Split Second
In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner and has haunted him ever since — but he soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.
The film struggled financially against its small-scale budget of $7.0M, earning $5.4M globally (-22% loss).
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%)
Split Second (1992) showcases meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Tony Maylam's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 30 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Harley Stone patrols flooded, dystopian London 2008. He's a burned-out detective haunted by his partner's murder, addicted to coffee and chocolate, living in paranoid isolation.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when A new murder occurs with the same ritualistic heart-removal pattern as Stone's partner's death. The killer has returned, forcing Stone to confront his nightmare.. 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 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The creature directly attacks Stone and Durkin, nearly killing them. Stone realizes the monster is specifically hunting him, connected to him psychically. The stakes become personal and existential., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 68 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The creature kidnaps Michelle, taking her to its lair. Stone's worst fear is realized—his connection to the monster has doomed someone else he cares about. His partner's death replays., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 72 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Stone and Durkin track the creature to its flooded underground lair. Final confrontation combines Stone's instincts with Durkin's intellect. They rescue Michelle and destroy the creature with heavy weaponry., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Split Second's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Split Second against these established plot points, we can identify how Tony Maylam utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Split Second within the science fiction genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional science fiction films include Lake Placid, The Postman and Oblivion.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Harley Stone patrols flooded, dystopian London 2008. He's a burned-out detective haunted by his partner's murder, addicted to coffee and chocolate, living in paranoid isolation.
Theme
Stone's captain warns him about control and obsession: "You can't fight the devil with his own weapons." The theme explores whether vengeance corrupts or redeems.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of 2008 London submerged by global warming, rampant crime, Stone's trauma from his partner's death three years prior, and his reputation as an unstable but effective detective.
Disruption
A new murder occurs with the same ritualistic heart-removal pattern as Stone's partner's death. The killer has returned, forcing Stone to confront his nightmare.
Resistance
Stone is assigned a new partner, Dick Durkin, an Oxford-educated detective by-the-book foil. Stone resists partnership, debates pursuing the creature, and struggles with whether to face his demons.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Stone and Durkin investigate the串 of murders, discovering the killer is a supernatural creature. Action sequences, occult research, and the odd-couple partnership dynamic deliver the sci-fi horror premise.
Midpoint
The creature directly attacks Stone and Durkin, nearly killing them. Stone realizes the monster is specifically hunting him, connected to him psychically. The stakes become personal and existential.
Opposition
The creature escalates attacks, killing closer to Stone's circle. Stone's paranoia and obsession intensify. The psychic connection strengthens—Stone begins experiencing the creature's presence and intentions.
Collapse
The creature kidnaps Michelle, taking her to its lair. Stone's worst fear is realized—his connection to the monster has doomed someone else he cares about. His partner's death replays.
Crisis
Stone confronts his failure and fear. He realizes his obsession has made him the creature's anchor to this world. Durkin refuses to abandon him, offering partnership over isolation.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Stone and Durkin track the creature to its flooded underground lair. Final confrontation combines Stone's instincts with Durkin's intellect. They rescue Michelle and destroy the creature with heavy weaponry.