The Hitman's Bodyguard
With his reputation in tatters after the painfully unsuccessful delivery of a distinguished Japanese client, the former triple-A protection agent, Michael Bryce, is now reduced to a mere second-class bodyguard for hire, two years after the disgraceful incident. Under those circumstances, Bryce would do anything to prove his worth, and, before long, he accepts an offer from Interpol to escort the international assassin, Darius Kincaid, from Manchester to the Hague. The task seems simple: Bryce needs to transport him from point A to point B; nevertheless, the trip to the Netherlands is long and hazardous, and Kincaid--as the only one with the guts and enough hard evidence to testify against a tyrannical Belarusian dictator--is an obvious target. Undoubtedly, it's a tough job, as the mismatched duo will have to put aside their grudges, and race against the clock in a non-stop concerto for bullets. Can the hitman's bodyguard carry through the most important mission in his career?
Despite a mid-range budget of $30.0M, The Hitman's Bodyguard became a solid performer, earning $176.6M worldwide—a 489% return.
1 win & 8 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 Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Patrick Hughes's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 58 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Michael Bryce, elite AAA-rated bodyguard, successfully protects an arms dealer in London with precision and professionalism. He's at the top of his game, confident and meticulous.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Amelia calls Bryce for help: her convoy transporting witness Darius Kincaid to testify against dictator Dukhovich has been ambushed. Everyone is dead or compromised. She needs someone outside the system.. 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 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to After a brutal fight in a safehouse, Bryce makes the choice to fully commit to protecting Kincaid despite their history. He handcuffs them together and they escape in a boat, now bound together for the journey., moving from reaction to action.
At 60 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Bryce discovers the devastating truth: Amelia betrayed him two years ago, deliberately getting his client killed to protect her own operation. His entire worldview - built on trusting her - collapses. The stakes raise as they're pursued more aggressively., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Kincaid surrenders himself to save Bryce's life, getting captured by Dukhovich's men. Bryce is left alone, having lost his client - his worst nightmare and ultimate failure as a bodyguard. Everything he tried to control has fallen apart., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Bryce accepts he must embrace Kincaid's chaotic methods combined with his own skills. He lets go of perfect control and chooses the messy, uncertain path of trust and improvisation to rescue his friend., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Hitman's Bodyguard'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 Hitman's Bodyguard against these established plot points, we can identify how Patrick Hughes utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Hitman's Bodyguard within the action genre.
Patrick Hughes's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Patrick Hughes films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Hitman's Bodyguard takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Patrick Hughes filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Patrick Hughes analyses, see Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, The Expendables 3.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Michael Bryce, elite AAA-rated bodyguard, successfully protects an arms dealer in London with precision and professionalism. He's at the top of his game, confident and meticulous.
Theme
Bryce's therapist tells him "You can't control everything" - the core theme about control, trust, and learning to let go of perfectionism.
Worldbuilding
Flashback to two years earlier shows Bryce's perfect life: AAA rating, relationship with Interpol agent Amelia Roussel. Fast forward to present: he's now a disgraced bodyguard protecting low-level clients, lost his rating and Amelia after a client was killed. Meanwhile, hitman Darius Kincaid is captured.
Disruption
Amelia calls Bryce for help: her convoy transporting witness Darius Kincaid to testify against dictator Dukhovich has been ambushed. Everyone is dead or compromised. She needs someone outside the system.
Resistance
Bryce initially refuses - Kincaid is his nemesis who he's tried to kill multiple times. But Amelia appeals to his professionalism. Bryce reluctantly agrees, then discovers his client IS Kincaid. They bicker and fight while evading attackers, with Bryce insisting on his meticulous methods.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
After a brutal fight in a safehouse, Bryce makes the choice to fully commit to protecting Kincaid despite their history. He handcuffs them together and they escape in a boat, now bound together for the journey.
Mirror World
Kincaid talks about his wife Sonia, revealing his capacity for love and loyalty. This relationship subplot introduces the thematic counterpoint: Kincaid's chaotic but genuine approach to life versus Bryce's controlled but hollow existence.
Premise
The "buddy road trip" portion: Bryce and Kincaid travel across Europe, fighting off mercenaries while arguing about methods. Kincaid's chaos clashes with Bryce's control. Action set pieces include Amsterdam boat chase, bar fights, and highway battles. Their dynamic evolves from hatred to grudging respect.
Midpoint
Bryce discovers the devastating truth: Amelia betrayed him two years ago, deliberately getting his client killed to protect her own operation. His entire worldview - built on trusting her - collapses. The stakes raise as they're pursued more aggressively.
Opposition
Everything intensifies: Dukhovich's forces close in, Bryce is emotionally devastated by betrayal, and Amelia is revealed as compromised. Kincaid helps Bryce process the betrayal while they fight increasingly dangerous attacks. Their bond deepens as Bryce's control-freak methods keep failing.
Collapse
Kincaid surrenders himself to save Bryce's life, getting captured by Dukhovich's men. Bryce is left alone, having lost his client - his worst nightmare and ultimate failure as a bodyguard. Everything he tried to control has fallen apart.
Crisis
Bryce at his lowest point, must choose between running away or embracing chaos to save Kincaid. He processes that his need for control has been his weakness. Amelia arrives to help, seeking redemption.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Bryce accepts he must embrace Kincaid's chaotic methods combined with his own skills. He lets go of perfect control and chooses the messy, uncertain path of trust and improvisation to rescue his friend.
Synthesis
The finale: Bryce and Amelia mount a chaotic rescue of Kincaid, then fight through Dukhovich's forces to get him to The Hague. Bryce uses controlled chaos - blending both approaches. Massive action sequence culminates in Kincaid testifying and Dukhovich being convicted.
Transformation
Bryce sits peacefully with his therapist, no longer obsessed with control. He's accepted chaos and uncertainty. Kincaid crashes through the window - and instead of being upset, Bryce smiles and joins another adventure, transformed into someone who can embrace the unpredictable.