Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka and Rei find refuge in one of the rare pockets of humanity that still exist on the ruined planet Earth. There, each lives a life far different from their days as an Evangelion pilot. However, the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.
Despite a respectable budget of $29.7M, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time became a commercial success, earning $93.9M worldwide—a 216% return.
4 wins & 4 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%)
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021) reveals precise narrative design, characteristic of Kazuya Tsurumaki's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 35 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.4, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Shinji Ikari
Mari Illustrious Makinami
Asuka Langley Shikinami
Rei Ayanami
Kaworu Nagisa
Misato Katsuragi
Gendo Ikari
Ritsuko Akagi
Main Cast & Characters
Shinji Ikari
Played by Megumi Ogata
The reluctant Eva pilot who must confront his trauma and find the will to break the cycle of suffering.
Mari Illustrious Makinami
Played by Maaya Sakamoto
An energetic Eva pilot who serves as a catalyst for Shinji's growth and connection to the real world.
Asuka Langley Shikinami
Played by Yuko Miyamura
A fierce Eva pilot struggling with identity and the need for validation while protecting others.
Rei Ayanami
Played by Megumi Hayashibara
A mysterious clone who seeks to understand humanity and her own existence beyond being a vessel.
Kaworu Nagisa
Played by Akira Ishida
An enigmatic being who shares a deep connection with Shinji and guides him toward understanding.
Misato Katsuragi
Played by Kotono Mitsuishi
The operations director of WILLE who fights to prevent Fourth Impact while grappling with her past.
Gendo Ikari
Played by Fumihiko Tachiki
Shinji's estranged father who pursues the Human Instrumentality Project to reunite with his deceased wife.
Ritsuko Akagi
Played by Yuriko Yamaguchi
WILLE's chief scientist who works to stop NERV while dealing with her complicated history.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Paris in ruins, WILLE forces battle against failed Evangelion units in a decimated red wasteland, establishing the apocalyptic post-Third Impact world.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 18 minutes when Shinji finally speaks after weeks of silence, asking where Rei is. He learns Rei Q is not "his" Rei, and that he triggered Near-Third Impact, killing billions.. At 11% 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 38 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Shinji chooses to return to WILLE and pilot again, not to run away but to take responsibility and make things right. He puts on his DSS choker willingly., moving from reaction to action.
At 77 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Gendo triggers additional impacts. Shinji must kill Kaworu to prevent Fourth Impact. The person who accepted him unconditionally dies by his hand, devastating Shinji., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 115 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Shinji nearly accepts Gendo's Instrumentality, wanting to escape into oblivion. All hope seems lost as he faces complete ego dissolution and the death of individual identity., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 124 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Shinji reaches understanding with Gendo, seeing his father's human pain. He chooses connection over isolation, reality over fantasy, accepting that pain is part of living with others., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time'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 Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time against these established plot points, we can identify how Kazuya Tsurumaki utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time within the animation genre.
Kazuya Tsurumaki's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Kazuya Tsurumaki films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kazuya Tsurumaki filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots and Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll. For more Kazuya Tsurumaki analyses, see Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Paris in ruins, WILLE forces battle against failed Evangelion units in a decimated red wasteland, establishing the apocalyptic post-Third Impact world.
Theme
Toji tells Shinji that despite everything, people keep trying to live and find happiness. The theme: choosing to connect with others despite pain and fear of rejection.
Worldbuilding
Shinji catatonic and broken, Asuka and Mari recover him from space. Introduction to Village 3, where survivors rebuild without electricity. Rei Q learns about human life and connection.
Disruption
Shinji finally speaks after weeks of silence, asking where Rei is. He learns Rei Q is not "his" Rei, and that he triggered Near-Third Impact, killing billions.
Resistance
Shinji processes his guilt and trauma in the village. Rei Q experiences human connection, names herself, and develops individuality before dissolving. Kensuke acts as quiet mentor to Shinji.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Shinji chooses to return to WILLE and pilot again, not to run away but to take responsibility and make things right. He puts on his DSS choker willingly.
Mirror World
Kaworu awaits Shinji in the anti-universe, offering understanding and partnership. Their relationship represents unconditional acceptance and the possibility of connection without fear.
Premise
The mission to prevent Fourth Impact. Shinji and Asuka descend into the anti-universe, confronting Evangelion's surreal imagery. Shinji reunites with Kaworu. Battle sequences and metaphysical exploration.
Midpoint
Gendo triggers additional impacts. Shinji must kill Kaworu to prevent Fourth Impact. The person who accepted him unconditionally dies by his hand, devastating Shinji.
Opposition
Shinji spirals into despair. Asuka confronts her trauma and clones. Mari fights to protect Shinji. Gendo advances his Human Instrumentality scenario, pressure intensifying from all sides.
Collapse
Shinji nearly accepts Gendo's Instrumentality, wanting to escape into oblivion. All hope seems lost as he faces complete ego dissolution and the death of individual identity.
Crisis
In the metaphysical space, Shinji processes his deepest pain. Confronts his need for validation, his relationship with his parents, and his fear of rejection and abandonment.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Shinji reaches understanding with Gendo, seeing his father's human pain. He chooses connection over isolation, reality over fantasy, accepting that pain is part of living with others.
Synthesis
Shinji rewrites reality, creating a world without Evangelions where people can choose their own paths. Says goodbye to each character, releasing them from the cycle. Mari waits for him.
Transformation
Shinji stands on a real train platform in the real world, no longer running away. Mari takes his hand and they run together into an open future, choosing connection and life.