The stakes escalate dramatically.
Opposition
The demon cult grows stronger, possessed individuals multiply, and Dr. Cheon's attempts to find the talisman are thwarted. His lack of true faith becomes a liability as his grandfather's techniques fail without genuine belief.
Collapse
Yoo-kyung is captured and possessed by the Beom-cheon demon. In-bae is gravely injured trying to protect Dr. Cheon, and Dr. Cheon's fake talisman is destroyed, exposing his continued reliance on deception.
Crisis
Dr. Cheon faces his darkest moment, contemplating abandoning the fight. He confronts his cynicism and the pain of his grandfather's death, processing his fear of truly believing in the spiritual legacy he inherited.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Dr. Cheon realizes the talisman was never a physical object—it represents pure faith and spiritual conviction. He accepts his grandfather's legacy and chooses to believe, unlocking his true exorcist powers.
Synthesis
Dr. Cheon confronts the Beom-cheon demon with genuine spiritual power, combining his grandfather's techniques with newfound faith. He battles the cult, saves Yoo-kyung, and destroys the demon through true belief rather than trickery.
Transformation
Dr. Cheon operates as a genuine exorcist, no longer for YouTube fame but to help those in need. He honors his grandfather's legacy with authentic spiritual practice, transformed from skeptic to true believer.