Little Boy
Little Pepper Busbee (Jakob Salvati) enjoys an idyllic life in an American small town, but his world is shattered when his beloved father (Michael Rapaport) is sent off to fight in World War II. But a chance encounter with a stage magician (Ben Chaplin) awakens his dormant abilities and clues him into the power of faith. Now his devotion to his father will extend past time and space and into the realm of miracles..
The film financial setback against its mid-range budget of $20.0M, earning $6.5M globally (-67% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unique voice within the drama 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%)
Little Boy (2015) exemplifies carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Alejandro Monteverde's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.6, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Pepper and his father James play together on the pier, establishing their close bond. The small coastal town during WWII is shown, with Pepper as an undersized boy who idolizes his father.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when James is drafted to fight in WWII when London fails the physical exam due to flat feet. The family is devastated, especially Pepper, as his father must leave for the war.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Father Oliver gives Pepper an "Ancient List" of tasks (inspired by Matthew 25) to accomplish to prove his faith and potentially bring his father home. Pepper actively chooses to complete this quest, believing it will work., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Pepper completes the entire Ancient List with Hashimoto's help. He believes he has succeeded and the atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima. Pepper thinks his faith literally moved mountains and ended the war, representing a false victory., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 78 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Official notification arrives that James is confirmed dead. Pepper's world collapses entirely. His faith appears to have been for nothing. The "whiff of death" is literal - his father is gone., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 84 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Pepper realizes that true faith isn't about controlling outcomes but about love, compassion, and becoming a better person. He understands what he learned from Hashimoto and the list - faith transformed him, not the circumstances., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Little Boy'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 Little Boy against these established plot points, we can identify how Alejandro Monteverde utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Little Boy within the drama genre.
Alejandro Monteverde's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Alejandro Monteverde films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Little Boy represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Alejandro Monteverde filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Alejandro Monteverde analyses, see Sound of Freedom, Bella.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Pepper and his father James play together on the pier, establishing their close bond. The small coastal town during WWII is shown, with Pepper as an undersized boy who idolizes his father.
Theme
Father Oliver tells the congregation that "faith can move mountains" and speaks about belief in the impossible. This establishes the film's central theme about the power of faith.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of O'Hare, California during WWII. Pepper's family dynamics, his bullying at school due to his size, his close relationship with his father who calls him "partner," and the town's wartime atmosphere. Brother London is also introduced.
Disruption
James is drafted to fight in WWII when London fails the physical exam due to flat feet. The family is devastated, especially Pepper, as his father must leave for the war.
Resistance
Pepper struggles with his father's absence and becomes desperate to bring him home. He sees a magic show about moving mountains with faith. He attempts to move a bottle with his mind but faces doubt and bullying. The town receives news of casualties.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Father Oliver gives Pepper an "Ancient List" of tasks (inspired by Matthew 25) to accomplish to prove his faith and potentially bring his father home. Pepper actively chooses to complete this quest, believing it will work.
Mirror World
Pepper is assigned to befriend Hashimoto, the Japanese immigrant whom the town despises and blames for Pearl Harbor. This relationship becomes the vehicle for exploring themes of prejudice, compassion, and true faith.
Premise
Pepper works through the list: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick. His unlikely friendship with Hashimoto develops despite town opposition. News arrives that James is missing in action. Pepper's faith is tested but he persists.
Midpoint
Pepper completes the entire Ancient List with Hashimoto's help. He believes he has succeeded and the atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima. Pepper thinks his faith literally moved mountains and ended the war, representing a false victory.
Opposition
The town celebrates the war's end, but James still hasn't returned. Pepper's faith wavers. Hashimoto faces increasing hostility and violence from townspeople. Pepper defends him but faces consequences. The wait for news about James becomes unbearable.
Collapse
Official notification arrives that James is confirmed dead. Pepper's world collapses entirely. His faith appears to have been for nothing. The "whiff of death" is literal - his father is gone.
Crisis
Pepper falls into despair and rage. He rejects his faith, feeling betrayed. The town holds a funeral. Pepper must process his grief and reckon with what his faith journey truly meant.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Pepper realizes that true faith isn't about controlling outcomes but about love, compassion, and becoming a better person. He understands what he learned from Hashimoto and the list - faith transformed him, not the circumstances.
Synthesis
Pepper finds peace with his journey and reconciles with his family. He demonstrates his transformed character by standing up for what's right with newfound maturity. In a miraculous turn, James returns alive - he survived as a POW.
Transformation
Pepper reunites with his father on the pier where the film began. But now Pepper is changed - no longer just a little boy seeking magic, but someone who understands real faith, compassion, and courage.