Long Distance
It follows an asteroid miner who, after crash-landing on an alien planet, must make his way across the harsh terrain, running out of oxygen, hunted by strange creatures, to the only other survivor.
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%)
Long Distance (2024) reveals deliberately positioned narrative design, characteristic of Josh Gordon's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 27 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Carter and Vanessa are a happy couple in their established long-distance relationship, managing their connection through video calls and texts while living in different cities.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when One partner receives a significant career opportunity that would either extend the distance or require a major sacrifice, or an incident occurs that exposes cracks in their communication and trust.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to The couple makes an active choice to fight for the relationship, committing to a plan—either one will visit, they'll try an even harder schedule, or they'll work toward eventually closing the distance., moving from reaction to action.
At 44 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: the couple has a breakthrough moment—perhaps an in-person reunion, a major step forward in their plan, or a beautiful shared experience that makes them feel the distance is conquerable., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: a major fight, betrayal of trust, or crushing realization leads to a breakup or the decision that the relationship cannot continue as it is. The distance has finally won., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. New insight emerges: one or both partners realize what truly matters, synthesizing the lessons from the mirror world character and their own growth, leading to clarity about what they're willing to sacrifice or change., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Long Distance'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 Long Distance against these established plot points, we can identify how Josh Gordon utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Long Distance within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Carter and Vanessa are a happy couple in their established long-distance relationship, managing their connection through video calls and texts while living in different cities.
Theme
A friend or family member comments that "real relationships require being in the same place" or "distance doesn't make the heart grow fonder, it just makes it harder," establishing the thematic question about whether love can truly survive separation.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to both protagonists' lives, their routines, work obligations, friend circles, and the rhythms of their long-distance relationship including scheduled calls, texts, and the challenges of different time zones.
Disruption
One partner receives a significant career opportunity that would either extend the distance or require a major sacrifice, or an incident occurs that exposes cracks in their communication and trust.
Resistance
The couple debates how to handle the new challenge, seeking advice from friends and family, wrestling with doubts about the relationship while trying to maintain normalcy through their screens.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The couple makes an active choice to fight for the relationship, committing to a plan—either one will visit, they'll try an even harder schedule, or they'll work toward eventually closing the distance.
Mirror World
Introduction or deepening of a secondary relationship—perhaps a local friend who models healthy in-person intimacy, or reconnection with someone from the past who represents an easier alternative to the long-distance struggle.
Premise
The promise of the premise: exploring creative solutions to long-distance love including surprise visits, virtual dates, shared experiences across screens, and moments of genuine connection despite the miles.
Midpoint
False victory: the couple has a breakthrough moment—perhaps an in-person reunion, a major step forward in their plan, or a beautiful shared experience that makes them feel the distance is conquerable.
Opposition
The reality of distance reasserts itself with increased intensity: missed calls, miscommunications, jealousy, the temptation of local alternatives, loneliness, and the grinding wear of maintaining intimacy through screens.
Collapse
All is lost: a major fight, betrayal of trust, or crushing realization leads to a breakup or the decision that the relationship cannot continue as it is. The distance has finally won.
Crisis
Both partners process the loss separately, reflecting on what the relationship meant, what they've learned about themselves, and whether they've been fighting for the right reasons.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
New insight emerges: one or both partners realize what truly matters, synthesizing the lessons from the mirror world character and their own growth, leading to clarity about what they're willing to sacrifice or change.
Synthesis
The finale: grand gesture, honest conversation, or decisive action where one or both partners demonstrate their transformation and commitment, confronting the central question of whether love can bridge distance.
Transformation
Final image mirrors the opening but transformed: whether reunited in person, accepting separation with maturity, or finding a new balance, the characters have grown and answered the thematic question about the nature of connection.