Incantation

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Li Ronan introduces herself directly to camera, asking viewers to help her lift a curse from her daughter Dodo by reciting a blessing chant. She appears desperate but loving, establishing the found-footage documentary frame.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Dodo begins exhibiting disturbing behavior and supernatural abilities - writing mysterious symbols, speaking in tongues, and showing signs of possession. Ronan realizes the curse she brought upon herself six years ago has transferred to her innocent daughter.. 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 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Ronan makes the active decision to reveal the truth by showing us the forbidden footage from six years ago. She crosses the threshold into reliving her trauma, beginning the extended flashback that will expose what she and her partners did., moving from reaction to action.

At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Ronan, Dom, and Yuan break the ultimate taboo by unveiling and filming the forbidden deity in the underground chamber. The camera captures a grotesque, writhing entity. This moment of false victory (getting the forbidden footage) is actually their doom - they are immediately cursed., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ronan discovers the devastating truth: the "blessing" chant she has been teaching to Dodo and the audience is actually the forbidden incantation itself. She has been spreading the curse, not lifting it. Her attempt to save her daughter has condemned her instead., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 89 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ronan synthesizes a dark understanding: by spreading the curse to thousands of viewers, she has diluted its power. Her manipulation of the audience wasn't madness but desperate strategy. She accepts her role as both victim and victimizer., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.