Land of Bad
A Delta Force team fights for survival as an Air Force drone pilot becomes its eyes in the sky.
The film commercial failure against its moderate budget of $18.0M, earning $7.0M globally (-61% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the action genre.
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%)
Land of Bad (2024) exhibits precise dramatic framework, characteristic of William Eubank's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 53 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Kinney
Reaper
Sugar
Abel
Bishop
Main Cast & Characters
Kinney
Played by Liam Hemsworth
A young Air Force JTAC officer on his first deployment who becomes stranded behind enemy lines during a mission gone wrong
Reaper
Played by Russell Crowe
An experienced Air Force drone pilot and sensor operator working from Creech Air Force Base who becomes Kinney's lifeline
Sugar
Played by Ricky Whittle
Delta Force team leader who commands the special operations unit on the ground mission
Abel
Played by Luke Hemsworth
Delta Force operator and member of Sugar's elite team during the extraction mission
Bishop
Played by Milo Ventimiglia
A seasoned Delta Force operator who serves as part of the ground team
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Kinney, a rookie Air Force JTAC, prepares for his first combat deployment while Reaper operates drones from his comfortable Nevada base. The contrast between remote warfare and boots-on-the-ground reality is established.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when The extraction team is ambushed by insurgents in a catastrophic firefight. Team members are killed or captured, and the mission goes from routine to disaster in moments.. 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Kinney makes the active choice to survive and evade rather than surrender or wait for certain death. Reaper commits fully to keeping him alive, establishing their long-distance partnership. Both cross into a new world of sustained crisis., moving from reaction to action.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: Kinney reaches a potential extraction point only to have it compromised by enemy forces, or Reaper secures critical air support only to have it pulled by command. The stakes raise dramatically and the "fun and games" survival mode shifts to desperate endurance., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 85 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The lowest point: Kinney is cornered with no apparent escape route, nearly out of ammunition, or Reaper is forced off his shift and the replacement operator abandons the intensity of support. A "whiff of death"—the real possibility that Kinney will be killed or captured and Reaper will fail in his duty., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Synthesis and revelation: A new plan emerges combining Kinney's ground-level resourcefulness with Reaper's renewed commitment. Reaper may defy orders or find a creative solution within the system. Both men find their resolve and the path forward becomes clear. Act 3 begins., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Land of Bad's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Land of Bad against these established plot points, we can identify how William Eubank utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Land of Bad within the action genre.
William Eubank's Structural Approach
Among the 2 William Eubank films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Land of Bad takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete William Eubank filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots and Venom: The Last Dance. For more William Eubank analyses, see Underwater.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Kinney, a rookie Air Force JTAC, prepares for his first combat deployment while Reaper operates drones from his comfortable Nevada base. The contrast between remote warfare and boots-on-the-ground reality is established.
Theme
A team member speaks about the importance of never leaving a man behind and the bond between warriors—the thematic core of brotherhood, duty, and what soldiers owe each other.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the dual-protagonist structure, mission parameters, and team dynamics. Kinney's inexperience is contrasted with the elite Delta Force operators. Reaper's role as drone pilot and air support coordinator is established, along with the mission to extract a CIA asset from Abu Sayyaf territory in the Philippines.
Disruption
The extraction team is ambushed by insurgents in a catastrophic firefight. Team members are killed or captured, and the mission goes from routine to disaster in moments.
Resistance
Kinney realizes he's the sole survivor, separated from his unit deep in hostile territory. He debates whether to hide, run, or attempt survival and evasion. Reaper assesses the situation from thousands of miles away and must decide how far he'll go to save one soldier. Initial survival strategies are tested.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Kinney makes the active choice to survive and evade rather than surrender or wait for certain death. Reaper commits fully to keeping him alive, establishing their long-distance partnership. Both cross into a new world of sustained crisis.
Mirror World
The relationship between Reaper and Kinney deepens despite the physical distance. Reaper becomes more than just air support—he's a lifeline, mentor, and the voice that keeps Kinney focused. This bond embodies the film's theme of brotherhood transcending traditional boundaries.
Premise
The "promise of the premise"—one man alone in hostile territory with only drone support. Survival sequences, near-misses with insurgent patrols, creative problem-solving as Reaper coordinates air assets, and Kinney uses his training to evade capture. The cat-and-mouse game delivers the tension the audience came for.
Midpoint
False defeat: Kinney reaches a potential extraction point only to have it compromised by enemy forces, or Reaper secures critical air support only to have it pulled by command. The stakes raise dramatically and the "fun and games" survival mode shifts to desperate endurance.
Opposition
Internal and external pressures mount on both protagonists. Insurgents tighten their search grid, Kinney's ammunition and resources dwindle, exhaustion sets in. Reaper faces increasing bureaucratic obstacles, shift changes, and a relief operator who doesn't share his commitment. Both men are pushed to their limits.
Collapse
The lowest point: Kinney is cornered with no apparent escape route, nearly out of ammunition, or Reaper is forced off his shift and the replacement operator abandons the intensity of support. A "whiff of death"—the real possibility that Kinney will be killed or captured and Reaper will fail in his duty.
Crisis
Dark night of the soul: Kinney faces his mortality alone in the jungle while Reaper grapples with the helplessness of being thousands of miles away, unable to physically intervene. Both men process the reality that all their efforts may not be enough.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Synthesis and revelation: A new plan emerges combining Kinney's ground-level resourcefulness with Reaper's renewed commitment. Reaper may defy orders or find a creative solution within the system. Both men find their resolve and the path forward becomes clear. Act 3 begins.
Synthesis
The finale: high-intensity rescue operation as all elements converge. Kinney uses everything he's learned to survive long enough to reach extraction while fighting through or evading enemy forces. Reaper coordinates multiple air assets, navigating command structure, ensuring Kinney has the support he needs at the critical moment.
Transformation
Kinney is extracted, alive but transformed—no longer the green rookie from the opening. A moment of connection acknowledges the bond between Reaper and Kinney that transcended distance and saved his life. Both men are changed by their shared ordeal.