Going the Distance
Erin and Garrett are very much in love. When Erin moves to San Francisco to finish her journalism degree and Garrett stays behind in New York to work in the music industry, they gamely keep the romance alive with webcams and frequent-flyer miles. But just when it seems the lovers will soon be reunited, they each score a big break that could separate them for good.
Working with a respectable budget of $32.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $42.0M in global revenue (+31% profit margin).
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%)
Going the Distance (2010) reveals strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of Nanette Burstein's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 42 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Garrett is single in New York, recently out of a relationship, working at a record label. Erin is a summer intern with six weeks left before returning to San Francisco for grad school.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Garrett and Erin realize their casual fling has become something real. What was supposed to be meaningless summer fun has turned into genuine feelings, disrupting their no-strings agreement.. 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 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Erin leaves for San Francisco. At the airport, Garrett and Erin make the active choice to try a long-distance relationship despite everyone saying it won't work. They commit to making it work across 3,000 miles., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False defeat: After a promising visit, the difficulty of their situation becomes undeniable. The constant goodbyes, expense, and strain of coordinating lives raises the stakes. They realize this is harder than anticipated and something has to change., 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 (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: A major fight during a visit leads to a devastating breakup. The relationship "dies" - they cannot reconcile the competing demands of career and love. Both are heartbroken as the long-distance experiment fails., indicates 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 78% of the runtime. Breakthrough realization: Garrett decides love is worth the sacrifice and chooses to move to San Francisco. He synthesizes the lesson that true partnership requires compromise and risk. Career isn't everything; being with the right person is., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Going the Distance'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 Going the Distance against these established plot points, we can identify how Nanette Burstein utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Going the Distance within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Garrett is single in New York, recently out of a relationship, working at a record label. Erin is a summer intern with six weeks left before returning to San Francisco for grad school.
Theme
Garrett's friends discuss the futility of long-distance relationships, stating "They never work." This thematic statement sets up the central question the story will explore.
Worldbuilding
Garrett and Erin meet at a bar, establish chemistry despite both being commitment-phobic. They agree to a casual summer fling knowing she leaves in six weeks. Their relationship dynamic, friends, and career situations are established.
Disruption
Garrett and Erin realize their casual fling has become something real. What was supposed to be meaningless summer fun has turned into genuine feelings, disrupting their no-strings agreement.
Resistance
Garrett and Erin debate what to do about their growing feelings with her departure looming. They enjoy their remaining time together while wrestling with the inevitable separation. Friends offer conflicting advice about long-distance relationships.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Erin leaves for San Francisco. At the airport, Garrett and Erin make the active choice to try a long-distance relationship despite everyone saying it won't work. They commit to making it work across 3,000 miles.
Mirror World
First phone sex/video chat attempts establish the new relationship dynamic. Their connection remains strong despite distance, showing hope that love can transcend geography. This subplot explores intimacy and communication across distance.
Premise
The "promise of the premise" - watching a couple navigate a long-distance relationship. Phone calls, visits, creative solutions to stay connected. Funny moments with technology failures, jealousy, and trying to maintain romance across time zones.
Midpoint
False defeat: After a promising visit, the difficulty of their situation becomes undeniable. The constant goodbyes, expense, and strain of coordinating lives raises the stakes. They realize this is harder than anticipated and something has to change.
Opposition
Pressure mounts from all sides. Career opportunities complicate relocation decisions. Garrett's sister's wedding creates tension. Miscommunications increase. Friends and family question the relationship. The distance becomes increasingly antagonistic to their connection.
Collapse
All is lost: A major fight during a visit leads to a devastating breakup. The relationship "dies" - they cannot reconcile the competing demands of career and love. Both are heartbroken as the long-distance experiment fails.
Crisis
Dark night: Both Garrett and Erin process the breakup separately. They go through the motions of their lives but are miserable. They reflect on what they lost and whether career ambitions are worth sacrificing love.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Breakthrough realization: Garrett decides love is worth the sacrifice and chooses to move to San Francisco. He synthesizes the lesson that true partnership requires compromise and risk. Career isn't everything; being with the right person is.
Synthesis
Finale: Garrett quits his job and moves to San Francisco. He finds Erin and declares his commitment. They navigate the final obstacles of reconciliation. Both have grown - willing to sacrifice and compromise for love rather than demanding the other change.
Transformation
Final image: Garrett and Erin together in San Francisco, having both made sacrifices but gained a real relationship. The closing mirrors the opening but shows transformation - from commitment-phobic to fully committed, proving long-distance love can work with sacrifice.