The Best Is Yet to Come
Two friends decide to live all the things they couldn't after a huge misunderstanding.
The film underperformed commercially against its small-scale budget of $13.0M, earning $7.2M globally (-45% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its bold vision within the comedy genre.
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 Best Is Yet to Come (2019) reveals deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Matthieu Delaporte's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 57 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Liu Yiran is introduced as a dedicated journalist working on investigative stories in the early 1990s, establishing his professional ambition and idealistic worldview.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Liu Yiran becomes entangled in a controversial case or story that will change his life trajectory, possibly involving false accusations or a miscarriage of justice that threatens his career and freedom.. 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 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat A major legal setback or false defeat: a crucial appeal is denied, evidence is dismissed, or a key witness recants. The stakes are raised as Liu realizes the fight will be longer and harder than anticipated., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The darkest moment: Liu faces the possibility of permanent defeat, a loved one may die or leave, or he receives news that his final appeal has been rejected. Contains a "whiff of death" - his hope, his dream of vindication, or a relationship seems irretrievably lost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The final push: Liu makes his last stand in court or through a final appeal, bringing together all evidence and support. The resolution of his case unfolds, and the truth is finally acknowledged after years of struggle., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Best Is Yet to Come's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Best Is Yet to Come against these established plot points, we can identify how Matthieu Delaporte utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Best Is Yet to Come within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Liu Yiran is introduced as a dedicated journalist working on investigative stories in the early 1990s, establishing his professional ambition and idealistic worldview.
Theme
A colleague or mentor figure discusses the meaning of truth and integrity in journalism, subtly foreshadowing the film's central theme about hope, perseverance, and believing that better days lie ahead.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Liu Yiran's world: his career as a journalist, his relationships with colleagues, his meeting with Wan Wensheng, and the social context of early 1990s China. Introduction of key supporting characters and the journalistic environment.
Disruption
Liu Yiran becomes entangled in a controversial case or story that will change his life trajectory, possibly involving false accusations or a miscarriage of justice that threatens his career and freedom.
Resistance
Liu Yiran grapples with the implications of the case, debates whether to fight or flee, seeks counsel from friends and family, and weighs his options as pressure mounts from authorities or opposing forces.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Liu Yiran navigates the legal system, builds his case, experiences small victories and setbacks, while maintaining relationships and hope. The "promise of the premise" shows his determination and the passage of time through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Midpoint
A major legal setback or false defeat: a crucial appeal is denied, evidence is dismissed, or a key witness recants. The stakes are raised as Liu realizes the fight will be longer and harder than anticipated.
Opposition
The opposition intensifies: bureaucratic obstacles multiply, personal relationships strain under the pressure, years continue to pass, and Liu faces mounting pressure to give up. His support system begins to fray.
Collapse
The darkest moment: Liu faces the possibility of permanent defeat, a loved one may die or leave, or he receives news that his final appeal has been rejected. Contains a "whiff of death" - his hope, his dream of vindication, or a relationship seems irretrievably lost.
Crisis
Liu processes his lowest point, confronts despair, and reflects on the cost of his journey. Dark night of the soul where he questions whether the fight was worth it and contemplates surrender.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final push: Liu makes his last stand in court or through a final appeal, bringing together all evidence and support. The resolution of his case unfolds, and the truth is finally acknowledged after years of struggle.