The Battalion
Russia, 1917, WWI. This is the story of the 1st Russian Women's Battalion of Death, formed as part of an ill-conceived propaganda ploy by the Russian Provisional Government in late May of 1917.
The film earned $7.5M 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%)
The Battalion (2015) demonstrates precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Dmitry Meskhiev's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Maria Bochkareva works as a peasant in pre-war Russia, enduring an abusive marriage and the limitations placed on women in early 20th century Russian society.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Tsar Nicholas II's decree allowing women to serve in combat roles is announced. Maria sees this as her chance to escape her circumstances and prove herself, igniting her journey toward forming the Women's Battalion.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 30 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Maria makes the irreversible decision to formally enlist and commit to forming the all-female combat battalion. She crosses into the military world, cutting her hair and donning the uniform., moving from reaction to action.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: The Women's Battalion receives their combat orders and deployment to the front. They've achieved their goal of being recognized as soldiers, but the true cost of war hasn't yet been realized., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 90 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The battalion suffers devastating losses in a major battle. Close companions die, the unit is decimated, and Maria faces the horror that her determination to prove women's worth has led to their deaths. The "whiff of death" is literal., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 96 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Maria realizes that despite the losses, the women proved their courage and capability—the mission wasn't about winning approval but about claiming their dignity. She finds resolve to honor the fallen by continuing forward., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Battalion's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Battalion against these established plot points, we can identify how Dmitry Meskhiev utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Battalion within the war genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional war films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Fury and Sarah's Key.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Maria Bochkareva works as a peasant in pre-war Russia, enduring an abusive marriage and the limitations placed on women in early 20th century Russian society.
Theme
A male officer dismissively tells Maria that "war is no place for women," establishing the central thematic question: can women prove their valor and worth in combat?
Worldbuilding
Establishment of WWI-era Russia, the social constraints on women, Maria's background, and the deteriorating war situation. Introduction of key characters and the gender dynamics of military service.
Disruption
Tsar Nicholas II's decree allowing women to serve in combat roles is announced. Maria sees this as her chance to escape her circumstances and prove herself, igniting her journey toward forming the Women's Battalion.
Resistance
Maria faces resistance from military authorities, her family, and society. She debates whether she can truly lead, receives guidance from sympathetic officers, and begins recruiting other women who share her determination.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Maria makes the irreversible decision to formally enlist and commit to forming the all-female combat battalion. She crosses into the military world, cutting her hair and donning the uniform.
Mirror World
Introduction of the relationship dynamics within the battalion—particularly the bond between Maria and her fellow soldiers, who mirror her struggle and provide the emotional/thematic counterpoint to the military hierarchy.
Premise
The "promise of the premise"—women training as soldiers, bonding as a unit, proving themselves in drills and exercises. The battalion faces skepticism but begins earning respect through their dedication and skill.
Midpoint
False victory: The Women's Battalion receives their combat orders and deployment to the front. They've achieved their goal of being recognized as soldiers, but the true cost of war hasn't yet been realized.
Opposition
The brutal reality of trench warfare sets in. The battalion faces combat, casualties mount, male soldiers' resentment surfaces, and the political instability of revolutionary Russia undermines their mission. Opposition intensifies on all fronts.
Collapse
The battalion suffers devastating losses in a major battle. Close companions die, the unit is decimated, and Maria faces the horror that her determination to prove women's worth has led to their deaths. The "whiff of death" is literal.
Crisis
Maria grapples with guilt, trauma, and the question of whether the cost was worth it. The surviving battalion members mourn, and the October Revolution further destabilizes everything they fought for.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Maria realizes that despite the losses, the women proved their courage and capability—the mission wasn't about winning approval but about claiming their dignity. She finds resolve to honor the fallen by continuing forward.
Synthesis
The finale shows the aftermath: Maria's testimony about the battalion, the historical recognition of their service, and the surviving women carrying forward the legacy. The synthesis of their sacrifice with lasting impact.
Transformation
Final image mirrors the opening but transformed: Maria, now bearing the weight and wisdom of war, stands with dignity earned through combat. No longer seeking approval, she embodies the change she fought for.