Predator 2
A police chief in the war-torn streets of Los Angeles discovers that an extraterrestrial creature is hunting down residents - and that he is the next target.
Working with a moderate budget of $35.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $57.1M in global revenue (+63% profit margin).
1 win & 4 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%)
Predator 2 (1990) exhibits strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Stephen Hopkins's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 48 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 Los Angeles, 1997: a heat wave grips the city as gang warfare rages. Harrigan and his team operate as aggressive, cowboy cops in a brutal urban war zone.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Harrigan discovers the skinned bodies of the Jamaican gang members hanging from the ceiling in the penthouse - something beyond human capability did this.. At 11% 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Harrigan chooses to pursue the killer into the slaughterhouse despite Keyes' warnings to stay away. He commits to finding the truth, entering the predator's hunting ground., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The Predator attacks on the subway train. Harrigan witnesses its power firsthand and the creature escapes despite massive police presence - false defeat as Harrigan realizes how outmatched he is., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Danny Archuleta, Harrigan's close friend and partner, is killed and skinned by the Predator. Harrigan finds his body hanging - the whiff of death, personal loss., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 87 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. After Keyes and his team are slaughtered by the Predator, Harrigan takes the creature's smart disc weapon and gains new understanding - he must use both his street-cop instincts AND the alien technology to win., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Predator 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Predator 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Stephen Hopkins utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Predator 2 within the science fiction genre.
Stephen Hopkins's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Stephen Hopkins films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Predator 2 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Stephen Hopkins filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional science fiction films include Lake Placid, The Postman and Oblivion. For more Stephen Hopkins analyses, see The Ghost and the Darkness, Lost in Space and A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Los Angeles, 1997: a heat wave grips the city as gang warfare rages. Harrigan and his team operate as aggressive, cowboy cops in a brutal urban war zone.
Theme
Cantrell warns Harrigan: "You can't win this war on your own." The theme of dangerous independence versus teamwork is established.
Worldbuilding
Establishing the hellish LA landscape, gang territories, Harrigan's reckless tactics, his loyal team (Danny, Leona, Cantrell), and the mysterious federal task force led by Keyes.
Disruption
Harrigan discovers the skinned bodies of the Jamaican gang members hanging from the ceiling in the penthouse - something beyond human capability did this.
Resistance
Harrigan investigates the strange murders while clashing with federal agent Keyes who keeps interfering. More bizarre killings occur. Harrigan resists the idea this is anything but a human killer.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Harrigan chooses to pursue the killer into the slaughterhouse despite Keyes' warnings to stay away. He commits to finding the truth, entering the predator's hunting ground.
Mirror World
Keyes represents the thematic mirror - he works with a team, has intelligence and planning, versus Harrigan's lone wolf instinct. Their conflict embodies the central question.
Premise
The hunt intensifies. Harrigan tracks the creature while witnessing its advanced technology and hunting patterns. The Predator hunts gang leaders and warriors in the urban jungle, creating spectacular violent set pieces.
Midpoint
The Predator attacks on the subway train. Harrigan witnesses its power firsthand and the creature escapes despite massive police presence - false defeat as Harrigan realizes how outmatched he is.
Opposition
The Predator becomes more aggressive. Keyes reveals he knows about the creature and has been hunting it. Harrigan's recklessness continues to endanger his team as the stakes escalate.
Collapse
Danny Archuleta, Harrigan's close friend and partner, is killed and skinned by the Predator. Harrigan finds his body hanging - the whiff of death, personal loss.
Crisis
Harrigan grieves Danny's death and burns with rage. Keyes tries to capture the Predator in a trap using Harrigan as bait. Harrigan sits in darkness, processing the loss and his need for vengeance.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
After Keyes and his team are slaughtered by the Predator, Harrigan takes the creature's smart disc weapon and gains new understanding - he must use both his street-cop instincts AND the alien technology to win.
Synthesis
Harrigan pursues the wounded Predator to its ship. The final confrontation combines his detective skills, bravery, and adaptability. He defeats the Predator in brutal hand-to-hand combat using the disc.
Transformation
The elder Predators appear and give Harrigan an ancient pistol as respect. He emerges from the ship as Leona and Cantrell arrive - he's now a warrior who understands honor and has earned respect through his fight.