The Beast Within
In the beginning of the movie you see a woman getting raped by a man-creature of some sort. The movie takes place years later when the child that was a result of that rape is on the rampage looking for a girl to rape to start the process all over again.
The film earned $7.7M 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 Beast Within (1982) exhibits deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Philippe Mora's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 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 Young couple Eli and Caroline MacCleary drive through rural Mississippi on their honeymoon, establishing their normal, happy life before tragedy strikes.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Seventeen years later, Michael MacCleary begins experiencing violent physical symptoms and disturbing transformations around his 17th birthday, disrupting his normal teenage life.. At 11% 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 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to The MacClearys decide to return to Mississippi to investigate the night of the attack, actively choosing to confront the past and uncover the truth about Michael's origins., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Michael fully transforms and kills for the first time, escalating the stakes. The connection between his condition and the creature that attacked his mother is confirmed, raising the urgency., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 73 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Michael fully succumbs to the beast transformation, seemingly losing his humanity entirely. The horror reaches its peak as multiple deaths occur and hope of saving Michael appears lost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Understanding the full nature of the curse and the creature's cycle, the characters realize that stopping the beast requires confronting the source of the original evil and breaking the cycle., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Beast Within'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 The Beast Within against these established plot points, we can identify how Philippe Mora utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Beast Within within the horror genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young couple Eli and Caroline MacCleary drive through rural Mississippi on their honeymoon, establishing their normal, happy life before tragedy strikes.
Theme
A local mentions that "some things are better left buried" when discussing the town's history, foreshadowing the film's exploration of hidden sins and inherited curses.
Worldbuilding
Caroline is attacked and raped by a mysterious creature while Eli seeks help for their broken-down car. The assault establishes the horror and mystery that will haunt the family for seventeen years.
Disruption
Seventeen years later, Michael MacCleary begins experiencing violent physical symptoms and disturbing transformations around his 17th birthday, disrupting his normal teenage life.
Resistance
Doctors are baffled by Michael's condition. His parents debate whether to reveal the truth about his conception. Medical tests and consultations reveal the mystery deepening as Michael's transformations intensify.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The MacClearys decide to return to Mississippi to investigate the night of the attack, actively choosing to confront the past and uncover the truth about Michael's origins.
Mirror World
The family encounters Amanda Platt and other townspeople who represent the buried secrets and complicity in covering up the town's dark history, mirroring the theme of inherited guilt.
Premise
Investigation into the town's secrets unfolds. Michael's transformations become more violent and frequent. The mystery of the Curwin/Connors family curse and the 17-year cicada cycle is gradually revealed.
Midpoint
Michael fully transforms and kills for the first time, escalating the stakes. The connection between his condition and the creature that attacked his mother is confirmed, raising the urgency.
Opposition
Townspeople actively work to cover up the truth and stop the MacClearys' investigation. Michael's beast nature grows stronger. The Platts and other families try to contain the spreading horror and protect their secrets.
Collapse
Michael fully succumbs to the beast transformation, seemingly losing his humanity entirely. The horror reaches its peak as multiple deaths occur and hope of saving Michael appears lost.
Crisis
The MacClearys face the darkest realization that their son may be lost forever. The full truth about the Curwin creature and the cyclical curse is finally revealed.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Understanding the full nature of the curse and the creature's cycle, the characters realize that stopping the beast requires confronting the source of the original evil and breaking the cycle.
Synthesis
Final confrontation with the fully transformed Michael and revelation of the Curwin family's role. The creature completes its cycle, and the horror reaches its violent conclusion with the beast's death.
Transformation
The aftermath shows the destroyed family and town, suggesting the cycle of horror and secrecy may not be truly broken, reflecting the tragic cost of buried sins.