The Ex
When his lawyer wife, Sofia, becomes pregnant, chronic underachiever Tom Reilly must take a job at his father-in-law's advertising firm. Tom has to adjust to the demands of a very high-powered job, and he finds himself in an increasingly hostile office rivalry with Chip, Sofia's paraplegic former lover.
The film earned $5.2M 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 Ex (2006) reveals deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Jesse Peretz's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 30 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Tom and Sofia are happy new parents in New York City, establishing their life together with their newborn baby, though Tom struggles with his identity as a stay-at-home dad.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Sofia gets a major promotion that requires the family to move to Ohio, forcing Tom to give up his New York life and take a job at her father's ad agency where her ex-boyfriend Chip works.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Tom starts his first day at the ad agency and meets Chip, Sofia's paraplegic ex-boyfriend, committing to prove himself in this new world while navigating the awkward dynamic., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Tom discovers the extent of Chip's manipulation and sabotage. His professional reputation is seriously damaged, and Sofia begins to doubt Tom's claims about Chip, creating a false defeat that raises the stakes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 67 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tom reaches his breaking point and either gets fired, has a major blowout with Sofia, or publicly humiliates himself trying to prove Chip's deception. His marriage and career hit rock bottom., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Tom gains evidence of Chip's manipulation or has a realization that allows him to expose the truth. He decides to fight for his marriage and dignity using his own talents rather than Chip's tactics., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Ex'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 Ex against these established plot points, we can identify how Jesse Peretz utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Ex within the comedy genre.
Jesse Peretz's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jesse Peretz films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Ex takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jesse Peretz filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jesse Peretz analyses, see Our Idiot Brother.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Tom and Sofia are happy new parents in New York City, establishing their life together with their newborn baby, though Tom struggles with his identity as a stay-at-home dad.
Theme
Sofia or another character mentions the importance of supporting your partner and finding your own identity, foreshadowing Tom's journey to prove himself professionally while maintaining his marriage.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Tom's life as a stay-at-home dad in NYC, his insecurities about his role, Sofia's thriving career, and their family dynamics. Tom's frustration with not contributing financially grows.
Disruption
Sofia gets a major promotion that requires the family to move to Ohio, forcing Tom to give up his New York life and take a job at her father's ad agency where her ex-boyfriend Chip works.
Resistance
Tom debates the move and struggles with his wounded pride. The family relocates to Ohio, and Tom reluctantly prepares to start his new job, meeting the eccentric office characters and learning about Chip.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Tom starts his first day at the ad agency and meets Chip, Sofia's paraplegic ex-boyfriend, committing to prove himself in this new world while navigating the awkward dynamic.
Mirror World
Tom bonds with his quirky coworkers and begins to navigate the office politics, while Chip represents everything Tom fears: successful, still connected to Sofia's past, and seemingly perfect despite his disability.
Premise
The "fun and games" of Tom trying to succeed at work while Chip systematically sabotages him. Tom faces escalating pranks and professional undermining while trying to maintain his composure and marriage.
Midpoint
Tom discovers the extent of Chip's manipulation and sabotage. His professional reputation is seriously damaged, and Sofia begins to doubt Tom's claims about Chip, creating a false defeat that raises the stakes.
Opposition
Tom's situation deteriorates as Chip's schemes intensify. Tom's marriage becomes strained as Sofia sides with Chip, Tom's job performance suffers, and his attempts to expose Chip backfire, making him look paranoid and unstable.
Collapse
Tom reaches his breaking point and either gets fired, has a major blowout with Sofia, or publicly humiliates himself trying to prove Chip's deception. His marriage and career hit rock bottom.
Crisis
Tom wallows in his failure, questioning his worth as a husband and professional. He reflects on his insecurities and realizes he's been so focused on competing with Chip that he's lost sight of what matters.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tom gains evidence of Chip's manipulation or has a realization that allows him to expose the truth. He decides to fight for his marriage and dignity using his own talents rather than Chip's tactics.
Synthesis
Tom executes his plan to reveal Chip's true nature to Sofia and the office. He confronts Chip publicly, exposes the sabotage, and demonstrates his own worth through his creative work and integrity.
Transformation
Tom and Sofia reconcile, stronger than before. Tom has found confidence in himself independent of external validation, maintaining both his professional dignity and his role as a supportive partner and father.