Guardians
Two highly unqualified men are thrown together as Live-in Guardians of a 200 year old house. What at first seems like a easy job is soon shown to be anything but, when the house comes under attack from unseen forces.
Despite its limited budget of $5.4M, Guardians became a box office success, earning $15.1M worldwide—a 179% 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%)
Guardians (2017) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Sarik Andreasyan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.7, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The four enhanced heroes live scattered and isolated across Russia, hiding their abilities after the Cold War-era Patriot program was disbanded. Each exists in their separate ordinary world, disconnected from their former purpose.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when August Kuratov, former Patriot scientist, stages his first major attack using his technology-control powers. His ambitions to conquer threaten global security, making it impossible for the heroes to continue their quiet lives. The old world is shattered.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to All four Guardians make the active choice to join the reformed Patriot team. They commit to training together and confronting Kuratov, leaving behind their isolated existence and entering the world of active superheroism., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: The Guardians face Kuratov's forces in a major confrontation and suffer a significant setback. Kuratov demonstrates the true extent of his power by controlling massive technological systems. The team realizes they're outmatched, and the stakes dramatically increase., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 66 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: Kuratov achieves a devastating victory, potentially capturing or severely injuring a team member or destroying their base. The Guardians are scattered and defeated. The whiff of death - either literal casualties or the death of hope and unity., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 71 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The synthesis moment: The Guardians realize they must truly fight as one unified force, not as individuals. They understand Kuratov's weakness or formulate a plan that combines all their powers. Armed with new resolve and understanding, they break into Act 3., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Guardians'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 Guardians against these established plot points, we can identify how Sarik Andreasyan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Guardians 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
The four enhanced heroes live scattered and isolated across Russia, hiding their abilities after the Cold War-era Patriot program was disbanded. Each exists in their separate ordinary world, disconnected from their former purpose.
Theme
Major Elena Larina states the thematic premise: that unity and teamwork are stronger than individual power, and that the heroes were created to protect, not to hide. The cost of isolation versus the strength of unity.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to each of the four Guardians in their isolated lives: Ler with his earth powers, Khan with super speed, Ursus the were-bear, and Xenia with invisibility. We learn about the defunct Patriot program and establish the film's universe where Cold War experiments created superhumans.
Disruption
August Kuratov, former Patriot scientist, stages his first major attack using his technology-control powers. His ambitions to conquer threaten global security, making it impossible for the heroes to continue their quiet lives. The old world is shattered.
Resistance
Major Larina recruits each hero individually. Each Guardian resists, debates, and questions whether they should return to action. They're reluctant, scarred by their past, uncertain if they can trust the government again or work with others.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
All four Guardians make the active choice to join the reformed Patriot team. They commit to training together and confronting Kuratov, leaving behind their isolated existence and entering the world of active superheroism.
Mirror World
The team begins training together, and the relationships between the Guardians develop. Their camaraderie and emerging trust mirror the theme - they must learn to function as one unit rather than four individuals. Major Larina serves as their guide and believer.
Premise
The promise of the premise: superheroes in action. Training montages showcase each hero's unique abilities. Initial skirmishes with Kuratov's clone army and technological threats. The team explores their powers, learns to coordinate, and engages in escalating action sequences.
Midpoint
False defeat: The Guardians face Kuratov's forces in a major confrontation and suffer a significant setback. Kuratov demonstrates the true extent of his power by controlling massive technological systems. The team realizes they're outmatched, and the stakes dramatically increase.
Opposition
Kuratov's forces close in. The villain's plan accelerates as he deploys clone armies and takes control of critical infrastructure. Internal team conflicts emerge as pressure mounts. The Guardians' weaknesses and lack of cohesion become liabilities. Everything gets harder.
Collapse
All is lost: Kuratov achieves a devastating victory, potentially capturing or severely injuring a team member or destroying their base. The Guardians are scattered and defeated. The whiff of death - either literal casualties or the death of hope and unity.
Crisis
Dark night of the soul: The team processes their failure. Each Guardian confronts their doubts about the mission and themselves. They must decide whether to give up or find the strength to continue. Emotional low point before the breakthrough.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The synthesis moment: The Guardians realize they must truly fight as one unified force, not as individuals. They understand Kuratov's weakness or formulate a plan that combines all their powers. Armed with new resolve and understanding, they break into Act 3.
Synthesis
The finale: The Guardians execute their coordinated assault on Kuratov. Epic battle sequences where each hero's powers complement the others. They storm his stronghold, fight through clone armies, and confront the villain. Teamwork defeats individual power.
Transformation
Final image: The Guardians stand together as a unified team, having defeated Kuratov. They're no longer isolated individuals but a cohesive unit committed to protecting Russia and the world. The transformation from scattered loners to true guardians is complete.