Sliver
A woman moves into a Manhattan apartment, where she learns that the previous tenant's life ended under mysterious circumstances.
Despite a respectable budget of $40.0M, Sliver became a financial success, earning $116.3M worldwide—a 191% return.
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%)
Sliver (1993) demonstrates carefully calibrated story structure, characteristic of Phillip Noyce's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 47 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 Carly Norris, a book editor recovering from divorce, lives a cautious, controlled life in New York City, emotionally guarded and isolated.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Carly discovers she resembles the dead woman who lived in the apartment before her, creating unease and drawing her into the building's dark mystery.. 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.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Carly discovers Zeke has been secretly watching all the building's residents through hidden cameras, including her. False victory of passionate romance becomes false defeat—she's been a voyeur's victim 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 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Another murder occurs and Carly realizes she's in grave danger. Her sense of safety, privacy, and judgment completely collapse. She faces the "death" of her ability to trust or distinguish victim from killer., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Carly confronts the killer in a climactic showdown, using everything she's learned about voyeurism, obsession, and her own strength. She fights for her survival and escapes the building's deadly grip., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Sliver's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Sliver against these established plot points, we can identify how Phillip Noyce utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Sliver within the drama genre.
Phillip Noyce's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Phillip Noyce films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Sliver takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Phillip Noyce filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Phillip Noyce analyses, see Clear and Present Danger, Salt and The Bone Collector.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Carly Norris, a book editor recovering from divorce, lives a cautious, controlled life in New York City, emotionally guarded and isolated.
Theme
A character warns about the building's dark history: "Whoever lives there, something happens to them." Theme of voyeurism, privacy, and dangerous obsession is introduced.
Worldbuilding
Carly moves into the sliver building after a woman falls to her death from the apartment. She meets her neighbors, including the mysterious Zeke and writer Jack, establishing the voyeuristic atmosphere of the high-rise.
Disruption
Carly discovers she resembles the dead woman who lived in the apartment before her, creating unease and drawing her into the building's dark mystery.
Resistance
Carly resists but is drawn to Zeke's charm and wealth. She investigates the previous tenant's death while torn between attraction to Zeke and suspicion. Jack also pursues her romantically.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Carly explores an intoxicating relationship with Zeke while strange events occur in the building. The erotic thriller premise unfolds as danger and passion intertwine, delivering the voyeuristic suspense the audience expects.
Midpoint
Carly discovers Zeke has been secretly watching all the building's residents through hidden cameras, including her. False victory of passionate romance becomes false defeat—she's been a voyeur's victim all along.
Opposition
Carly is torn between horror at the surveillance and twisted fascination with Zeke's voyeurism. More deaths occur. Evidence mounts that either Zeke or Jack may be a murderer. Trust dissolves as paranoia intensifies.
Collapse
Another murder occurs and Carly realizes she's in grave danger. Her sense of safety, privacy, and judgment completely collapse. She faces the "death" of her ability to trust or distinguish victim from killer.
Crisis
Carly confronts her darkest fears alone, processing the violation and danger. She must determine who the real killer is while trapped in the building, emotionally devastated by betrayal.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Carly confronts the killer in a climactic showdown, using everything she's learned about voyeurism, obsession, and her own strength. She fights for her survival and escapes the building's deadly grip.