Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
When aspiring musicians Lars and Sigrit are given the opportunity to represent their country at the world's biggest song competition, they finally have a chance to prove that any dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 5 wins & 20 nominations
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%)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) exemplifies meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of David Dobkin's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 3 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Lars and Sigrit watch ABBA win Eurovision in 1974, planting a lifelong dream. Flash forward to present-day Húsavík, Iceland, where adult Lars and Sigrit are still chasing that same impossible dream, performing Fire Saga to disinterested locals in their small fishing town.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Against all odds, Fire Saga wins the Icelandic qualifying competition to represent Iceland at Eurovision - but only because all the other competitors die in a freak boat explosion. This absurd tragedy gives them their impossible chance.. At 10% 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 23% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Lars and Sigrit make the active choice to truly commit to Eurovision despite everyone's doubts. They arrive in Edinburgh and decide they will take this seriously, transform their act, and prove themselves on the world stage., moving from reaction to action.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False victory: Fire Saga's semifinal performance is surprisingly successful, and they advance to the finals. They're actually in contention to win. But Lars' insecurity and jealousy over Alexander and Sigrit intensifies, setting up internal conflict that will threaten everything., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 89 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lars' ego and fear cause a catastrophic fight. Sigrit leaves Fire Saga to perform with Alexander instead. The partnership dies. Lars has destroyed the one relationship that mattered, losing Sigrit and their dream simultaneously. He's alone, and it's entirely his fault., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 96 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Lars has a realization: the song they should perform is "Húsavík (My Hometown)" - Sigrit's beautiful, heartfelt song that he previously dismissed as not "Eurovision enough." He recognizes her talent, understands what matters, and rushes back to Edinburgh to make things right and perform with authenticity instead of ego., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'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 Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga against these established plot points, we can identify how David Dobkin utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga within the comedy genre.
David Dobkin's Structural Approach
Among the 6 David Dobkin films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete David Dobkin filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more David Dobkin analyses, see The Judge, Fred Claus and Shanghai Knights.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Lars and Sigrit watch ABBA win Eurovision in 1974, planting a lifelong dream. Flash forward to present-day Húsavík, Iceland, where adult Lars and Sigrit are still chasing that same impossible dream, performing Fire Saga to disinterested locals in their small fishing town.
Theme
Lars' father Erick dismisses their Eurovision dream, telling Lars he needs to face reality and give up childish fantasies. The theme: believing in yourself versus accepting "realistic" limitations.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Fire Saga's struggling musical career in Húsavík. Lars is delusional about their chances, while Sigrit is the talented one who truly believes in their friendship. Lars' father owns the bar where they perform. The town sees them as jokes. Sigrit secretly loves Lars, who is oblivious.
Disruption
Against all odds, Fire Saga wins the Icelandic qualifying competition to represent Iceland at Eurovision - but only because all the other competitors die in a freak boat explosion. This absurd tragedy gives them their impossible chance.
Resistance
Iceland's officials reluctantly send Fire Saga to Eurovision in Edinburgh, hoping they'll fail quickly. Lars struggles with anxiety and self-doubt while Sigrit tries to keep them focused. They debate whether they truly belong on this stage. They meet their government handler who makes clear Iceland expects nothing from them.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Lars and Sigrit make the active choice to truly commit to Eurovision despite everyone's doubts. They arrive in Edinburgh and decide they will take this seriously, transform their act, and prove themselves on the world stage.
Mirror World
Fire Saga meets Alexander Lemtov, the flamboyant Russian contestant who becomes fascinated with Sigrit. He represents what Lars could be - confident, successful, genuinely talented - and creates a romantic triangle that will test Lars and Sigrit's relationship and force Lars to confront his true feelings.
Premise
The fun of Eurovision: Fire Saga experiences the spectacle, meets eccentric performers from around the world, performs in rehearsals, and navigates the competition. Lars becomes increasingly jealous of Alexander's attention to Sigrit. The promise of the premise: watching underdogs navigate the absurd, glittery world of Eurovision.
Midpoint
False victory: Fire Saga's semifinal performance is surprisingly successful, and they advance to the finals. They're actually in contention to win. But Lars' insecurity and jealousy over Alexander and Sigrit intensifies, setting up internal conflict that will threaten everything.
Opposition
Lars' jealousy and controlling behavior escalate. Icelandic officials actively sabotage them, wanting them to fail. Lars and Sigrit fight about Alexander and their relationship. Lars' selfishness and inability to see Sigrit's worth or his true feelings pushes her away. The stakes rise as their personal relationship crumbles even as their professional dream comes within reach.
Collapse
Lars' ego and fear cause a catastrophic fight. Sigrit leaves Fire Saga to perform with Alexander instead. The partnership dies. Lars has destroyed the one relationship that mattered, losing Sigrit and their dream simultaneously. He's alone, and it's entirely his fault.
Crisis
Lars returns to Húsavík in defeat and shame. His father confronts him, but surprisingly reveals pride in Lars for trying. Lars realizes he's been chasing Eurovision for selfish glory, not for the music or for Sigrit. He finally understands what - and who - truly matters.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Lars has a realization: the song they should perform is "Húsavík (My Hometown)" - Sigrit's beautiful, heartfelt song that he previously dismissed as not "Eurovision enough." He recognizes her talent, understands what matters, and rushes back to Edinburgh to make things right and perform with authenticity instead of ego.
Synthesis
Lars returns to Eurovision, apologizes to Sigrit, and they perform "Húsavík" together with genuine emotion and vulnerability. Though they don't win Eurovision, they deliver an authentic performance that moves the audience. Lars finally tells Sigrit he loves her. They lose the competition but win what actually matters: each other and artistic integrity.
Transformation
Lars and Sigrit return to Húsavík as a couple, performing for their hometown with joy and authenticity. The final image mirrors the opening - they're still performing in the same bar - but everything has changed. They're together, fulfilled, and celebrated by their community. The dream transformed from "winning Eurovision" to "being true to yourself and those you love."