Magic Silver
Princess Bluerose is a small gnome living deep in the Norwegian mountains. A small community of gnomes is responsible for making the transition between daylight and night. This is the magic hour, created by the magic silver, of which only these gnomes possess. When the silver is stolen, the world is transformed into eternal night. Bluerose sets out on a remarkable journey to retrieve the silver and save the world from eternal darkness.
Working with a modest budget of $2.5M, the film achieved a steady performer with $4.6M in global revenue (+83% 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%)
Magic Silver (2009) demonstrates meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Roar Uthaug's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 23 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Princess Bluerose lives in the Blue Mountain kingdom, a magical realm where she and the other blue gnomes guard the magic silver that keeps nature in balance. She is restless and curious about the world beyond.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 9 minutes when Bluerose sneaks out of the mountain against her father's orders and accidentally reveals the location of the magic silver to the evil Red Raven, who has been searching for it to destroy nature's balance.. 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 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Bluerose makes the active choice to leave the safety of Blue Mountain and venture into the dangerous outside world to stop Red Raven and recover the magic silver before it's too late., moving from reaction to action.
At 42 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Bluerose and her friends catch up to Red Raven and confront him, but he proves more powerful than expected. They suffer a defeat and he escapes with critical information about the magic silver, raising the stakes considerably., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 61 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Red Raven succeeds in stealing the magic silver. Nature begins to die, darkness spreads, and Bluerose's companions are captured or scattered. She is alone, having lost everything, and her kingdom faces destruction because of her actions., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 66 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Bluerose synthesizes what she's learned about responsibility, teamwork, and courage. She gains new resolve and understanding of how to defeat Red Raven - not through recklessness, but through wisdom and cooperation with others., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Magic Silver's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Magic Silver against these established plot points, we can identify how Roar Uthaug utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Magic Silver within the fantasy genre.
Roar Uthaug's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Roar Uthaug films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Magic Silver takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Roar Uthaug filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever. For more Roar Uthaug analyses, see The Wave.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Princess Bluerose lives in the Blue Mountain kingdom, a magical realm where she and the other blue gnomes guard the magic silver that keeps nature in balance. She is restless and curious about the world beyond.
Theme
The king warns that "curiosity and recklessness can endanger everything we protect" - establishing the theme of responsibility versus freedom and the consequences of impulsive actions.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the Blue Mountain kingdom, the magic silver that maintains nature's balance, the blue gnomes' society, and Princess Bluerose's sheltered life. The rules and stakes of the magical world are established.
Disruption
Bluerose sneaks out of the mountain against her father's orders and accidentally reveals the location of the magic silver to the evil Red Raven, who has been searching for it to destroy nature's balance.
Resistance
Bluerose realizes the magnitude of her mistake as Red Raven begins his plan to steal the magic silver. She debates whether to confess to her father or try to fix the problem herself. She meets allies who will help her on the journey.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Bluerose makes the active choice to leave the safety of Blue Mountain and venture into the dangerous outside world to stop Red Raven and recover the magic silver before it's too late.
Mirror World
Bluerose forms a bond with her human companions and other creatures who teach her about trust, teamwork, and courage - relationships that embody the theme and show her a different way of thinking beyond her sheltered royal upbringing.
Premise
The adventure through the magical world: Bluerose and her companions face challenges, discover their own strengths, and pursue Red Raven. The fun of the fantasy premise is delivered as they navigate enchanted forests and magical obstacles.
Midpoint
Bluerose and her friends catch up to Red Raven and confront him, but he proves more powerful than expected. They suffer a defeat and he escapes with critical information about the magic silver, raising the stakes considerably.
Opposition
Red Raven closes in on the magic silver while Bluerose's group faces increasing dangers. Her impulsiveness causes friction with her companions. The consequences of her initial mistake compound as nature begins to fall out of balance.
Collapse
Red Raven succeeds in stealing the magic silver. Nature begins to die, darkness spreads, and Bluerose's companions are captured or scattered. She is alone, having lost everything, and her kingdom faces destruction because of her actions.
Crisis
Bluerose experiences her dark night of the soul, confronting the full weight of her responsibility and the consequences of her recklessness. She must decide whether to give up or find the courage to face Red Raven despite overwhelming odds.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Bluerose synthesizes what she's learned about responsibility, teamwork, and courage. She gains new resolve and understanding of how to defeat Red Raven - not through recklessness, but through wisdom and cooperation with others.
Synthesis
The finale: Bluerose reunites her scattered allies, infiltrates Red Raven's stronghold, and confronts him in a climactic battle. Using wisdom instead of impulsiveness, she recovers the magic silver and restores balance to nature.
Transformation
Bluerose returns to Blue Mountain as a changed person - no longer the reckless, sheltered princess but a mature, responsible leader who understands the weight of protecting the magic silver and has earned her place among her people.