Spread Your Wings
Based on the real story of Christian, a specialist on wild goose migrations, and the adventure he and his son embarked.
The film earned $12.7M at the global box office.
2 wins
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%)
Spread Your Wings (2019) exhibits deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Nicolas Vanier's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 53 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Thomas, a disconnected teenager, arrives at his estranged father's rural home in Norway for the summer, glued to his video games and reluctant to engage with nature or his father's work.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Thomas witnesses goslings hatching and experiences the phenomenon of imprinting as the baby geese follow him, creating an unexpected bond. He begins to feel responsible for them.. 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 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Thomas makes the active choice to commit to the migration project, agreeing to fly with his father and lead the geese across Europe. He accepts responsibility for the flock's survival., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The migration journey officially begins as Thomas and Christian take off with the geese, successfully leading them on the first leg. It's a false victory—the journey seems achievable, but challenges lie ahead., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A severe storm separates Thomas from the flock and his father. Several geese are lost or injured, and Thomas crashes his ultralight. The mission appears to have failed, and Thomas feels he has let down both his father and the geese., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Thomas realizes the surviving geese still need him and that completing the migration is about more than success or failure—it's about honoring his commitment to nature. He chooses to continue despite the risks., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Spread Your Wings's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Spread Your Wings against these established plot points, we can identify how Nicolas Vanier utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Spread Your Wings within the adventure genre.
Nicolas Vanier's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Nicolas Vanier films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Spread Your Wings takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nicolas Vanier filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Nicolas Vanier analyses, see Poly.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Thomas, a disconnected teenager, arrives at his estranged father's rural home in Norway for the summer, glued to his video games and reluctant to engage with nature or his father's work.
Theme
Christian tells Thomas, "These birds are losing their migration routes because of climate change. If we don't help them, they'll disappear." The theme of environmental responsibility and connection to nature is stated.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Christian's ornithological research station, his mission to teach geese new migration routes, and Thomas's resistance to his father's world. Thomas is more interested in virtual reality than actual birds.
Disruption
Thomas witnesses goslings hatching and experiences the phenomenon of imprinting as the baby geese follow him, creating an unexpected bond. He begins to feel responsible for them.
Resistance
Christian teaches Thomas how to care for the geese and trains him to fly the ultralight aircraft. Thomas debates whether to commit to the migration project or return to his comfortable life with his mother in Paris.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Thomas makes the active choice to commit to the migration project, agreeing to fly with his father and lead the geese across Europe. He accepts responsibility for the flock's survival.
Mirror World
Thomas begins working closely with Paola, a young veterinarian at the station who shares Christian's passion for conservation. She represents the connection between humans and nature that Thomas is learning.
Premise
The "fun and games" of training the geese, learning to fly, and preparing for the journey. Thomas bonds with the birds and discovers joy in the natural world, experiencing the freedom of flight and the beauty of their mission.
Midpoint
The migration journey officially begins as Thomas and Christian take off with the geese, successfully leading them on the first leg. It's a false victory—the journey seems achievable, but challenges lie ahead.
Opposition
The journey becomes increasingly difficult with weather problems, equipment failures, and bureaucratic obstacles. Thomas faces exhaustion and doubt. His relationship with his father is tested as pressures mount and the geese face danger.
Collapse
A severe storm separates Thomas from the flock and his father. Several geese are lost or injured, and Thomas crashes his ultralight. The mission appears to have failed, and Thomas feels he has let down both his father and the geese.
Crisis
Thomas processes his failure and despair. He questions whether the mission was worth it and whether he can continue. Christian and Thomas confront their fractured relationship and what truly matters.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Thomas realizes the surviving geese still need him and that completing the migration is about more than success or failure—it's about honoring his commitment to nature. He chooses to continue despite the risks.
Synthesis
Thomas repairs his ultralight and completes the final leg of the migration with the remaining geese. Father and son work together, combining Thomas's newfound passion with Christian's experience to reach their destination.
Transformation
Thomas watches the geese fly free at their winter habitat, fully transformed from a disconnected teenager into a young man committed to environmental stewardship. He has found purpose and connection to both nature and his father.