Racetime
A spectacular sled race through the village. Frankie-Four-Eyes and his team, including Sophie as the driver, take on the newcomers: the mysterious and conceited Zac and his athletic cousin Charly. The fantastic sled designed by Frankie disintegrates right before crossing the finish line. It is a bitter loss for Frankie who refuses to accept that he might have made some building mistakes. Together with his friends, he manages to prove that Zac cheated during the race. Frankie demands a rematch; which Zac accepts on condition that Frankie build an entirely new race track. Frankie and his friends build a spectacular race track. Zac realizes he is up against a worthy opponent so he raises the stakes even more by cornering Frankie into betting the barn. As the two teams prepare for race day, Zac has no scruples about cheating even more to weight the outcome of the race in his favor. But Frankie and his team have a few surprises of their own in store for him.
Despite its small-scale budget of $3.0M, Racetime became a solid performer, earning $12.0M worldwide—a 300% return. The film's innovative storytelling found its audience, proving that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
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%)
Racetime (2018) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Benoit Godbout's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 30 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.7, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Frankie is the undisputed champion of the village, celebrated for his snowmobile racing skills and beloved by his friends in their tight-knit winter community.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Zac, a new kid from the city, arrives in the village with superior equipment and an arrogant attitude, immediately challenging Frankie's position and winning over his friends with flashy tricks.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Frankie accepts Zac's challenge to compete in the big race, choosing to defend his title rather than back down. This commits him to the path of competition and eventual growth., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat During a preliminary race or practice, Frankie discovers that Zac has been cheating or using unfair advantages. False defeat: despite being right, no one believes him, making him look like a sore loser. Stakes are raised., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 66 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Frankie's best friend abandons him or he has a major falling out with his support system. Metaphorical death of his friendships and reputation. He realizes his pride has cost him what matters most., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 72 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Sophie or a mentor figure helps Frankie see the truth: the race isn't about him versus Zac, it's about the village and their tradition. He gains evidence of Zac's cheating or finds a way to unite everyone., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Racetime'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 Racetime against these established plot points, we can identify how Benoit Godbout utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Racetime within the animation genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Frankie is the undisputed champion of the village, celebrated for his snowmobile racing skills and beloved by his friends in their tight-knit winter community.
Theme
A character mentions that 'being the best isn't about beating others, it's about being part of something bigger' - foreshadowing Frankie's need to learn teamwork and humility.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the village's winter culture, Frankie's friend group, his competitive nature, and the importance of the annual snowmobile race tradition. Establishes his pride and local hero status.
Disruption
Zac, a new kid from the city, arrives in the village with superior equipment and an arrogant attitude, immediately challenging Frankie's position and winning over his friends with flashy tricks.
Resistance
Frankie struggles with jealousy and pride as Zac impresses everyone. He debates whether to accept the challenge or avoid confrontation. His friends try to mediate, but Frankie's ego gets in the way.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Frankie accepts Zac's challenge to compete in the big race, choosing to defend his title rather than back down. This commits him to the path of competition and eventual growth.
Mirror World
Frankie bonds with Sophie, a friend who believes in fair play and teamwork. She represents the thematic opposite of his competitive individualism and Zac's win-at-all-costs attitude.
Premise
Training montages, preparation for the race, comedic mishaps, and growing tension between Frankie and Zac. The village becomes divided between supporters of each racer. Fun snow sequences and character interactions.
Midpoint
During a preliminary race or practice, Frankie discovers that Zac has been cheating or using unfair advantages. False defeat: despite being right, no one believes him, making him look like a sore loser. Stakes are raised.
Opposition
Frankie becomes isolated as even his friends doubt him. Zac's popularity grows while Frankie's reputation suffers. His obsession with winning and proving himself pushes people away. The antagonist gains ground.
Collapse
Frankie's best friend abandons him or he has a major falling out with his support system. Metaphorical death of his friendships and reputation. He realizes his pride has cost him what matters most.
Crisis
Frankie sits alone, reflecting on what he's lost. Dark night of the soul where he questions whether winning is worth it and realizes he's been as bad as Zac in his own way - both cared more about glory than community.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Sophie or a mentor figure helps Frankie see the truth: the race isn't about him versus Zac, it's about the village and their tradition. He gains evidence of Zac's cheating or finds a way to unite everyone.
Synthesis
The big race finale. Frankie races not for glory but for his community. He works with his friends as a team, exposes Zac's cheating, or wins fairly by applying what he learned about humility and teamwork. Resolution of conflicts.
Transformation
Frankie celebrates with his friends, no longer needing to be the solo champion. The village is united again. Mirrors the opening but shows growth - he's still skilled but now values community over individual glory.