Murder Company
In the midst of the D-Day invasion, a group of US soldiers are given orders to smuggle a member of the French resistance behind enemy lines to assassinate a high-value Nazi target.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Ray Mooney
Lieutenant Becker
Jack Kelso
Sergeant Collins
Private Miller
Corporal Hayes
Main Cast & Characters
Ray Mooney
Played by Kelsey Grammer
A determined American soldier leading his unit through dangerous WWII missions behind enemy lines
Lieutenant Becker
Played by William Moseley
A tactical officer coordinating operations and supporting the ground troops
Jack Kelso
Played by Joe Anderson
A skilled soldier and key member of the unit facing the horrors of war
Sergeant Collins
Played by Gbenga Akinnagbe
A battle-hardened NCO who mentors younger soldiers through combat
Private Miller
Played by Mojean Aria
A young soldier experiencing the brutal reality of WWII combat
Corporal Hayes
Played by Kellan Lutz
A loyal soldier fighting alongside his brothers in arms
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes American soldiers prepare for D-Day operations, establishing the unit's camaraderie and Tom Zutell's position as a capable but untested soldier within the squad.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when The squad is given a deadly covert mission: parachute behind enemy lines and assassinate a high-ranking Nazi general whose death could turn the tide of the invasion.. 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 squad jumps from the plane into Nazi-occupied France, committing fully to the mission with no possibility of retreat. They land scattered in hostile territory., moving from reaction to action.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The squad successfully locates the Nazi general's compound and devises a plan of attack. They have a clear path forward—a false victory before the true cost of the mission becomes apparent., 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, A devastating ambush kills several squad members, including a beloved soldier. The survivors are pinned down with dwindling ammunition, the mission seemingly impossible. The whiff of death hangs over them all., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 69 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Tom realizes that honoring his fallen brothers means completing what they died for. He rallies the survivors with a new plan to reach the general, synthesizing everything they've learned and sacrificed., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Murder Company'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 Murder Company against these established plot points, we can identify how Shane Dax Taylor utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Murder Company within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots and Venom: The Last Dance.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
American soldiers prepare for D-Day operations, establishing the unit's camaraderie and Tom Zutell's position as a capable but untested soldier within the squad.
Theme
A commanding officer tells the men that victory requires sacrifice, and that the measure of a soldier is what he's willing to give for his brothers—establishing the film's theme of brotherhood and selfless duty.
Worldbuilding
The squad's dynamics are established as they train and await deployment. We learn about the personalities within the unit, the danger of the upcoming invasion, and the stakes of fighting the Nazi war machine.
Disruption
The squad is given a deadly covert mission: parachute behind enemy lines and assassinate a high-ranking Nazi general whose death could turn the tide of the invasion.
Resistance
The men prepare for their suicide mission, with experienced soldiers mentoring the younger ones. The squad debates the risks, acquires intelligence on their target, and grapples with the likely cost of the operation.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The squad jumps from the plane into Nazi-occupied France, committing fully to the mission with no possibility of retreat. They land scattered in hostile territory.
Mirror World
The squad encounters French Resistance fighters who agree to help guide them. This partnership embodies the film's theme—strangers becoming brothers through shared sacrifice against a common enemy.
Premise
The squad navigates behind enemy lines, engaging in intense firefights, gathering intelligence on the general's location, and bonding as a unit. The visceral reality of covert warfare in WWII France unfolds.
Midpoint
The squad successfully locates the Nazi general's compound and devises a plan of attack. They have a clear path forward—a false victory before the true cost of the mission becomes apparent.
Opposition
German forces become aware of the American presence. The squad faces ambushes, loses members, and must adapt their plans as Nazi soldiers close in. Every step toward the target costs lives.
Collapse
A devastating ambush kills several squad members, including a beloved soldier. The survivors are pinned down with dwindling ammunition, the mission seemingly impossible. The whiff of death hangs over them all.
Crisis
The remaining soldiers mourn their fallen brothers and face the seeming futility of continuing. Tom Zutell grapples with whether the mission is worth more deaths.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tom realizes that honoring his fallen brothers means completing what they died for. He rallies the survivors with a new plan to reach the general, synthesizing everything they've learned and sacrificed.
Synthesis
The final assault on the Nazi compound. Tom and the survivors fight through intense opposition, demonstrating the brotherhood forged through sacrifice. The general is confronted in a climactic battle.
Transformation
The mission succeeds—the Nazi general is killed. Tom Zutell, transformed from untested soldier to battle-hardened leader, honors his fallen brothers. He has become the embodiment of sacrifice and brotherhood.