Hideaway
Hatch Harrison had a traffic accident with his car. At first the doctors said he was dead but then they succeeded in bringing him back to life after two hours. In no time, Hatch starts to have strange sensations and discovers that he is now united with a mad killer who had entered his mind during his death.
The film underperformed commercially against its mid-range budget of $15.0M, earning $12.2M globally (-19% loss).
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%)
Hideaway (1995) demonstrates strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of Brett Leonard's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Hatch Harrison drives with his wife Regina and daughter in a rainstorm, establishing their normal family life before tragedy strikes.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Hatch's car crashes off a bridge. He dies for 80 minutes before Dr. Jonas successfully resuscitates him using experimental techniques.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Hatch realizes his visions match real murders happening in the city. He chooses to pursue the truth about his connection to the killer rather than dismiss them as hallucinations., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Hatch discovers the connection works both ways—Vassago can see into his life and knows about his daughter Regina. The stakes raise from stopping a killer to protecting his family., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Vassago kidnaps Regina (daughter). Hatch realizes his resurrection has made his family targets and that his connection to death has brought death to those he loves., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 83 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Final confrontation in Vassago's underground lair. Hatch battles the serial killer both physically and through their psychic connection to save Regina and break free from death's grip., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Hideaway's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Hideaway against these established plot points, we can identify how Brett Leonard utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Hideaway within the fantasy genre.
Brett Leonard's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Brett Leonard films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.6, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Hideaway takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Brett Leonard filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever. For more Brett Leonard analyses, see The Lawnmower Man, Virtuosity.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Hatch Harrison drives with his wife Regina and daughter in a rainstorm, establishing their normal family life before tragedy strikes.
Theme
Dr. Jonas discusses the nature of death and resurrection, introducing the theme of what we bring back from the other side and the price of second chances.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the Harrison family dynamics, their grief over their deceased daughter, and the fragility of their healing marriage.
Disruption
Hatch's car crashes off a bridge. He dies for 80 minutes before Dr. Jonas successfully resuscitates him using experimental techniques.
Resistance
Hatch recovers physically but experiences disturbing visions. Dr. Jonas monitors him while Hatch debates whether his experiences are real or psychological trauma.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Hatch realizes his visions match real murders happening in the city. He chooses to pursue the truth about his connection to the killer rather than dismiss them as hallucinations.
Premise
Hatch experiences the killer's murders through their psychic link, attempting to understand and stop the serial killer Vassago while protecting his family from this dark connection.
Midpoint
Hatch discovers the connection works both ways—Vassago can see into his life and knows about his daughter Regina. The stakes raise from stopping a killer to protecting his family.
Opposition
Vassago escalates his killing while closing in on the Harrison family. Hatch's visions intensify and his inability to prevent murders strains his marriage and sanity.
Collapse
Vassago kidnaps Regina (daughter). Hatch realizes his resurrection has made his family targets and that his connection to death has brought death to those he loves.
Crisis
Hatch confronts the darkness within himself and the reality that his second chance at life has become a curse. He must decide whether to embrace his connection to death to save his daughter.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Final confrontation in Vassago's underground lair. Hatch battles the serial killer both physically and through their psychic connection to save Regina and break free from death's grip.