Masquerade
When Adam stumbles across the illicit activities of the blood peddling at night.. He and Ruby gain a faint glimpse of the darkness and the world hidden from the daylight when they encounter the despicable vampire, Kit Vile.
The film financial setback against its tight budget of $14.0M, earning $6.7M globally (-52% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its bold vision within the short 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%)
Masquerade (2022) showcases deliberately positioned plot construction, characteristic of Nicolas Bedos's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 22 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Casey is introduced as a small-time grifter living on the margins, running cons to survive in her isolated existence.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 18 minutes when Casey is blackmailed into impersonating a wealthy woman at an exclusive estate, threatening to expose her if she refuses.. 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 35 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Casey agrees to the masquerade and enters the wealthy estate, crossing into a world of luxury and deadly secrets., moving from reaction to action.
At 70 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Casey discovers the real woman she's impersonating is dead, and she's been set up to take the fall for murder., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 105 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Casey is exposed as an impostor and faces certain death, with her one ally seemingly betraying her to the killers., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 113 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Casey discovers crucial evidence revealing the real conspiracy and chooses to stop running, embracing authenticity to expose the truth., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Masquerade's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Masquerade against these established plot points, we can identify how Nicolas Bedos utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Masquerade within the short genre.
Nicolas Bedos's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Nicolas Bedos films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.6, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Masquerade represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nicolas Bedos filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional short films include This Is England, Chloe and What Remains. For more Nicolas Bedos analyses, see La Belle Époque.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Casey is introduced as a small-time grifter living on the margins, running cons to survive in her isolated existence.
Theme
A character warns that "trust is a luxury you can't afford," establishing the film's exploration of deception versus authenticity.
Worldbuilding
Casey's world of petty scams and survival tactics is established, showing her skill at manipulation and her emotional isolation.
Disruption
Casey is blackmailed into impersonating a wealthy woman at an exclusive estate, threatening to expose her if she refuses.
Resistance
Casey resists the dangerous impersonation scheme, weighing her options while being coached on how to play the role convincingly.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Casey agrees to the masquerade and enters the wealthy estate, crossing into a world of luxury and deadly secrets.
Mirror World
Casey meets someone at the estate who treats her with genuine warmth, offering a glimpse of authentic connection she's never experienced.
Premise
Casey navigates the high-stakes world of wealth and privilege, pulling off the impersonation while uncovering dark secrets within the estate.
Midpoint
Casey discovers the real woman she's impersonating is dead, and she's been set up to take the fall for murder.
Opposition
Casey faces increasing danger as the conspirators close in and she struggles to maintain her cover while searching for evidence to clear herself.
Collapse
Casey is exposed as an impostor and faces certain death, with her one ally seemingly betraying her to the killers.
Crisis
In her darkest moment, Casey confronts her lifelong pattern of running and deceiving, realizing she must finally fight for the truth.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Casey discovers crucial evidence revealing the real conspiracy and chooses to stop running, embracing authenticity to expose the truth.
Synthesis
Casey uses both her con artist skills and newfound courage to outmaneuver the conspirators and bring them to justice.
Transformation
Casey walks away from the estate as herself, no longer hiding behind masks, having chosen truth over survival through deception.