Incredibles 2
While the Parr family has accepted its collective calling as superheroes, the fact remains that their special heroism is still illegal. After they are arrested after unsuccessfully trying to stop the Underminer, their future seems bleak. However, the wealthy Deavor siblings of Devtech offer new hope with a bold project to rehabilitate the public image and legal status of Supers, with Elastigirl being assigned on point to be the shining example. Now having agreed for now to stay at home to care of the kids, Mr. Incredible finds domestic life a daunting challenge, especially with baby Jack-Jack's newly emerged powers making him almost impossible to manage. However, Elastigirl soon has her own concerns dealing with the menace of a new supervillain, Screenslaver, who is wreaking havoc with his mind control abilities. Now, Elastigirl must solve the mystery of this enemy, who has malevolent designs on the world with the Parr family and friends key targets of this evil.
Despite a enormous budget of $200.0M, Incredibles 2 became a commercial juggernaut, earning $1243.2M worldwide—a remarkable 522% return. This commercial performance validated the ambitious narrative scope, demonstrating that audiences embrace distinctive approach even at blockbuster scale.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 14 wins & 81 nominations
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%)
Incredibles 2 (2018) reveals precise story structure, characteristic of Brad Bird's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 58 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Parr family battles the Underminer in the city, showcasing their superhero abilities while causing massive property damage. Establishes the family dynamic and their ongoing struggle to operate as heroes in a world where supers are still illegal.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn arrive at the motel with a proposal: their telecommunications company wants to launch a campaign to make supers legal again, starting with Elastigirl as the face of the movement. This offers hope and a way forward for the family.. 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Elastigirl embarks on her first mission, racing on her motorcycle to stop a runaway train. She actively chooses to step into the spotlight and become the face of the superhero movement, while Bob commits to staying home with the kids. Both enter their new worlds., moving from reaction to action.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Elastigirl tracks down and captures the Screenslaver in his apartment, unmasking him as a seemingly ordinary pizza delivery guy. This appears to be a major victory - the villain is caught, the campaign is succeeding, and legalization seems imminent. However, it's a false victory; the real threat remains hidden., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The hypnotized Elastigirl and other supers capture Bob, Lucius, and the kids. The entire family is imprisoned on the Deavor's yacht as Evelyn launches her endgame: forcing hypnotized supers to commit crimes on live television at an international summit, ensuring supers will be illegal forever. All hope seems lost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Jack-Jack uses his multiple powers to help the family escape their restraints. The family realizes they must work as a team, each using their unique abilities. Bob has learned to trust and support others rather than carry everything alone, synthesizing his new parenting lessons with his superhero identity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Incredibles 2'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 Incredibles 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Brad Bird utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Incredibles 2 within the animation genre.
Brad Bird's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Brad Bird films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 5.6, showcasing experimental approaches to narrative form. Incredibles 2 represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Brad Bird filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Brad Bird analyses, see Tomorrowland, The Incredibles and The Iron Giant.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Parr family battles the Underminer in the city, showcasing their superhero abilities while causing massive property damage. Establishes the family dynamic and their ongoing struggle to operate as heroes in a world where supers are still illegal.
Theme
Rick Dicker tells Bob that the Superhero Relocation Program is being shut down, saying "Politicians don't understand people who do good simply because it's right." This establishes the film's theme about doing what's right despite societal constraints and the value of different contributions.
Worldbuilding
The aftermath of the Underminer battle reveals extensive consequences: lawsuits, property damage claims, and government abandonment. The Parrs are forced into a motel with no jobs, no home, and dwindling resources. Bob struggles with feeling powerless, Helen with their precarious situation, and the kids with their restricted lives.
Disruption
Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn arrive at the motel with a proposal: their telecommunications company wants to launch a campaign to make supers legal again, starting with Elastigirl as the face of the movement. This offers hope and a way forward for the family.
Resistance
The Deavors present their plan at their mansion. Bob struggles with ego as the data shows Elastigirl causes less damage and is better suited for the campaign. Helen debates whether to take the job, worried about leaving the family. Bob encourages her despite his own disappointment, and she accepts. The family moves into a new high-tech house while Helen prepares for her first mission.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Elastigirl embarks on her first mission, racing on her motorcycle to stop a runaway train. She actively chooses to step into the spotlight and become the face of the superhero movement, while Bob commits to staying home with the kids. Both enter their new worlds.
Mirror World
Bob begins his journey as a stay-at-home parent, struggling with new math homework, Violet's boy troubles, and Jack-Jack's emerging powers. This parallel storyline mirrors Helen's journey and will teach both parents about the value of different kinds of strength and contribution.
Premise
Helen thrives as Elastigirl, successfully completing missions and winning public support. She investigates the mysterious Screenslaver who hypnotizes people through screens. Meanwhile, Bob struggles hilariously with parenting: Jack-Jack's multiplication of powers, Violet's heartbreak over Tony, and Dash's impossible math homework. Bob's pride prevents him from asking for help.
Midpoint
Elastigirl tracks down and captures the Screenslaver in his apartment, unmasking him as a seemingly ordinary pizza delivery guy. This appears to be a major victory - the villain is caught, the campaign is succeeding, and legalization seems imminent. However, it's a false victory; the real threat remains hidden.
Opposition
Helen realizes the captured Screenslaver was hypnotized himself - the real villain is still at large. Evelyn reveals herself as the true Screenslaver, having orchestrated everything out of hatred for supers (whom she blames for her father's death). She hypnotizes Helen. Bob's parenting struggles intensify, and he finally breaks down, forced to call Lucius for help. Bob realizes he needs support and collaboration, not solo heroism.
Collapse
The hypnotized Elastigirl and other supers capture Bob, Lucius, and the kids. The entire family is imprisoned on the Deavor's yacht as Evelyn launches her endgame: forcing hypnotized supers to commit crimes on live television at an international summit, ensuring supers will be illegal forever. All hope seems lost.
Crisis
Trapped in the locked cabin of the yacht, the family faces their darkest moment. They appear helpless against the hypnotized supers and Evelyn's plan. Bob must trust in his children's abilities, and the family must work together rather than relying on one hero.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jack-Jack uses his multiple powers to help the family escape their restraints. The family realizes they must work as a team, each using their unique abilities. Bob has learned to trust and support others rather than carry everything alone, synthesizing his new parenting lessons with his superhero identity.
Synthesis
The family executes a coordinated plan to stop the hypnotized supers and the yacht collision. Each member contributes their unique strengths: Violet's force fields, Dash's speed, Jack-Jack's powers, Bob's strength, and Helen's reach and leadership. They free the hypnotized heroes, stop the ship, and capture Evelyn. The family works as a true team, proving that collective effort and diverse contributions are more powerful than individual heroism.
Transformation
Supers are legalized worldwide. The Parr family attends a movie together in their civilian identities, relaxed and happy. When a car chase erupts outside, they smile at each other, put on their masks as a unified family team, and rush out together. They've transformed from a family of isolated individuals into a true collaborative unit, ready to face challenges together.