The Arrival
Zane (Charlie Sheen), a young, mild-mannered astronomer discovers an extraterrestrial radio signal. After being fired from his organization for reporting this to his superior, he takes a chance on discovering the truth: that his workplace is not quite what it seems to be and a sinister conspiracy is at work. The aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will stop at nothing to prevent Zane from learning it.
The film disappointed at the box office against its mid-range budget of $25.0M, earning $14.1M globally (-44% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the mystery genre.
1 win & 1 nomination
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%)
The Arrival (1996) exemplifies carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of David Twohy's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 55 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 Zane Zaminsky works alone at night at his SETI station, searching for extraterrestrial signals. He's a brilliant but isolated radio astronomer dedicated to his work, living a routine scientific life.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Zane detects an anomalous signal from space that appears artificial. When he reports it, he's fired by his supervisor Phil Gordian, who claims the signal was interference and shuts down Zane's investigation.. 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 57 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Zane discovers the aliens are already on Earth, disguised as humans, and are using the power plants to heat the atmosphere for terraforming. The stakes are raised from "are aliens real?" to "aliens are actively destroying Earth." False defeat: the conspiracy is bigger and more dangerous than imagined., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 85 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Zane's young neighbor and ally, Kiki, is killed by the aliens. This innocent child's death represents the "whiff of death" and Zane's lowest point. He realizes the cost of his investigation and feels responsible for bringing danger to others., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 92 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Zane infiltrates the main alien facility in Mexico, confronts and defeats Gordian, destroys the climate-altering equipment, and transmits evidence of the alien presence to media worldwide. The final confrontation combines his technical skills with his personal resolve., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Arrival'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 The Arrival against these established plot points, we can identify how David Twohy utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Arrival within the mystery genre.
David Twohy's Structural Approach
Among the 5 David Twohy films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Arrival takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete David Twohy filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional mystery films include Oblivion, From Darkness and American Gigolo. For more David Twohy analyses, see A Perfect Getaway, Pitch Black and Riddick.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Zane Zaminsky works alone at night at his SETI station, searching for extraterrestrial signals. He's a brilliant but isolated radio astronomer dedicated to his work, living a routine scientific life.
Theme
Zane's colleague mentions that "sometimes the truth is right in front of you, but nobody wants to see it." This establishes the theme of truth versus denial and the cost of discovering inconvenient realities.
Worldbuilding
Establishing Zane's world at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, his relationships with colleagues, his dedication to SETI research, and the institutional politics of scientific funding and credibility.
Disruption
Zane detects an anomalous signal from space that appears artificial. When he reports it, he's fired by his supervisor Phil Gordian, who claims the signal was interference and shuts down Zane's investigation.
Resistance
Zane struggles with unemployment and disbelief from the scientific community. He debates whether to drop the investigation and move on, but his obsession with the signal won't let him. He begins independent research from his home.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Zane investigates the signal's origin, traveling to Mexico where he discovers a mysterious power plant. The fun of playing detective and uncovering the conspiracy: surveillance, following leads, discovering strange technology, and piecing together the alien plot.
Midpoint
Zane discovers the aliens are already on Earth, disguised as humans, and are using the power plants to heat the atmosphere for terraforming. The stakes are raised from "are aliens real?" to "aliens are actively destroying Earth." False defeat: the conspiracy is bigger and more dangerous than imagined.
Opposition
The aliens become aware of Zane's investigation and actively hunt him. His former boss Gordian is revealed as an alien collaborator. Zane's apartment is destroyed, he's attacked multiple times, and anyone he tries to warn is killed or doesn't believe him. He becomes increasingly isolated and desperate.
Collapse
Zane's young neighbor and ally, Kiki, is killed by the aliens. This innocent child's death represents the "whiff of death" and Zane's lowest point. He realizes the cost of his investigation and feels responsible for bringing danger to others.
Crisis
Zane mourns Kiki's death and processes the seemingly impossible situation. He's alone, hunted, with no credibility, and the alien plan is nearly complete. He must decide whether to run and save himself or risk everything to stop them.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Zane infiltrates the main alien facility in Mexico, confronts and defeats Gordian, destroys the climate-altering equipment, and transmits evidence of the alien presence to media worldwide. The final confrontation combines his technical skills with his personal resolve.