Murder Mystery 2
Full-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.
1 win & 1 nomination
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%)
Murder Mystery 2 (2023) showcases meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Jeremy Garelick's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 31 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Nick and Audrey's detective agency is failing. They're broke, arguing, and haven't had a single client. Their post-adventure life is far from the glamorous detective work they imagined.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when The Maharajah is kidnapped during his wedding celebration. Armed men storm the event, shooting starts, and their friend is violently taken. The Spitzes are knocked out trying to help.. 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 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Nick and Audrey actively choose to investigate the kidnapping themselves. They commit to proving they're real detectives by finding their friend, despite having no ransom money and facing dangerous criminals., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: The Countess is murdered and Nick and Audrey are framed for her death. They're now fugitives, hunted by both criminals and police. The stakes have escalated from rescue to clearing their names and survival., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 68 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Spitzes are captured by the villains. They're tied up, helpless, about to be killed. The Maharajah is still missing, Miller has betrayed them completely, and their detective fantasy has led to their deaths. All hope is lost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 73 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Nick and Audrey piece together the final clues about the villain's identity and plan. Their unique partnership—combining Nick's street smarts with Audrey's mystery novel knowledge—gives them the insight professionals missed. They escape their bonds., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Murder Mystery 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Murder Mystery 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Jeremy Garelick utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Murder Mystery 2 within the action genre.
Jeremy Garelick's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jeremy Garelick films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Murder Mystery 2 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jeremy Garelick filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jeremy Garelick analyses, see The Wedding Ringer.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Nick and Audrey's detective agency is failing. They're broke, arguing, and haven't had a single client. Their post-adventure life is far from the glamorous detective work they imagined.
Theme
The Maharajah tells them "You solved one crime by accident. That doesn't make you detectives." The theme: proving yourself requires more than luck—it takes real skill, partnership, and growth.
Worldbuilding
We see the Spitzes' struggling detective agency, their financial troubles, and their strained relationship. They attend the Maharajah's wedding on a private island, reuniting with their friend and entering a world of wealth and luxury.
Disruption
The Maharajah is kidnapped during his wedding celebration. Armed men storm the event, shooting starts, and their friend is violently taken. The Spitzes are knocked out trying to help.
Resistance
Nick and Audrey debate whether they're qualified to find the Maharajah. They're interrogated by authorities, deal with the kidnapper's ransom demands, and reluctantly consider if they should get involved or leave it to professionals.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Nick and Audrey actively choose to investigate the kidnapping themselves. They commit to proving they're real detectives by finding their friend, despite having no ransom money and facing dangerous criminals.
Mirror World
Connor Miller, a suave professional kidnap and ransom specialist, enters the story. He represents what they could be—competent, confident, experienced—and creates tension as Audrey is drawn to his expertise while Nick feels inadequate.
Premise
The fun detective work begins: Nick and Audrey follow leads across Paris, interrogate suspects, chase clues, bicker and banter, have comic action sequences, and bumble their way through the investigation while slowly uncovering the conspiracy.
Midpoint
False defeat: The Countess is murdered and Nick and Audrey are framed for her death. They're now fugitives, hunted by both criminals and police. The stakes have escalated from rescue to clearing their names and survival.
Opposition
On the run, Nick and Audrey's marriage strains under pressure. They discover Miller's betrayal, uncover the larger conspiracy, and face escalating danger. Their flaws—Nick's insecurity, Audrey's impulsiveness—nearly destroy them as bad guys close in.
Collapse
The Spitzes are captured by the villains. They're tied up, helpless, about to be killed. The Maharajah is still missing, Miller has betrayed them completely, and their detective fantasy has led to their deaths. All hope is lost.
Crisis
In their darkest moment, bound and facing death, Nick and Audrey reconcile emotionally. They admit their fears, reaffirm their love, and accept who they really are—not great detectives, but great partners.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Nick and Audrey piece together the final clues about the villain's identity and plan. Their unique partnership—combining Nick's street smarts with Audrey's mystery novel knowledge—gives them the insight professionals missed. They escape their bonds.
Synthesis
The finale: Nick and Audrey rescue the Maharajah, confront Miller and reveal him as the mastermind, survive explosive action sequences, work together as true partners, expose the conspiracy, and defeat the villains through teamwork and clever improvisation.
Transformation
Nick and Audrey's detective agency is now thriving with clients lined up. They've proven themselves as real detectives, their marriage is stronger, and they've found confidence in their partnership. They're finally living the adventure they dreamed of—together.