In Darkness
A dramatization of one man's rescue of Jewish refugees in the Nazi-occupied Polish city of Lvov. In Darkness tells the true story of Leopold Soha who risks his own life to save a dozen people from certain death. Initially only interested in his own good, the thief and burglar hides Jewish refugees for 14 months in the sewers of the Nazi-occupied town of Lvov (formerly Poland).
The film earned $5.6M at the global box office.
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%)
In Darkness (2011) demonstrates meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Agnieszka Holland's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 25 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Leopold Socha works as a sewer inspector in Lvov, living a modest life with his wife and daughter while occasionally profiting from petty theft in the sewers. He is an opportunist focused on survival and small gains.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 18 minutes when Socha discovers a group of Jewish refugees hiding in the sewers during a liquidation action. They plead with him to help them hide, offering money for his assistance. This encounter forces him to confront a moral choice that will endanger his family.. 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 37 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Socha makes the definitive decision to hide the Jewish families in the sewers long-term, moving them to a more secure location deeper underground. He commits to a dangerous path that could result in execution for himself and his family if discovered., moving from reaction to action.
At 73 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The refugees' money runs out, yet Socha continues to help them without payment. This marks a shift from transactional to sacrificial. Simultaneously, Nazi searches of the sewers intensify, raising the stakes. What began as profitable becomes purely perilous., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 109 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A child dies in the sewers, and the group faces complete moral and physical collapse. Socha must dispose of the tiny body, confronting the full horror and futility of their situation. The darkness has claimed innocent life, and hope seems extinguished., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 117 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The final push for survival. Socha uses all his skills and courage to navigate the last dangers as the battle for Lvov rages above. The Soviets liberate the city, and Socha leads the survivors out of the sewers after 14 months in darkness., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
In Darkness's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping In Darkness against these established plot points, we can identify how Agnieszka Holland utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish In Darkness within the drama genre.
Agnieszka Holland's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Agnieszka Holland films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. In Darkness represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Agnieszka Holland filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Agnieszka Holland analyses, see Copying Beethoven, Europa Europa and The Secret Garden.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Leopold Socha works as a sewer inspector in Lvov, living a modest life with his wife and daughter while occasionally profiting from petty theft in the sewers. He is an opportunist focused on survival and small gains.
Theme
A character discusses the difference between those who look away and those who act, foreshadowing the moral choice Socha will face. The film's central question: what transforms a self-interested man into a righteous savior?
Worldbuilding
The Nazi occupation of Lvov is established. Jewish families are forced into the ghetto under brutal conditions. Socha is shown working the sewers with his partner, stealing from businesses through underground access. The parallel worlds of surface oppression and subterranean opportunity are introduced.
Disruption
Socha discovers a group of Jewish refugees hiding in the sewers during a liquidation action. They plead with him to help them hide, offering money for his assistance. This encounter forces him to confront a moral choice that will endanger his family.
Resistance
Socha debates whether to help the Jews or turn them in. He negotiates payment, initially motivated purely by greed. His wife warns him of the danger. He begins providing food and supplies, testing whether this arrangement can work while wrestling with the risks.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Socha makes the definitive decision to hide the Jewish families in the sewers long-term, moving them to a more secure location deeper underground. He commits to a dangerous path that could result in execution for himself and his family if discovered.
Mirror World
The relationship between Socha and the refugees, particularly Mundek Margulies, deepens. These Jews represent humanity and dignity in contrast to Socha's initial mercenary worldview. They become his teachers in moral courage.
Premise
Life in the sewers becomes routine. Socha manages the logistics of keeping the group alive: food, water, waste, illness, and concealment. The refugees struggle with darkness, claustrophobia, and interpersonal conflicts. Socha's transformation from profiteer to protector gradually emerges.
Midpoint
The refugees' money runs out, yet Socha continues to help them without payment. This marks a shift from transactional to sacrificial. Simultaneously, Nazi searches of the sewers intensify, raising the stakes. What began as profitable becomes purely perilous.
Opposition
Conditions deteriorate. Illness spreads, tensions among the refugees boil over into violence and betrayal. Socha faces increased scrutiny from authorities and suspicion from his wife. The sewers flood repeatedly. The physical and psychological darkness threatens to consume everyone.
Collapse
A child dies in the sewers, and the group faces complete moral and physical collapse. Socha must dispose of the tiny body, confronting the full horror and futility of their situation. The darkness has claimed innocent life, and hope seems extinguished.
Crisis
Socha and the survivors process their grief and despair. Some want to give up and face death above ground rather than continue in the hellish darkness. Socha must find a reason to continue when all rational hope is gone.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final push for survival. Socha uses all his skills and courage to navigate the last dangers as the battle for Lvov rages above. The Soviets liberate the city, and Socha leads the survivors out of the sewers after 14 months in darkness.