Red Notice
When an Interpol-issued Red Notice the highest level warrant to hunt and capture the world's most wanted goes out, the FBI's top profiler John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) is on the case. His global pursuit finds him smack dab in the middle of a daring heist where he's forced to partner with the world's greatest art thief Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds) in order to catch the world's most wanted art thief, "The Bishop" (Gal Gadot). The high-flying adventure that ensues takes the trio around the world, across the dance floor, trapped in a secluded prison, into the jungle and, worst of all for them, constantly into each other's company.
The film commercial failure against its blockbuster budget of $160.0M, earning $178K globally (-100% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its fresh perspective within the action genre.
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%)
Red Notice (2021) exemplifies meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Rawson Marshall Thurber's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 58 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes FBI profiler John Hartley gives a presentation about art theft and the world's most wanted art thieves, establishing his expertise and confidence in his professional world.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Hartley is framed: the stolen egg is found in his closet. He's arrested and accused of working with Booth, destroying his FBI career and reputation in a single moment.. 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Hartley makes the active choice to partner with Booth and escape the prison together. They execute an elaborate breakout, committing fully to their unlikely alliance., moving from reaction to action.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: The Bishop is revealed to be Sarah Black/The Bishop, who steals the second egg from Hartley and Booth. The stakes raise dramatically as they lose their prize and realize their opponent has been ahead of them all along., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: Booth betrays Hartley after they retrieve the third egg, leaving him trapped in the Egyptian tomb to die. Hartley's trust is shattered and he faces literal death, buried alive in the collapsing ancient structure., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. The twist revelation: Hartley confronts Booth and The Bishop together, revealing he discovered the truth—Hartley himself is a master thief, and this was all an elaborate long con. He has the real eggs. The synthesis of his "FBI agent" cover and true criminal identity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Red Notice'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 Red Notice against these established plot points, we can identify how Rawson Marshall Thurber utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Red Notice within the action genre.
Rawson Marshall Thurber's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Rawson Marshall Thurber films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Red Notice takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Rawson Marshall Thurber filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Rawson Marshall Thurber analyses, see Central Intelligence, Skyscraper and We're the Millers.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
FBI profiler John Hartley gives a presentation about art theft and the world's most wanted art thieves, establishing his expertise and confidence in his professional world.
Theme
Nolan Booth quips about trust and deception during the museum heist: "You can't trust anyone in this business." The theme of shifting allegiances and uncertain partnerships is introduced.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the high-stakes art theft world: Hartley works with Interpol to catch thief Nolan Booth stealing Cleopatra's first egg from a Roman museum. The Bishop (mysterious rival thief) and the three eggs of Cleopatra quest are introduced.
Disruption
Hartley is framed: the stolen egg is found in his closet. He's arrested and accused of working with Booth, destroying his FBI career and reputation in a single moment.
Resistance
Hartley is thrown into a Russian prison where he encounters Booth. Hartley resists partnering with the thief, but Booth proposes they work together to catch The Bishop and clear Hartley's name. Booth reveals knowledge about the second egg's location.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Hartley makes the active choice to partner with Booth and escape the prison together. They execute an elaborate breakout, committing fully to their unlikely alliance.
Mirror World
The partnership dynamic between Hartley and Booth crystallizes as they bicker and bond during their journey to find the second egg. Their reluctant friendship represents the thematic core of trust vs. deception.
Premise
The "fun and games" of the heist adventure: Hartley and Booth travel to Valencia for a billionaire's masquerade party to steal the second egg, engaging in witty banter, action sequences, and elaborate cons. They successfully steal the egg but The Bishop intervenes.
Midpoint
False defeat: The Bishop is revealed to be Sarah Black/The Bishop, who steals the second egg from Hartley and Booth. The stakes raise dramatically as they lose their prize and realize their opponent has been ahead of them all along.
Opposition
Hartley and Booth pursue The Bishop to Egypt to find the third egg before she completes the set. Pressure intensifies: close calls in the Egyptian tomb, near-death experiences, and growing desperation. The Bishop stays one step ahead while Hartley and Booth's partnership deepens.
Collapse
All is lost: Booth betrays Hartley after they retrieve the third egg, leaving him trapped in the Egyptian tomb to die. Hartley's trust is shattered and he faces literal death, buried alive in the collapsing ancient structure.
Crisis
Hartley's dark night: he escapes the tomb and processes the betrayal. He confronts the emotional reality that he was conned by both Booth and The Bishop, left with nothing. Brief moment of despair before resolve kicks in.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The twist revelation: Hartley confronts Booth and The Bishop together, revealing he discovered the truth—Hartley himself is a master thief, and this was all an elaborate long con. He has the real eggs. The synthesis of his "FBI agent" cover and true criminal identity.
Synthesis
The finale unfolds: Hartley reveals he and The Bishop (his actual partner) planned everything from the start to con Booth. But a final twist—Booth switched the eggs again. A three-way Mexican standoff of thieves results in all three escaping with their shares, mutual respect established.
Transformation
Closing image mirrors the opening: Hartley gives another presentation, but now to criminals instead of law enforcement. He's fully embraced his true identity as a master thief, and the three form an unlikely alliance for future heists—transformed from enemies to partners.