The Kid
Powerful businessman Russ Duritz is self-absorbed and immersed in his work. But by the magic of the moon, he meets Rusty, a chubby, charming 8-year-old version of himself who can't believe he could turn out so badly – with no life and no dog. With Rusty's help, Russ is able to reconcile the person he used to dream of being with the man he's actually become.
Working with a moderate budget of $65.0M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $110.3M in global revenue (+70% profit margin).
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 Kid (2000) showcases precise story structure, characteristic of Jon Turteltaub's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 44 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Russ Duritz, a successful but cold image consultant, berates a client and shows his emotionally disconnected, perfectionist lifestyle. He has no wife, no dog, no meaningful relationships - just work.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Russ encounters a strange, chubby kid in his house who seems oddly familiar. The boy won't leave and Russ can't explain his presence - reality is disrupted.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Russ realizes and accepts the impossible truth: the kid is Rusty, his 8-year-old self from 1968. He chooses to engage with this mystery rather than run from it, entering a journey into his past., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat False defeat: Russ and Rusty discover the core wound - the day young Rusty was humiliated at school and his mother didn't defend him. The stakes raise as they realize they need to change this past moment or Russ will remain broken forever., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All is lost: Russ reverts to his cold, defensive self and drives Amy away permanently. He believes he can't change. Rusty prepares to disappear, and with him, Russ's chance at redemption. The "death" of hope and transformation., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Russ takes action on his new understanding: he pursues Amy, makes amends, opens his heart, and chooses to live differently. The finale reveals that future Russ (at 60) also appears, showing that the transformation sticks - he becomes a pilot with a family, fulfilling childhood dreams., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Kid's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping The Kid against these established plot points, we can identify how Jon Turteltaub utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Kid within the fantasy genre.
Jon Turteltaub's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Jon Turteltaub films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Kid takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jon Turteltaub filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever. For more Jon Turteltaub analyses, see National Treasure, Cool Runnings and Phenomenon.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Russ Duritz, a successful but cold image consultant, berates a client and shows his emotionally disconnected, perfectionist lifestyle. He has no wife, no dog, no meaningful relationships - just work.
Theme
Russ's assistant Janet observes that he's "not a very happy person" and suggests he's missing something important in his life, foreshadowing his need to reconnect with his past self.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Russ's empty, controlled world: his sterile house, his demanding work, his inability to connect with others including potential love interest Amy. He's approaching 40 and has achieved success but lost himself.
Disruption
Russ encounters a strange, chubby kid in his house who seems oddly familiar. The boy won't leave and Russ can't explain his presence - reality is disrupted.
Resistance
Russ tries to understand who this kid is and why he's there. He resists the impossible truth, attempts to get rid of him, and debates whether he's having a breakdown. The kid challenges everything about Russ's life.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Russ realizes and accepts the impossible truth: the kid is Rusty, his 8-year-old self from 1968. He chooses to engage with this mystery rather than run from it, entering a journey into his past.
Premise
The "fun and games" of adult Russ and kid Rusty navigating life together: Rusty experiences the future, Russ rediscovers play and emotion. They investigate why Rusty appeared, looking for the pivotal moment that changed everything.
Midpoint
False defeat: Russ and Rusty discover the core wound - the day young Rusty was humiliated at school and his mother didn't defend him. The stakes raise as they realize they need to change this past moment or Russ will remain broken forever.
Opposition
Pressure mounts as Russ's 40th birthday approaches and Rusty may disappear. Russ struggles to change while his old patterns resurface. His relationship with Amy deteriorates as his fear of vulnerability pushes her away. Time is running out.
Collapse
All is lost: Russ reverts to his cold, defensive self and drives Amy away permanently. He believes he can't change. Rusty prepares to disappear, and with him, Russ's chance at redemption. The "death" of hope and transformation.
Crisis
Dark night of the soul: Russ faces his deepest pain and loneliness. He sits with the reality of what he's become and what he's lost. The emotional reckoning with his past trauma and his mother's death.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Russ takes action on his new understanding: he pursues Amy, makes amends, opens his heart, and chooses to live differently. The finale reveals that future Russ (at 60) also appears, showing that the transformation sticks - he becomes a pilot with a family, fulfilling childhood dreams.