The Hidden
An alien parasite with the ability to possess human bodies goes on a violent crime spree in LA, committing dozens of murders and robberies. In pursuit of the extraterrestrial criminal is an FBI agent, and the local officer investigating the rash of violence. As they close in on the vicious intruder, the city faces a brutal threat like no other it has ever encountered.
Working with a small-scale budget of $5.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $9.7M in global revenue (+95% profit margin).
4 wins & 6 nominations
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 Hidden (1987) exemplifies precise plot construction, characteristic of Jack Sholder's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 36 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes A mild-mannered citizen suddenly goes on a violent crime spree, robbing a bank and killing civilians, establishing a world where something is deeply wrong.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when The criminal suspect dies in the hospital, but immediately another ordinary citizen begins exhibiting the same violent behavior pattern, suggesting something transferable is causing the rampage.. 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 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The alien parasite takes a host close to power—a senator—raising the stakes exponentially. What seemed like a containable threat now has access to political control., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 72 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The alien parasite infiltrates Beck's own home and threatens his family directly. Gallagher is critically wounded, near death, and may not survive to complete the mission., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Beck and the dying Gallagher track the parasite to its final host. In a climactic confrontation, they destroy the creature. Gallagher transfers his essence into the dead partner's body to survive and continue the friendship., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Hidden's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping The Hidden against these established plot points, we can identify how Jack Sholder utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Hidden within the crime genre.
Jack Sholder's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Jack Sholder films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Hidden takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jack Sholder filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds. For more Jack Sholder analyses, see Renegades, A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
A mild-mannered citizen suddenly goes on a violent crime spree, robbing a bank and killing civilians, establishing a world where something is deeply wrong.
Theme
Detective Beck discusses how people aren't always what they seem on the surface, foreshadowing the theme of hidden identities and the duality of human nature.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of Detective Tom Beck, his family life, and the LAPD investigation into bizarre murders. FBI Agent Lloyd Gallagher arrives with inside knowledge of the case.
Disruption
The criminal suspect dies in the hospital, but immediately another ordinary citizen begins exhibiting the same violent behavior pattern, suggesting something transferable is causing the rampage.
Resistance
Beck reluctantly partners with the mysterious Gallagher, who seems to know too much. Beck debates whether to trust this strange FBI agent as they track the new suspect.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Beck and Gallagher hunt the parasite through various hosts across Los Angeles. The "buddy cop" promise of the premise plays out with an alien twist as they track the creature's hedonistic rampage.
Midpoint
The alien parasite takes a host close to power—a senator—raising the stakes exponentially. What seemed like a containable threat now has access to political control.
Opposition
The parasite grows stronger and more dangerous with each host transfer. Gallagher's human body weakens. Beck's family becomes endangered as the case consumes his life.
Collapse
The alien parasite infiltrates Beck's own home and threatens his family directly. Gallagher is critically wounded, near death, and may not survive to complete the mission.
Crisis
Beck faces the darkness of nearly losing everything. Gallagher reveals he's dying, and Beck must decide if he can finish this alone or if their partnership means risking everything.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Beck and the dying Gallagher track the parasite to its final host. In a climactic confrontation, they destroy the creature. Gallagher transfers his essence into the dead partner's body to survive and continue the friendship.