The Marvels
When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, Carol's powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol's estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe.
The film underperformed commercially against its major studio investment of $274.8M, earning $206.1M globally (-25% loss).
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 Marvels (2023) showcases precise story structure, characteristic of Nia DaCosta's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 45 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) is shown working alone in space, having isolated herself from Earth and her past relationships. Kamala Khan is a enthusiastic superhero fangirl living her normal teenage life in Jersey City. Monica Rambeau is a S.A.B.E.R. Astronaut dealing with unresolved feelings about Carol abandoning her as a child.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The three heroes' powers become entangled due to their light-based abilities and the quantum bands. Whenever they use their powers simultaneously, they involuntarily switch places with each other. This creates chaos as Carol materializes in Kamala's bedroom and Kamala appears on the space station.. 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 illustrates the protagonist's commitment to The three heroes make the active choice to work as a team despite their differences and the entanglement. They commit to training together to master their switching ability and stop Dar-Benn. Carol accepts she can't solve this alone and must reconnect with others., moving from reaction to action.
At 53 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False defeat: Dar-Benn successfully tears another massive rift in space, causing Aladna's atmosphere and water to be stolen. The heroes realize the threat is escalating beyond their control. Dar-Benn obtains intelligence about Earth's sun being her next target. The stakes are raised to planetary extinction level., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Monica is trapped in another dimension/reality after sealing a rift to save everyone. She is presumed dead or lost forever. This represents the "death" of their newly formed team and the ultimate cost of heroism. Carol is devastated, having finally reconnected with Monica only to lose her., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Kamala inspires Carol with Monica's sacrifice, reminding her that their connection - though painful - is what makes them heroes. Carol realizes that working together and accepting love/family is worth the risk of loss. She synthesizes her power and experience with Kamala's hope and Monica's courage. They commit to the final battle for Earth., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Marvels'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 Marvels against these established plot points, we can identify how Nia DaCosta utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Marvels within the science fiction genre.
Nia DaCosta's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Nia DaCosta films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Marvels takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nia DaCosta filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional science fiction films include Lake Placid, The Postman and Oblivion. For more Nia DaCosta analyses, see Candyman.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) is shown working alone in space, having isolated herself from Earth and her past relationships. Kamala Khan is a enthusiastic superhero fangirl living her normal teenage life in Jersey City. Monica Rambeau is a S.A.B.E.R. astronaut dealing with unresolved feelings about Carol abandoning her as a child.
Theme
Kamala's mother discusses the importance of family and working together: "We are stronger together than apart." This establishes the film's central theme about collaboration, healing broken relationships, and the power of teamwork over isolation.
Worldbuilding
We learn about the three heroes' separate worlds: Carol's self-imposed exile in space to fix problems she caused, Monica's work at S.A.B.E.R. space station and her resentment toward Carol, and Kamala's life as Ms. Marvel balancing superhero duties with family expectations. The Kree civilization and Dar-Benn's quest for the quantum bands is introduced.
Disruption
The three heroes' powers become entangled due to their light-based abilities and the quantum bands. Whenever they use their powers simultaneously, they involuntarily switch places with each other. This creates chaos as Carol materializes in Kamala's bedroom and Kamala appears on the space station.
Resistance
The three heroes struggle to understand their entanglement and debate what to do. Nick Fury helps coordinate their efforts. They awkwardly try to work together while switching places unpredictably. Monica confronts Carol about abandoning her. Carol resists forming connections. They discover Dar-Benn is using a quantum band to tear holes in space.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The three heroes make the active choice to work as a team despite their differences and the entanglement. They commit to training together to master their switching ability and stop Dar-Benn. Carol accepts she can't solve this alone and must reconnect with others.
Mirror World
The relationship between the three heroes deepens as they begin training and bonding. Kamala's optimism and joy for heroism serves as a mirror to Carol's cynicism. Monica and Carol begin addressing their fractured mother-daughter-like relationship. The theme of "stronger together" manifests through their growing connection.
Premise
The heroes learn to choreograph their switching powers in creative and entertaining ways. They travel to various locations tracking Dar-Benn, including the musical planet Aladna where Carol is married to Prince Yan. Action sequences showcase their teamwork improving. Kamala brings levity and hope while Carol begins to open up emotionally.
Midpoint
False defeat: Dar-Benn successfully tears another massive rift in space, causing Aladna's atmosphere and water to be stolen. The heroes realize the threat is escalating beyond their control. Dar-Benn obtains intelligence about Earth's sun being her next target. The stakes are raised to planetary extinction level.
Opposition
Dar-Benn grows more powerful and desperate, moving closer to destroying Earth. The heroes' personal conflicts resurface under pressure. Monica confronts Carol about the pain of abandonment. Carol's guilt over past mistakes threatens to paralyze her. Dar-Benn's forces close in and the rifts grow more dangerous. Kamala's family is put in danger.
Collapse
Monica is trapped in another dimension/reality after sealing a rift to save everyone. She is presumed dead or lost forever. This represents the "death" of their newly formed team and the ultimate cost of heroism. Carol is devastated, having finally reconnected with Monica only to lose her.
Crisis
Carol spirals into grief and guilt, believing she's lost Monica because of her past failures. Kamala and the team mourn. Carol questions whether connection is worth the pain of loss. The team processes whether they can continue without Monica and face Dar-Benn's final attack on Earth.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Kamala inspires Carol with Monica's sacrifice, reminding her that their connection - though painful - is what makes them heroes. Carol realizes that working together and accepting love/family is worth the risk of loss. She synthesizes her power and experience with Kamala's hope and Monica's courage. They commit to the final battle for Earth.
Synthesis
The final battle against Dar-Benn. Carol and Kamala work in perfect synchronization, their entanglement now an advantage. Carol confronts Dar-Benn and understands her motivations. They save Earth by closing the rifts. Carol makes peace with her past mistakes. Kamala proves herself as a true hero. The team dynamic reaches its full potential.
Transformation
Carol is shown back on Earth with Kamala and her family, no longer isolated in space. She has embraced connection and family. Kamala has matured as a hero. The closing image mirrors the opening isolation but shows Carol choosing community. A mid-credits scene reveals Monica alive in another universe, giving hope for reunion.