Submarine
N/A
The film earned $865K at the global box office.
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%)
Submarine (2011) reveals deliberately positioned narrative design, characteristic of Richard Ayoade's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 37 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Oliver Tate narrates elaborate fantasies about his own death and the public mourning that would follow, revealing his detached, self-absorbed worldview and desire for significance.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Two disruptions: Jordana Bevan shows interest in Oliver, and Graham Purvis (his mother's ex-boyfriend, now a mystic) moves in next door, reigniting his mother's old feelings.. 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 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Oliver and Jordana share their first kiss and begin dating. Oliver commits to two active missions: maintaining his relationship with Jordana and preventing his mother's affair with Graham., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Oliver loses his virginity to Jordana, but it's awkward and doesn't match his romanticized expectations. He also finds evidence his mother may be having an affair, raising the stakes on both fronts., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 72 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jordana's mother dies. Oliver, consumed with his own problems, fails to be there for her in her darkest moment. She breaks up with him and burns his belongings. Whiff of death: literal (her mother) and metaphorical (the relationship)., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 77 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Oliver's father, in a rare moment of connection, shares subtle wisdom about love and marriage. Oliver realizes he must act selflessly for once - not to control the outcome, but to genuinely show up for Jordana., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Submarine's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Submarine against these established plot points, we can identify how Richard Ayoade utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Submarine within the documentary genre.
Richard Ayoade's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Richard Ayoade films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Submarine takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Richard Ayoade filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional documentary films include This Is England, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Ex Machina. For more Richard Ayoade analyses, see The Double.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Oliver Tate narrates elaborate fantasies about his own death and the public mourning that would follow, revealing his detached, self-absorbed worldview and desire for significance.
Theme
Oliver states "I have to think about these things," establishing the film's central theme: his compulsive self-monitoring and inability to live authentically in the moment.
Worldbuilding
Oliver's mundane life in Wales: his parents' passionless marriage, being bullied at school, keeping elaborate journals, fantasizing about importance while remaining invisible.
Disruption
Two disruptions: Jordana Bevan shows interest in Oliver, and Graham Purvis (his mother's ex-boyfriend, now a mystic) moves in next door, reigniting his mother's old feelings.
Resistance
Oliver awkwardly pursues Jordana, researching romance and crafting elaborate strategies. He also begins spying on his parents and Graham, attempting to control both situations through observation.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Oliver and Jordana share their first kiss and begin dating. Oliver commits to two active missions: maintaining his relationship with Jordana and preventing his mother's affair with Graham.
Mirror World
Jordana reveals her mother has a brain tumor, showing vulnerability. This moment introduces the film's thematic counterpoint: real connection requires dropping pretense and being genuinely present for others.
Premise
Oliver and Jordana's quirky relationship flourishes with beach bonfires, awkward intimacy, and dark humor. Simultaneously, Oliver escalates his surveillance of his mother and Graham, playing amateur detective.
Midpoint
Oliver loses his virginity to Jordana, but it's awkward and doesn't match his romanticized expectations. He also finds evidence his mother may be having an affair, raising the stakes on both fronts.
Opposition
Oliver becomes obsessed with sabotaging Graham and saving his parents' marriage, increasingly neglecting Jordana. Her mother's condition deteriorates while Oliver remains self-absorbed. Their relationship fractures.
Collapse
Jordana's mother dies. Oliver, consumed with his own problems, fails to be there for her in her darkest moment. She breaks up with him and burns his belongings. Whiff of death: literal (her mother) and metaphorical (the relationship).
Crisis
Oliver spirals into depression, his narration becoming darker. He realizes he's failed both missions through his own selfishness and delusion. His carefully constructed self-image crumbles.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Oliver's father, in a rare moment of connection, shares subtle wisdom about love and marriage. Oliver realizes he must act selflessly for once - not to control the outcome, but to genuinely show up for Jordana.
Synthesis
Oliver confronts Graham (anticlimactically - Graham is pathetic, not threatening). He accepts his parents' marriage is complex and not his to fix. He tracks down Jordana to offer genuine support without agenda.
Transformation
Oliver and Jordana reunite on the beach where they first connected. No elaborate narration, no attempts to control the story - just two teenagers being present together. Oliver has learned to live, not just observe.