Sherlock Holmes
Despite a considerable budget of $90.0M, Sherlock Holmes became a box office success, earning $524.0M worldwide—a 482% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Holmes demonstrates his brilliant deductive abilities and unconventional methods as he and Watson interrupt a black magic ritual, saving a young woman from Lord Blackwood. This opening establishes Holmes as a genius detective with unorthodox approaches.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Lord Blackwood, awaiting execution, requests to see Holmes and ominously warns that three more will die and "there is nothing you can do to prevent it." This transforms the closed case into an active threat.. At 10% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 42% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Notably, this crucial beat Blackwood demonstrates his power before Parliament, seemingly using supernatural abilities to kill a member of the House of Lords. The stakes escalate from murder mystery to potential coup d'état, and Holmes realizes the conspiracy reaches the highest levels of British government., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (62% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Irene is apparently killed by the poisoned handkerchief from her employer, Professor Moriarty. Holmes is devastated by her death, having failed to protect her. This represents both literal death and the death of Holmes' hope for emotional connection beyond Watson., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 66% of the runtime. Holmes and Watson race to Tower Bridge to stop Blackwood's weapon. They battle Blackwood, dismantle his device, and Holmes defeats him using both deductive reasoning and physical action. Holmes explains how all the supernatural elements were scientific tricks, resolving the mystery completely., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Sherlock Holmes's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Sherlock Holmes against these established plot points, we can identify how the filmmaker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Sherlock Holmes within its genre.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Holmes demonstrates his brilliant deductive abilities and unconventional methods as he and Watson interrupt a black magic ritual, saving a young woman from Lord Blackwood. This opening establishes Holmes as a genius detective with unorthodox approaches.
Theme
Watson tells Holmes, "You know that what you're drinking is for eye surgery?" Holmes replies about feeling a small prick, hinting at the theme of self-destruction through brilliance and the need for human connection to ground genius.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of 1890s London, Holmes and Watson's partnership, their Baker Street residence, Holmes' boredom without cases, Watson's impending marriage to Mary, and Irene Adler's reappearance with a new case. The world shows Holmes' dependence on Watson and his inability to function in domestic tranquility.
Disruption
Lord Blackwood, awaiting execution, requests to see Holmes and ominously warns that three more will die and "there is nothing you can do to prevent it." This transforms the closed case into an active threat.
Resistance
Blackwood is executed and pronounced dead by Watson, but his tomb is found broken open from the inside. Holmes investigates the impossible resurrection while dealing with Watson's impending departure. Holmes resists accepting the supernatural explanation and debates whether to pursue this seemingly unsolvable case.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Holmes and Watson investigate Blackwood's plot together, uncovering a conspiracy involving the Temple of the Four Orders. They experience thrilling action sequences, narrow escapes, laboratory experiments, and decoded clues. This is the classic Holmes-Watson detective adventure the audience came for.
Midpoint
Blackwood demonstrates his power before Parliament, seemingly using supernatural abilities to kill a member of the House of Lords. The stakes escalate from murder mystery to potential coup d'état, and Holmes realizes the conspiracy reaches the highest levels of British government.
Opposition
Blackwood gains control and advances his plot to take over the government. Holmes faces increasing pressure as the conspiracy tightens, Inspector Lestrade is forced to arrest Holmes, Irene's mysterious employer's agenda complicates matters, and Watson's wedding day approaches, threatening their partnership permanently.
Collapse
Irene is apparently killed by the poisoned handkerchief from her employer, Professor Moriarty. Holmes is devastated by her death, having failed to protect her. This represents both literal death and the death of Holmes' hope for emotional connection beyond Watson.
Crisis
Holmes processes Irene's death and the failure of his investigation. He reaches his emotional low point, recognizing that his methods alone aren't enough and that he needs Watson. The crisis forces Holmes to confront his need for human partnership.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Holmes and Watson race to Tower Bridge to stop Blackwood's weapon. They battle Blackwood, dismantle his device, and Holmes defeats him using both deductive reasoning and physical action. Holmes explains how all the supernatural elements were scientific tricks, resolving the mystery completely.