Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
The sequel to the 2018 film, 'Peter Rabbit'. After the marriage of Bea and Thomas along with the release of the acclaimed novel based on the adventures of Peter and his friends, Peter is feeling like everyone only sees him as rebellious. So, when Bea and Thomas decide to go on a trip, Peter sees this as an opportunity to go on the run.
Despite a mid-range budget of $45.0M, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway became a box office success, earning $153.0M worldwide—a 240% return.
2 wins & 6 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%)
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021) showcases strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Will Gluck's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 33 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Peter narrates his life with Bea and Thomas in their garden family, appearing to have found his place after the events of the first film, though tension with the McGregor neighbors remains.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when At Bea's book launch party, Peter overhears people calling him "naughty" and "bad" despite his efforts to change. Thomas calls him "a bad seed," which deeply wounds Peter and makes him question whether he can ever truly belong.. 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 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Peter makes the active choice to run away from home and his family, believing he's truly "a bad rabbit" and can never change. He leaves the garden to find where he really belongs., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Peter discovers Barnabas has been using him - the gang's heists are part of a larger plan to rob Bea and Thomas's house. Peter realizes that embracing being "bad" has led him to betray the family who truly loved him. False victory turns to recognition of deeper problem., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 70 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Peter is captured and caged, separated from his family who now believe he orchestrated the robbery. His relationship with Bea and Thomas appears dead. Peter faces losing his family forever, the death of his dream of belonging., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 75 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Peter and his family work together using both Peter's cleverness and their unity to stop Barnabas, recover the stolen items, and expose the truth. Peter uses his "bad rabbit" skills for good, proving he can be himself and still belong., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway against these established plot points, we can identify how Will Gluck utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway within the animation genre.
Will Gluck's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Will Gluck films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Will Gluck filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Will Gluck analyses, see Friends with Benefits, Easy A and Peter Rabbit.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Peter narrates his life with Bea and Thomas in their garden family, appearing to have found his place after the events of the first film, though tension with the McGregor neighbors remains.
Theme
Thomas tells Peter that family means accepting people as they are, even when they make mistakes - establishing the film's exploration of identity, acceptance, and whether you can change who you are.
Worldbuilding
Peter struggles to be good and fit into domestic life with Bea and Thomas. Bea's book about Peter becomes a success, but Peter feels reduced to a "cute bunny" character rather than the rebellious adventurer he sees himself as.
Disruption
At Bea's book launch party, Peter overhears people calling him "naughty" and "bad" despite his efforts to change. Thomas calls him "a bad seed," which deeply wounds Peter and makes him question whether he can ever truly belong.
Resistance
Peter debates his identity and place in the family. He acts out, causing chaos at the farmers market. His family tries to help him see he belongs, but Peter feels trapped between who he was and who everyone wants him to be.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Peter makes the active choice to run away from home and his family, believing he's truly "a bad rabbit" and can never change. He leaves the garden to find where he really belongs.
Premise
Peter enjoys life as part of Barnabas's crew, pulling off heists and finally feeling appreciated for his mischievous skills. Meanwhile, Thomas and Bea search for Peter, and we see the "fun" of Peter living as a bad rabbit without consequences.
Midpoint
Peter discovers Barnabas has been using him - the gang's heists are part of a larger plan to rob Bea and Thomas's house. Peter realizes that embracing being "bad" has led him to betray the family who truly loved him. False victory turns to recognition of deeper problem.
Opposition
Peter tries to stop Barnabas but is trapped. The gang executes their plan to rob Bea and Thomas, framing Peter as the mastermind. Peter's family believes he betrayed them. His attempt to be "bad" has destroyed everything, and his attempt to fix it makes things worse.
Collapse
Peter is captured and caged, separated from his family who now believe he orchestrated the robbery. His relationship with Bea and Thomas appears dead. Peter faces losing his family forever, the death of his dream of belonging.
Crisis
Peter reflects on his choices and identity in his darkest moment. His sisters and Benjamin arrive, showing they never stopped believing in him. Peter realizes being "good" or "bad" isn't the point - being true to yourself while caring for others is what matters.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Peter and his family work together using both Peter's cleverness and their unity to stop Barnabas, recover the stolen items, and expose the truth. Peter uses his "bad rabbit" skills for good, proving he can be himself and still belong.