The Clan
In Argentina, between 1982 and 1985, the Puccios, a well-established family of San Isidro, an upper-class suburb of Buenos Aires, kidnap several people and hold them as hostages for a ransom.
Despite its small-scale budget of $3.5M, The Clan became a box office success, earning $20.4M worldwide—a 482% return. The film's unique voice connected with viewers, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
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 Clan (2015) exemplifies precise plot construction, characteristic of Pablo Trapero's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 49 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes The Puccio family appears as a normal, prosperous middle-class household in Buenos Aires. Alejandro plays rugby while his father Arquimedes maintains the facade of respectability.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The first kidnapping is executed. Alejandro is directly involved in identifying and luring the victim, crossing the line from innocent son to active accomplice in his father's criminal enterprise.. 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Alejandro witnesses or participates in the murder of the first victim despite ransom being paid. He makes the choice to remain with the family, fully entering the world of complicity and moral compromise., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat A particularly brutal kidnapping or murder deeply affects Alejandro. His internal conflict reaches a breaking point - false victory of the operation's success masks the growing danger and his psychological deterioration., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 82 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Alejandro's moral breaking point. A victim's death or the weight of accumulated guilt creates his darkest moment. The death of his innocence and the impossibility of redemption become clear. He cannot save himself or his victims., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. External forces intervene: authorities close in on the Puccio operation. The decision is made for Alejandro - the law will end what he couldn't. Reality breaks through the family's bubble of impunity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Clan's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Clan against these established plot points, we can identify how Pablo Trapero utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Clan within the drama genre.
Pablo Trapero's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Pablo Trapero films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Clan takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Pablo Trapero filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Pablo Trapero analyses, see Carancho.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Puccio family appears as a normal, prosperous middle-class household in Buenos Aires. Alejandro plays rugby while his father Arquimedes maintains the facade of respectability.
Theme
A character comments on loyalty and family duty, foreshadowing the twisted bonds that will enable the family's crimes. The theme of complicity through familial obligation is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to 1980s Argentina during democratic transition. The family's dual life is revealed: outward normalcy masks Arquimedes' former intelligence connections and criminal planning. Alejandro's rugby world provides access to wealthy victims.
Disruption
The first kidnapping is executed. Alejandro is directly involved in identifying and luring the victim, crossing the line from innocent son to active accomplice in his father's criminal enterprise.
Resistance
Alejandro struggles with his involvement but is guided by his father's manipulation and authority. The family establishes their operational routine: victim held captive while daily life continues normally around them.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Alejandro witnesses or participates in the murder of the first victim despite ransom being paid. He makes the choice to remain with the family, fully entering the world of complicity and moral compromise.
Mirror World
Alejandro's rugby teammates and social circle represent the normal life he could have. Their innocence and moral clarity contrast sharply with his growing corruption, highlighting what he's sacrificing.
Premise
The kidnapping operation runs smoothly through multiple victims. The horrifying premise unfolds: a family conducting torture and murder while maintaining suburban normalcy. Upbeat 80s music contrasts with dark deeds.
Midpoint
A particularly brutal kidnapping or murder deeply affects Alejandro. His internal conflict reaches a breaking point - false victory of the operation's success masks the growing danger and his psychological deterioration.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies from multiple directions: Alejandro's conscience torments him, authorities begin investigating, and the family's crimes escalate. Arquimedes tightens control while Alejandro seeks escape but remains trapped by loyalty and fear.
Collapse
Alejandro's moral breaking point. A victim's death or the weight of accumulated guilt creates his darkest moment. The death of his innocence and the impossibility of redemption become clear. He cannot save himself or his victims.
Crisis
Alejandro exists in paralyzed despair, unable to act against his father or escape. The family continues operating while he processes the horror of what they've become. Dark night of complete moral compromise.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
External forces intervene: authorities close in on the Puccio operation. The decision is made for Alejandro - the law will end what he couldn't. Reality breaks through the family's bubble of impunity.
Synthesis
The arrest of the Puccio family unfolds. The facade crumbles as police raid the home. Arquimedes and his accomplices face justice. The family's crimes are exposed to society and themselves.
Transformation
Final image shows the captured family or Alejandro imprisoned. Unlike the opening normalcy, the truth is now visible. Transformation is complete but tragic - from complicit family to convicted criminals, from innocence to irredeemable guilt.