Poly
The adventures of Shetland pony Poly in the South of France.
The film earned $5.2M at the global box office.
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%)
Poly (2020) reveals precise narrative design, characteristic of Nicolas Vanier's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 14-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 42 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Cécile discovers Poly, a beautiful wild pony in the mountains, creating an instant connection that awakens her sense of wonder and gives her purpose in her new life.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Cécile makes the active choice to dedicate herself to befriending Poly, sneaking out regularly to visit him despite warnings, marking her commitment to this relationship above all else., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: German soldiers discover Poly and declare they will capture him for military use, transforming Cécile's private joy into a desperate race against time to save her friend., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Poly is captured by the Germans despite Cécile's efforts, and she faces the devastating reality that her friend will be taken away, broken, and used as a war horse - the death of their freedom together., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Cécile learns information about where Poly is being held and realizes she must combine her knowledge of Poly's wild nature with the community's help to attempt a daring rescue., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Poly's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 14 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Poly against these established plot points, we can identify how Nicolas Vanier utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Poly within the family genre.
Nicolas Vanier's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Nicolas Vanier films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Poly represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nicolas Vanier filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional family films include The Bad Guys, Like A Rolling Stone and Cats Don't Dance. For more Nicolas Vanier analyses, see Spread Your Wings.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupTheme
Aunt tells Cécile that "freedom cannot be tamed, only earned through trust" - foreshadowing the central theme of freedom, trust, and the bond between wild things and those who respect them.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to wartime rural France, the farm community, Cécile's adjustment to country life, her aunt's household, local children, and the backdrop of German occupation affecting daily life.
Disruption
Cécile discovers Poly, a beautiful wild pony in the mountains, creating an instant connection that awakens her sense of wonder and gives her purpose in her new life.
Resistance
Cécile debates whether to try taming Poly or leave him wild; she learns about horses from locals, attempts to approach the pony repeatedly, and faces resistance from those who say wild things should stay wild.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Cécile makes the active choice to dedicate herself to befriending Poly, sneaking out regularly to visit him despite warnings, marking her commitment to this relationship above all else.
Mirror World
Introduction of deeper friendship with local boy who understands her connection to Poly and represents the thematic mirror - someone else who values freedom and loyalty over conformity and safety.
Premise
The heart of the film: Cécile's growing bond with Poly, their adventures together in the mountains, her learning to ride, their secret friendship blossoming, and the joy of their connection.
Midpoint
False defeat: German soldiers discover Poly and declare they will capture him for military use, transforming Cécile's private joy into a desperate race against time to save her friend.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies as Germans actively hunt for Poly; Cécile must hide him while maintaining appearances; her aunt discovers the secret; locals are questioned; the occupation's threat becomes personal and immediate.
Collapse
Poly is captured by the Germans despite Cécile's efforts, and she faces the devastating reality that her friend will be taken away, broken, and used as a war horse - the death of their freedom together.
Crisis
Cécile's dark night: she grieves the loss, questions whether loving Poly only brought him harm, and contemplates giving up - but processes that true love means fighting for freedom, not accepting defeat.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Cécile learns information about where Poly is being held and realizes she must combine her knowledge of Poly's wild nature with the community's help to attempt a daring rescue.
Synthesis
The rescue plan unfolds: Cécile and allies work together to free Poly from German custody, using both courage and cunning, leading to a tense escape through the mountains to reach safety.
Transformation
Cécile watches Poly run free in the wild, having saved him by letting him go - transformed from a lonely displaced girl into someone who understands that love means granting freedom, not possession.