Poltergeist
A family's suburban home is invaded by angry spirits. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.
Despite a mid-range budget of $35.0M, Poltergeist became a solid performer, earning $95.7M worldwide—a 173% return.
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%)
Poltergeist (2015) showcases carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Gil Kenan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 33 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Bowen family moves into their new suburban home. Eric is unemployed, Amy is a successful writer, and their three children explore the house. The family is financially strained but hopeful about their fresh start.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when During a storm, the gnarled tree outside crashes through Griffin's window and drags him outside in its branches. While Eric and Amy rescue Griffin, Madison vanishes. They hear her voice calling from inside the TV static: she's been taken by something in the house.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Dr. Powell brings in renowned spiritual medium Carrigan Burke. The family actively chooses to trust these strangers and commit to whatever it takes to bring Madison back from the other side, entering a world of paranormal forces they don't understand., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Burke makes contact with Madison and briefly opens a portal. They can see her and she can see them—false hope rises that they can pull her through. But the malevolent spirit violently closes the connection and pulls Madison deeper. The entity reveals its power: it won't let her go., 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 (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Burke is violently attacked and thrown across the room by the entity, critically injured. He tells them he can't help anymore—the spirit is too powerful. Without their spiritual guide, all seems lost. Madison's voice grows fainter. The family faces the death of hope., demonstrates 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 80% of the runtime. Amy navigates the terrifying spirit dimension, fighting through apparitions and deceptions. She finds Madison and grabs her. The malevolent entity tries to keep them, but Amy's love and determination prove stronger. Eric pulls them both back through the portal. The family escapes the house as it implodes, the spirits finally released when the bones are discovered and properly laid to rest., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Poltergeist's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Poltergeist against these established plot points, we can identify how Gil Kenan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Poltergeist within the horror genre.
Gil Kenan's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Gil Kenan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Poltergeist takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Gil Kenan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more Gil Kenan analyses, see City of Ember, Monster House and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Bowen family moves into their new suburban home. Eric is unemployed, Amy is a successful writer, and their three children explore the house. The family is financially strained but hopeful about their fresh start.
Theme
Amy tells Eric, "We're going to be fine. This family stays together." The theme of family unity and protecting what matters most is established early, foreshadowing the test they will face.
Worldbuilding
The family settles into their new home. Madison talks to imaginary friends through the static TV. Kendra is obsessed with her phone. Griffin fears the clown doll and the old tree outside. Strange occurrences begin: objects move, lights flicker, and Madison seems drawn to something unseen.
Disruption
During a storm, the gnarled tree outside crashes through Griffin's window and drags him outside in its branches. While Eric and Amy rescue Griffin, Madison vanishes. They hear her voice calling from inside the TV static: she's been taken by something in the house.
Resistance
The family realizes Madison is trapped somewhere beyond our world. They debate what to do—is it real or are they losing their minds? Dr. Brooke Powell, a parapsychologist, arrives with her team to investigate. She confirms the house is built on an old cemetery and that spirits are holding Madison.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dr. Powell brings in renowned spiritual medium Carrigan Burke. The family actively chooses to trust these strangers and commit to whatever it takes to bring Madison back from the other side, entering a world of paranormal forces they don't understand.
Mirror World
Carrigan Burke arrives as the spiritual guide who understands the supernatural realm. His connection to the spirit world mirrors the family's connection to Madison. He represents the film's thematic truth: love transcends boundaries, even death itself.
Premise
The team sets up equipment and attempts to communicate with Madison through the supernatural plane. Burke performs séances and explains the spirits' motivations. The family experiences escalating paranormal activity: objects fly, apparitions appear, and the house becomes increasingly hostile. They learn Madison is being held by a powerful malevolent entity.
Midpoint
Burke makes contact with Madison and briefly opens a portal. They can see her and she can see them—false hope rises that they can pull her through. But the malevolent spirit violently closes the connection and pulls Madison deeper. The entity reveals its power: it won't let her go.
Opposition
The spirits grow more aggressive, attacking the family directly. Griffin is nearly pulled into the closet. Kendra is terrorized by corpses breaking through the floor. The house itself becomes a trap. Burke warns that Madison is fading and the entity is using her life force. Time is running out and every attempt to reach her fails.
Collapse
Burke is violently attacked and thrown across the room by the entity, critically injured. He tells them he can't help anymore—the spirit is too powerful. Without their spiritual guide, all seems lost. Madison's voice grows fainter. The family faces the death of hope.
Crisis
The family sits in despair as Madison's presence weakens. Eric blames himself for the move. Amy nearly breaks down. But in their darkest moment, they realize Burke was wrong about one thing: they don't need a medium. Madison needs her family, and a parent's love is the strongest force.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Amy navigates the terrifying spirit dimension, fighting through apparitions and deceptions. She finds Madison and grabs her. The malevolent entity tries to keep them, but Amy's love and determination prove stronger. Eric pulls them both back through the portal. The family escapes the house as it implodes, the spirits finally released when the bones are discovered and properly laid to rest.