Kidnap
A mother (in her Minivan) stops at nothing to recover her kidnapped son.
Working with a mid-range budget of $21.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $30.7M in global revenue (+46% profit margin).
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%)
Kidnap (2017) exhibits carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Luis Prieto's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 35 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 5.9, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Karla McCoy plays happily with her young son Frankie at a park, embodying the loving single mother in her ordinary world. She's scheduling a custody hearing via phone while watching him play, showing her dedication despite challenges.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 7 minutes when Karla turns away for mere seconds to take a call, and when she looks back, Frankie is being dragged into a car by a woman. She witnesses her son being kidnapped in broad daylight.. At 7% through the film, this Disruption arrives earlier than typical, accelerating the narrative momentum. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 14 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 15% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Karla makes the active choice to jump into her minivan and pursue the kidnappers' car herself rather than wait for authorities. She crosses into a world where she must rely solely on herself., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The kidnappers crash and abandon their car. Karla loses visual contact with Frankie as they flee on foot into crowded areas. False defeat - the chase that was her advantage is over, and now she must track them through an unfamiliar environment., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 70 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Karla is overpowered and knocked unconscious by the kidnappers. She awakens to find herself tied up in their house with Frankie still missing. She has failed, is captured, and appears to have lost everything. The whiff of death - both hers and potentially Frankie's., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 75 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Karla discovers Frankie's location and the full scope of the kidnapping operation. She synthesizes everything she's learned - their desperation, their patterns, their vulnerabilities - and commits to the final confrontation with absolute clarity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Kidnap'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 Kidnap against these established plot points, we can identify how Luis Prieto utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Kidnap within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Karla McCoy plays happily with her young son Frankie at a park, embodying the loving single mother in her ordinary world. She's scheduling a custody hearing via phone while watching him play, showing her dedication despite challenges.
Theme
Karla tells Frankie "I will never let you go" and "Mommy will always find you" during their playful interaction. This statement of absolute maternal protection becomes the thematic core that will be tested.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Karla as a single mother preparing for a custody battle, her close bond with Frankie, and the normal day at the park. She's distracted by the lawyer's call about her upcoming hearing.
Disruption
Karla turns away for mere seconds to take a call, and when she looks back, Frankie is being dragged into a car by a woman. She witnesses her son being kidnapped in broad daylight.
Resistance
Karla frantically tries to get help from bystanders who are indifferent or unhelpful. She attempts to call 911 but her phone dies. She debates whether to wait for police or pursue. The moments of hesitation and failed attempts to get help.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Karla makes the active choice to jump into her minivan and pursue the kidnappers' car herself rather than wait for authorities. She crosses into a world where she must rely solely on herself.
Mirror World
Brief glimpse of the kidnappers - a desperate woman and her male accomplice - establishing them as the dark mirror of parenthood. They want a child so badly they'll steal one, contrasting with Karla's legitimate maternal bond.
Premise
The high-speed chase through highways and back roads. Karla uses her minivan as a weapon, ramming the kidnappers' car, refusing to let them out of her sight. Multiple attempts to get help from other drivers, police sightings, and dangerous maneuvers.
Midpoint
The kidnappers crash and abandon their car. Karla loses visual contact with Frankie as they flee on foot into crowded areas. False defeat - the chase that was her advantage is over, and now she must track them through an unfamiliar environment.
Opposition
Karla pursues on foot through public spaces and eventually to the kidnappers' house. She fights the male kidnapper, searches desperately for Frankie, and discovers evidence of other missing children. The opposition becomes more violent and personal.
Collapse
Karla is overpowered and knocked unconscious by the kidnappers. She awakens to find herself tied up in their house with Frankie still missing. She has failed, is captured, and appears to have lost everything. The whiff of death - both hers and potentially Frankie's.
Crisis
Karla must overcome her physical restraints and injuries. Her darkest moment of doubt - has she failed her son? But she finds inner strength, breaks free, and hears Frankie crying, giving her renewed determination.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Karla discovers Frankie's location and the full scope of the kidnapping operation. She synthesizes everything she's learned - their desperation, their patterns, their vulnerabilities - and commits to the final confrontation with absolute clarity.
Synthesis
The final confrontation at a reservoir. Karla fights the female kidnapper, saves Frankie from drowning, and defeats both kidnappers. Police finally arrive. She has executed her promise through pure maternal will and refuses to let go of Frankie.
Transformation
Karla holds Frankie wrapped in a blanket as police and ambulances surround them. She has transformed from a mother fighting a custody battle to a mother who literally went through hell. Her bond with Frankie is now forged in fire and unbreakable.