Pete's Dragon
A young boy, Pete, is found in a forest where he's been living for six year after an accident took his parents' lives. A ranger, Grace, takes him in and asks him how he survived all by himself. He says he had a friend named Elliott and draws a picture of a dragon, saying it's Elliott. Grace takes the picture to her father who claims that years ago he encountered a dragon in the forest. Grace takes Pete back to the forest and he shows her his home and Elliott. A man sees Elliott, and when he tells about his experience and isn't believed, he sets out to capture the dragon to prove it.
Despite a respectable budget of $65.0M, Pete's Dragon became a solid performer, earning $143.7M worldwide—a 121% return.
3 wins & 7 nominations
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%)
Pete's Dragon (2016) exhibits meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of David Lowery's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Pete rides in car with his parents through the Pacific Northwest forest, looking at a book about a puppy. The family is happy and intact, establishing Pete's life before tragedy strikes.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Pete is discovered by Grace and the logging crew in the forest. For the first time in six years, Pete's hidden world with Elliott is exposed to human civilization. His isolated existence can no longer continue.. 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.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Gavin and his crew tranquilize and capture Elliott in the forest. False defeat: Pete's attempt to have both worlds (family and Elliott) collapses. The stakes raise as Elliott is in mortal danger and the magical world is violated., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 78 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Elliott, trying to escape the town, causes destruction and is cornered. Gavin prepares to shoot Elliott. Pete watches helplessly as his dragon - his protector, family, and entire world for six years - faces death. The whiff of death: Elliott may die, and Pete may lose everything again., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 83 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Pete, Grace, Jack, Natalie, and Meacham help Elliott escape back to the forest. Gavin has a change of heart and helps. Elliott reunites with other dragons. Pete says goodbye to Elliott, releasing him with love. Pete accepts Grace's family as his new home., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Pete's Dragon's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Pete's Dragon against these established plot points, we can identify how David Lowery utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Pete's Dragon within the action genre.
David Lowery's Structural Approach
Among the 2 David Lowery films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Pete's Dragon takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete David Lowery filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more David Lowery analyses, see The Old Man & the Gun.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Pete rides in car with his parents through the Pacific Northwest forest, looking at a book about a puppy. The family is happy and intact, establishing Pete's life before tragedy strikes.
Theme
Grace's father Meacham tells children at the mill about a dragon in the woods. The theme of believing in the invisible/magical versus accepting harsh reality is introduced - what we choose to believe shapes our world.
Worldbuilding
Pete's parents die in a car crash. Elliott the dragon saves young Pete from wolves. Six years pass. We meet Grace (forest ranger), Jack (her boyfriend), Natalie (Jack's daughter), Gavin (Jack's brother, logger), and Meacham. The logging operation encroaches on the forest.
Disruption
Pete is discovered by Grace and the logging crew in the forest. For the first time in six years, Pete's hidden world with Elliott is exposed to human civilization. His isolated existence can no longer continue.
Resistance
Pete is brought to town and stays with Grace and Jack. He resists civilization, doesn't speak, and tries to escape. Grace investigates Pete's claims about a dragon. Meacham shares his dragon encounter story. Pete debates whether to stay or return to Elliott.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Pete bonds with Natalie and begins integrating into family life. Grace and Meacham confirm Elliott's existence. Pete shows Elliott to Natalie. The fun promise: a boy and his dragon navigating two worlds. Meanwhile, Gavin becomes obsessed with hunting Elliott after seeing evidence.
Midpoint
Gavin and his crew tranquilize and capture Elliott in the forest. False defeat: Pete's attempt to have both worlds (family and Elliott) collapses. The stakes raise as Elliott is in mortal danger and the magical world is violated.
Opposition
Gavin transports captured Elliott to town. Pete is devastated and desperate. Elliott escapes but is confused and dangerous in the urban environment. Gavin's obsession intensifies. Grace, Jack, and Pete try to reach Elliott before tragedy occurs.
Collapse
Elliott, trying to escape the town, causes destruction and is cornered. Gavin prepares to shoot Elliott. Pete watches helplessly as his dragon - his protector, family, and entire world for six years - faces death. The whiff of death: Elliott may die, and Pete may lose everything again.
Crisis
Pete realizes he must let Elliott go to save him. Grace, Jack, and Meacham work to protect Elliott. Pete processes the dark truth: loving someone means wanting what's best for them, even if it means saying goodbye.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Pete, Grace, Jack, Natalie, and Meacham help Elliott escape back to the forest. Gavin has a change of heart and helps. Elliott reunites with other dragons. Pete says goodbye to Elliott, releasing him with love. Pete accepts Grace's family as his new home.