Goon
N/A
The film disappointed at the box office against its modest budget of $12.0M, earning $7.0M globally (-42% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unique voice within the short genre.
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%)
Goon (2012) exhibits meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Michael Dowse's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 32 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Doug Glatt works as a bar bouncer, a gentle giant who lives in the shadow of his successful doctor brother and gay father. He's aimless, working a dead-end job, kind but directionless.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when After the hockey fight goes viral, a coach approaches Doug and asks him to try out for a minor league team as an enforcer. For the first time, someone sees value in Doug's fighting ability.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Doug accepts the position with the Orangetown Assassins and commits to becoming a professional hockey enforcer. He actively chooses to enter the world of hockey, leaving behind his bouncer job and family expectations., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Doug is promoted to the Halifax Highlanders, a higher-level team, and becomes their star enforcer. This is a false victory—he's succeeding professionally but stakes are raised as he'll now face Ross "The Boss" Rhea, the legendary enforcer he's destined to fight., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Xavier LaFlamme is seriously injured in a cheap shot during a game, nearly ending his career. Doug realizes his role as protector has failed, and the violence of hockey has real, permanent consequences. His identity as an enforcer is called into question., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 73 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Doug decides to face Ross Rhea in their final confrontation, not out of blind aggression but with full acceptance of who he is. He synthesizes his gentle nature with his warrior role—he'll fight with honor, protecting his team one last time., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Goon's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Goon against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Dowse utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Goon within the short genre.
Michael Dowse's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Michael Dowse films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Goon takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Michael Dowse filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional short films include This Is England, Chloe and What Remains. For more Michael Dowse analyses, see Take Me Home Tonight, Stuber and What If.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Doug Glatt works as a bar bouncer, a gentle giant who lives in the shadow of his successful doctor brother and gay father. He's aimless, working a dead-end job, kind but directionless.
Theme
Doug's friend Pat says, "You're a fucking caveman!" suggesting Doug's true nature is primal and physical, not intellectual. The film explores finding purpose by embracing who you truly are, not who others expect you to be.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Doug's ordinary world: his disappointing Jewish family who see him as a failure, his crude best friend Pat, his job as a bouncer. At a minor league hockey game, Doug's natural ability to fight is revealed when he beats up a player who goes into the stands.
Disruption
After the hockey fight goes viral, a coach approaches Doug and asks him to try out for a minor league team as an enforcer. For the first time, someone sees value in Doug's fighting ability.
Resistance
Doug debates whether to pursue hockey. He can't skate well, knows nothing about the sport, and his family disapproves. But he tries out, practices skating, and is offered a position. He must decide if he'll leave his safe life to pursue this opportunity.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Doug accepts the position with the Orangetown Assassins and commits to becoming a professional hockey enforcer. He actively chooses to enter the world of hockey, leaving behind his bouncer job and family expectations.
Mirror World
Doug meets Eva, a sweet hockey fan with a boyfriend. Their connection represents the emotional, vulnerable side Doug must develop to become a complete person, contrasting with his violent role as an enforcer.
Premise
Doug experiences the promise of being a hockey enforcer: he protects star player Xavier LaFlamme, earns respect from teammates, fights opposing players, and becomes a local hero. He's finally good at something and people appreciate him for it.
Midpoint
Doug is promoted to the Halifax Highlanders, a higher-level team, and becomes their star enforcer. This is a false victory—he's succeeding professionally but stakes are raised as he'll now face Ross "The Boss" Rhea, the legendary enforcer he's destined to fight.
Opposition
The looming confrontation with Ross Rhea intensifies. Doug's relationship with Eva becomes complicated. His limitations as a player show—he can fight but struggles with actual hockey skills. The violence takes its toll. Ross Rhea, facing the end of his career, becomes more dangerous.
Collapse
Xavier LaFlamme is seriously injured in a cheap shot during a game, nearly ending his career. Doug realizes his role as protector has failed, and the violence of hockey has real, permanent consequences. His identity as an enforcer is called into question.
Crisis
Doug grapples with the brutal reality of his chosen path. He faces his family's continued disappointment, Eva's moral reservations about his violent role, and his own doubts about whether being an enforcer is truly honorable or just destructive.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Doug decides to face Ross Rhea in their final confrontation, not out of blind aggression but with full acceptance of who he is. He synthesizes his gentle nature with his warrior role—he'll fight with honor, protecting his team one last time.
Synthesis
The climactic game against Ross Rhea's team. Doug plays with newfound confidence, protecting his teammates while showing improved hockey skills. The inevitable fight with Ross becomes a mutual display of respect between two warriors, brutal but honorable. Doug proves himself.
Transformation
Doug, bloodied but victorious, earns a nod of respect from Ross Rhea. He's found his purpose and identity. Unlike the opening where he was aimless and ashamed, he now stands proud as a hockey enforcer who protects others—a gentle man who found honor in violence.