Ghosted
Cole falls head over heels for enigmatic Sadie, but then makes the shocking discovery that she's a secret agent. Before they can decide on a second date, Cole and Sadie are swept away on an international adventure to save the world.
Produced on a respectable budget of $40.0M, the film represents a studio production.
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%)
Ghosted (2023) reveals meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Dexter Fletcher's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 57 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Cole tends his family's organic farm, living a safe, predictable life helping his parents while his sister lectures him about being too clingy in relationships.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Cole finds Sadie's lost inhaler with a London address, giving him the excuse he needs. Despite his family's warnings, he decides to fly to London to return it and "fix" whatever went wrong.. 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Cole discovers Sadie is a CIA operative when she bursts in to rescue him. He's been mistaken for "The Taxman," a legendary spy. His ordinary world is shattered; he's thrust into a world of espionage and danger., moving from reaction to action.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Cole and Sadie share an intimate moment and sleep together. Cole believes they're genuinely connecting (false victory). She seems to open up emotionally, suggesting the relationship might be real. Stakes raise: they're closer to finding Aztec, but enemies close in., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Cole is captured and tortured by Leveque. Sadie is forced to choose the mission over saving him, leaving him behind. Cole faces death, betrayed by the woman he loves. His romantic idealism is shattered; the "whiff of death" is both literal danger and the death of his romantic dream., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Cole escapes using skills he's learned throughout the adventure, no longer the helpless farmer. Sadie defies orders and returns for Cole, choosing love over duty. They reconcile and combine their strengths: his heart and her skills. Together, they formulate a plan to stop Leveque., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Ghosted'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 Ghosted against these established plot points, we can identify how Dexter Fletcher utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Ghosted within the action genre.
Dexter Fletcher's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Dexter Fletcher films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Ghosted takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Dexter Fletcher filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Dexter Fletcher analyses, see Rocketman, Eddie the Eagle and Sunshine on Leith.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Cole tends his family's organic farm, living a safe, predictable life helping his parents while his sister lectures him about being too clingy in relationships.
Theme
Cole's sister warns him: "You can't just attach yourself to someone and expect them to complete you." The theme of finding balance between connection and independence, between playing it safe and taking risks.
Worldbuilding
Cole meets Sadie at the farmer's market. They share a magical day together in Washington D.C., connecting deeply. She leaves the next morning, and Cole obsessively texts her. When she doesn't respond, his family labels him "ghosted."
Disruption
Cole finds Sadie's lost inhaler with a London address, giving him the excuse he needs. Despite his family's warnings, he decides to fly to London to return it and "fix" whatever went wrong.
Resistance
Cole travels to London, tracks Sadie to a restaurant, and attempts a romantic surprise. He's drugged, kidnapped by armed men, and wakes up restrained. He realizes something is terribly wrong but doesn't understand what.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Cole discovers Sadie is a CIA operative when she bursts in to rescue him. He's been mistaken for "The Taxman," a legendary spy. His ordinary world is shattered; he's thrust into a world of espionage and danger.
Mirror World
Sadie reluctantly agrees to protect Cole. Their dynamic establishes the central relationship: he's sincere and emotionally open, she's guarded and commitment-phobic. She represents the risk-taking life he's avoided; he represents the genuine connection she fears.
Premise
Action-comedy hijinks ensue as Cole and Sadie evade mercenaries, travel across Pakistan, and search for the bioweapon "Aztec." Cole bumbles through spy scenarios while developing feelings. Sadie slowly warms to him despite herself. The "farmer meets spy" premise delivers.
Midpoint
Cole and Sadie share an intimate moment and sleep together. Cole believes they're genuinely connecting (false victory). She seems to open up emotionally, suggesting the relationship might be real. Stakes raise: they're closer to finding Aztec, but enemies close in.
Opposition
The mission intensifies. Leveque, the villain, captures them. Cole discovers Sadie has been lying about various details. Trust fractures. Cole's amateur status becomes a liability. The real Taxman appears, complicating everything. Sadie must choose between the mission and Cole.
Collapse
Cole is captured and tortured by Leveque. Sadie is forced to choose the mission over saving him, leaving him behind. Cole faces death, betrayed by the woman he loves. His romantic idealism is shattered; the "whiff of death" is both literal danger and the death of his romantic dream.
Crisis
Cole, devastated and alone, must process that Sadie chose duty over him. He questions everything—his impulsive journey, his naïve romanticism. Meanwhile, Sadie grapples with her choice, realizing she does care for Cole but pushed him away out of fear.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Cole escapes using skills he's learned throughout the adventure, no longer the helpless farmer. Sadie defies orders and returns for Cole, choosing love over duty. They reconcile and combine their strengths: his heart and her skills. Together, they formulate a plan to stop Leveque.
Synthesis
Cole and Sadie work as a team to infiltrate Leveque's operation and secure the bioweapon. Cole uses his resourcefulness and courage; Sadie uses her training. They defeat Leveque in a climactic confrontation, saving the day. Both have grown: he's braver, she's more open.
Transformation
Cole returns to his farm, but now he's confident and adventurous. Sadie appears, choosing a relationship with him. Unlike the opening where he clung desperately to connection, he's now secure. She's learned to take the risk of intimacy. They've both transformed.