Thanksgiving
After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts - the birthplace of the holiday. Picking off residents one by one, what begins as random revenge killings are soon revealed to be part of a larger, sinister holiday plan.
Despite a moderate budget of $15.0M, Thanksgiving became a commercial success, earning $46.6M worldwide—a 210% return.
1 win & 15 nominations
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%)
Thanksgiving (2023) showcases deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Eli Roth's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 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 Opening on Right Mart store before Black Friday, establishing the privileged group of teens and the commercial-obsessed community of Plymouth, Massachusetts.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Black Friday riot erupts at Right Mart, resulting in a catastrophic trampling death and multiple injuries. The community is shattered by tragedy born from greed.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to First murder occurs - the killer dressed as John Carver begins systematic revenge. Jessica and friends realize they are being hunted, forcing them into a fight for survival., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat A major public kill occurs or a key reveal about the killer's pattern emerges, raising stakes. The killer is not random - everyone targeted has connection to the Black Friday tragedy., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A close friend or family member is killed, or Jessica is captured/cornered. The darkest moment where hope seems lost and the killer's revenge appears complete., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 84 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Jessica discovers the killer's identity or location, or receives crucial information that allows her to turn the tables and move from victim to survivor., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Thanksgiving's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Thanksgiving against these established plot points, we can identify how Eli Roth utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Thanksgiving within the horror genre.
Eli Roth's Structural Approach
Among the 9 Eli Roth films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Thanksgiving represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Eli Roth filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more Eli Roth analyses, see Borderlands, The House with a Clock in Its Walls and Knock Knock.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening on Right Mart store before Black Friday, establishing the privileged group of teens and the commercial-obsessed community of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Theme
Store manager discusses the chaos of Black Friday and greed, foreshadowing how consumer culture destroys community bonds and basic humanity.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of Jessica, her friends, and the social dynamics of Plymouth. Establishment of the Right Mart store, Thomas Wright's wealth, and the building tension before Black Friday mayhem.
Disruption
Black Friday riot erupts at Right Mart, resulting in a catastrophic trampling death and multiple injuries. The community is shattered by tragedy born from greed.
Resistance
One year later timeline jump. The town attempts to move forward, but guilt and trauma linger. Jessica and friends prepare for Thanksgiving while a mysterious killer begins targeting people connected to the riot.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
First murder occurs - the killer dressed as John Carver begins systematic revenge. Jessica and friends realize they are being hunted, forcing them into a fight for survival.
Mirror World
Sheriff Eric Newlon investigates, representing law and order trying to restore justice. His relationship with Jessica provides grounding as the horror escalates.
Premise
John Carver systematically hunts and kills victims in creative, Thanksgiving-themed ways. The slasher premise delivers as the body count rises and panic spreads through Plymouth.
Midpoint
A major public kill occurs or a key reveal about the killer's pattern emerges, raising stakes. The killer is not random - everyone targeted has connection to the Black Friday tragedy.
Opposition
The killer closes in on Jessica's inner circle. Paranoia grows as suspects emerge. Trust breaks down among survivors. John Carver seems unstoppable and always one step ahead.
Collapse
A close friend or family member is killed, or Jessica is captured/cornered. The darkest moment where hope seems lost and the killer's revenge appears complete.
Crisis
Jessica processes the trauma and loss. She must decide whether to run or fight. The emotional toll of the year-long nightmare reaches its breaking point.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Jessica discovers the killer's identity or location, or receives crucial information that allows her to turn the tables and move from victim to survivor.
Synthesis
Final confrontation with John Carver. Jessica fights back using knowledge gained throughout the ordeal. The killer's identity is revealed and final justice/revenge is served.
Transformation
Aftermath shows Jessica forever changed by the trauma. Plymouth will never be the same. The cost of greed and the scars of violence remain, even if the killer is stopped.