Gifted
Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Despite its small-scale budget of $7.0M, Gifted became a financial success, earning $40.3M worldwide—a 476% return. The film's bold vision connected with viewers, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
6 wins & 7 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%)
Gifted (2017) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Marc Webb's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 41 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.5, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Frank Adler
Mary Adler
Evelyn Adler
Roberta Taylor
Bonnie Stevenson
Main Cast & Characters
Frank Adler
Played by Chris Evans
A boat repairman raising his mathematically gifted niece Mary while trying to give her a normal childhood.
Mary Adler
Played by Mckenna Grace
A seven-year-old math prodigy caught between her uncle's desire for normalcy and her grandmother's academic ambitions.
Evelyn Adler
Played by Lindsay Duncan
Frank's wealthy, controlling mother who wants to cultivate Mary's mathematical genius at any cost.
Roberta Taylor
Played by Octavia Spencer
Frank and Mary's warm, supportive landlady and neighbor who provides maternal care.
Bonnie Stevenson
Played by Jenny Slate
Mary's first-grade teacher who recognizes her exceptional abilities and struggles with how to handle them.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Frank Adler lives a simple life in a Florida coastal town with his niece Mary and their one-eyed cat Fred. Their humble home and quiet routine establish a working-class world built on love rather than ambition.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Mary solves a complex college-level math problem in first grade class, making it impossible to hide her genius. The principal calls Frank in, setting in motion events that will threaten their quiet life.. 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 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Evelyn files for custody of Mary. Frank makes the active choice to fight for Mary in court rather than give in to his mother's demands, entering the legal battle that will define Act 2., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False defeat: The judge rules that Mary should be placed in foster care temporarily while the case is decided. Frank loses custody. What seemed like a righteous fight suddenly has devastating real-world consequences., 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 (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Frank realizes he cannot win—Evelyn has the resources and the court system favors her. In devastating defeat, he agrees to let Evelyn have custody of Mary. His dream of honoring his sister's wishes dies. He must give Mary up., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Frank discovers a hidden letter/document revealing crucial information: Diane had solved the Navier-Stokes problem before her death and left instructions that it only be published after Evelyn's death. This gives Frank leverage and clarity about Diane's true wishes., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Gifted'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 Gifted against these established plot points, we can identify how Marc Webb utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Gifted within the drama genre.
Marc Webb's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Marc Webb films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Gifted represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Marc Webb filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include After Thomas, South Pacific and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. For more Marc Webb analyses, see (500) Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and The Amazing Spider-Man.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Frank Adler lives a simple life in a Florida coastal town with his niece Mary and their one-eyed cat Fred. Their humble home and quiet routine establish a working-class world built on love rather than ambition.
Theme
Mary's neighbor Roberta says, "He wanted her to have a life... to be a kid." The central theme: the conflict between nurturing extraordinary gifts versus allowing a normal childhood.
Worldbuilding
Mary's first day of school reveals her mathematical genius. We learn Frank is raising her alone, that he repairs boats for a living, and that he's deliberately keeping Mary in regular school despite her abilities. Teacher Bonnie notices Mary's gifts immediately.
Disruption
Mary solves a complex college-level math problem in first grade class, making it impossible to hide her genius. The principal calls Frank in, setting in motion events that will threaten their quiet life.
Resistance
Frank resists pressure to send Mary to a gifted school. We learn about Mary's mother Diane (Frank's sister), a mathematical prodigy who committed suicide. Frank's estranged mother Evelyn arrives, demanding Mary be educated to her full potential. The custody battle begins to form.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Evelyn files for custody of Mary. Frank makes the active choice to fight for Mary in court rather than give in to his mother's demands, entering the legal battle that will define Act 2.
Mirror World
Frank's developing relationship with Mary's teacher Bonnie deepens. She represents the thematic counterpoint—someone who sees both Mary's gifts AND her need for normalcy, embodying the balance Frank seeks.
Premise
The custody battle unfolds. Frank tries to maintain Mary's normal life while fighting Evelyn in court. We see the "promise of the premise"—a blue-collar uncle fighting the system and his wealthy mother for the right to raise his niece with love over achievement. Mary spends time with Evelyn, experiencing privilege.
Midpoint
False defeat: The judge rules that Mary should be placed in foster care temporarily while the case is decided. Frank loses custody. What seemed like a righteous fight suddenly has devastating real-world consequences.
Opposition
Mary is placed with a foster family. Frank is allowed limited visitation but Mary is miserable, feeling abandoned. Evelyn manipulates the situation. Frank discovers painful truths about his sister Diane's life and Evelyn's role in her tragedy. The pressure intensifies from all sides.
Collapse
Frank realizes he cannot win—Evelyn has the resources and the court system favors her. In devastating defeat, he agrees to let Evelyn have custody of Mary. His dream of honoring his sister's wishes dies. He must give Mary up.
Crisis
Frank processes the loss in darkness. Mary is moved to Boston to live with Evelyn. Frank returns to his empty house, haunted by his failure. He sits in despair, believing he has betrayed both Mary and Diane.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Frank discovers a hidden letter/document revealing crucial information: Diane had solved the Navier-Stokes problem before her death and left instructions that it only be published after Evelyn's death. This gives Frank leverage and clarity about Diane's true wishes.
Synthesis
Frank confronts Evelyn with the proof and Diane's true wishes. They reach a compromise: Mary will live with a carefully selected family near Frank, attend a gifted program, but also have a normal childhood with regular time with Frank. The solution synthesizes both needs—honoring Mary's gifts while protecting her childhood.
Transformation
Mirror to opening: Mary is at school again, but now in an advanced program. Frank picks her up and they head to the beach with Fred. Unlike the opening's hidden genius, Mary now has both her gifts acknowledged AND her childhood protected. Frank has honored his sister's true wishes.