Love, Simon

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Simon narrates that he's just like everyone else, except he has one huge secret. We see his seemingly perfect suburban life with loving parents, close friends, and comfortable routine - but he's hiding that he's gay.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Simon decides to email Blue anonymously, calling himself "Jacques." This begins their secret correspondence and represents Simon taking his first step toward embracing his identity, even if anonymously.. At 11% 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Martin Addison, a classmate, discovers Simon's emails to Blue on a school computer and screenshots them. Martin blackmails Simon, demanding he help set Martin up with Abby or he'll expose Simon's secret. Simon is now forced into action., moving from reaction to action.

At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Simon and Blue make plans to finally meet at the school Halloween carnival. This is a false victory - Simon feels hopeful and excited, believing he's about to get everything he wants while maintaining control of his secret., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Martin, rejected by Abby at the winter talent show, publicly outs Simon by posting the emails on the school gossip blog. Simon's secret is exposed against his will. The ultimate violation - his identity and private correspondence are made public., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 87 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Simon's mother tells him she knew and was waiting for him to be ready. She says "You get to exhale now, Simon. You get to be more you than you've been in a very long time." Simon realizes authenticity requires vulnerability and that love means showing up., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.