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 moderate budget of $29.7M, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time became a solid performer, earning $93.9M worldwide—a 216% return.
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) exemplifies precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Kazuya Tsurumaki's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-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.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Paris is a hellscape - the AAA Wunder crew battles in a red, post-apocalyptic wasteland. Shinji remains catatonic, utterly broken from the Third Impact he triggered in 3.0.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 25 minutes when Rei Q deteriorates and dissolves, her LCL core failing. Shinji finally breaks his silence with a primal scream of grief - his emotional paralysis shattered by loss.. At 16% 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.
At 81 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 52% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Asuka is captured and absorbed by Eva-13, revealing her true nature as a clone. The stakes escalate - NERV's Additional Impact ritual begins. Gendo's plan enters its final phase, and the heroes' assault appears futile., 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 confronts Gendo in the Anti-Universe and experiences his father's trauma - the death of Yui, the emotional abandonment. Shinji faces the recursive loop of generational pain that created him. All hope seems lost in infinite regress., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 126 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The finale - Shinji executes the Additional Impact to reverse all Impacts and restore the world. Mari pierces through in Eva-08 to retrieve him. Reality unravels and reconstitutes. Farewells to Kaworu, Rei, and Asuka in the Anti-Universe., 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 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. 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, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Kazuya Tsurumaki analyses, see Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Paris is a hellscape - the AAA Wunder crew battles in a red, post-apocalyptic wasteland. Shinji remains catatonic, utterly broken from the Third Impact he triggered in 3.0.
Theme
Toji tells Shinji: "You can't connect with others if you don't know yourself first." The film's central thesis - healing requires self-acceptance before meaningful human connection.
Worldbuilding
Extended stay in Village-3 establishes the new post-apocalyptic normal. Shinji and Rei Q slowly learn what it means to be human through farming, cooking, and community. The world has moved on without Evangelion.
Disruption
Rei Q deteriorates and dissolves, her LCL core failing. Shinji finally breaks his silence with a primal scream of grief - his emotional paralysis shattered by loss.
Resistance
Shinji debates whether to return to piloting. Kensuke serves as guide, explaining that running away is okay, that Shinji must choose his own path. Asuka remains hostile. Preparations are made for the Wunder's next operation.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Kaworu appears in flashback sequences from 3.0, and his presence haunts Shinji's memories. The relationship that taught Shinji about unconditional acceptance becomes the emotional anchor for his healing journey.
Premise
The promise of the premise - spectacular mecha combat as the Wunder launches operations against NERV. Mari and Asuka sortie in new Evas. Reality-bending metaphysical action delivers on Evangelion's visual spectacle.
Midpoint
Asuka is captured and absorbed by Eva-13, revealing her true nature as a clone. The stakes escalate - NERV's Additional Impact ritual begins. Gendo's plan enters its final phase, and the heroes' assault appears futile.
Opposition
The opposition intensifies as Shinji descends into NERV's Anti-Universe. Metaphysical battles with the Evangelion Mark.09-A. Rei confronts her origins. The antagonistic forces - both literal and psychological - close in.
Collapse
Shinji confronts Gendo in the Anti-Universe and experiences his father's trauma - the death of Yui, the emotional abandonment. Shinji faces the recursive loop of generational pain that created him. All hope seems lost in infinite regress.
Crisis
Shinji processes the depths of human suffering through Gendo's memories and his own trauma. Dark introspection in the metaphysical space - confronting the hedgehog's dilemma, the pain of existence, the desire for escape versus connection.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale - Shinji executes the Additional Impact to reverse all Impacts and restore the world. Mari pierces through in Eva-08 to retrieve him. Reality unravels and reconstitutes. Farewells to Kaworu, Rei, and Asuka in the Anti-Universe.