The Package
Experienced Green Beret sergeant Johnny Gallagher is escorting a prisoner, Airborne Ranger Thomas Boyette, back to the US, but Boyette escapes and Gallagher must risk life and limb to catch him.
The film underperformed commercially against its respectable budget of $16.0M, earning $10.6M globally (-33% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unique voice within the crime genre.
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 Package (1989) reveals deliberately positioned narrative architecture, characteristic of Andrew Davis's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 48 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when During a terrorist ambush in Berlin, a prisoner named Thomas Boyette is wounded. Gallagher is ordered to escort this mysterious prisoner back to the United States for medical treatment, pulling him away from his normal duties into an unexpected assignment.. 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.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Gallagher discovers the conspiracy involves an assassination plot against a Soviet leader during an upcoming peace summit in Chicago. False defeat: he realizes he's up against powerful elements within his own military, not just external enemies. The stakes are now global., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 81 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, One of Gallagher's few remaining allies is killed. He's completely discredited within the military system, and the assassination is imminent. He has no official support, no proof anyone will believe, and the conspiracy appears unstoppable. Dark night moment: the system he served has completely turned against him., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale at the peace summit. Gallagher infiltrates the event, locates the sniper team, and engages in a tense confrontation. He exposes Colonel Whitacre and the conspirators, prevents the assassination, and saves the peace process. Action climax combining his military skills with his newfound distrust of blind loyalty., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Package's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Package against these established plot points, we can identify how Andrew Davis utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Package within the crime genre.
Andrew Davis's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Andrew Davis films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Package takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Andrew Davis filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds. For more Andrew Davis analyses, see Code of Silence, Holes and Chain Reaction.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupTheme
A superior officer comments on trust and duty: "Sometimes the people you trust the most are the ones who betray you." This plants the film's central question about institutional loyalty versus personal integrity.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Cold War tensions, military protocols, and Gallagher's world. We meet his team, see his methodical approach to security, and understand the high stakes of the peace summit environment. His strained relationship with his ex-wife Eileen is introduced.
Disruption
During a terrorist ambush in Berlin, a prisoner named Thomas Boyette is wounded. Gallagher is ordered to escort this mysterious prisoner back to the United States for medical treatment, pulling him away from his normal duties into an unexpected assignment.
Resistance
Gallagher reluctantly accepts the prisoner transport mission. During the flight, he struggles with protocol versus instinct. The prisoner escapes at the airport in an impossibly orchestrated manner, making Gallagher realize something is very wrong. His superiors seem unconcerned, which deepens his suspicion.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Gallagher investigates, uncovering clues about a conspiracy. He works with Eileen, following leads through Chicago's underworld and military circles. The "fun and games" of detective work: chasing leads, discovering the prisoner wasn't who he claimed to be, and piecing together that something big is planned.
Midpoint
Gallagher discovers the conspiracy involves an assassination plot against a Soviet leader during an upcoming peace summit in Chicago. False defeat: he realizes he's up against powerful elements within his own military, not just external enemies. The stakes are now global.
Opposition
The conspirators close in. Gallagher and Eileen are hunted by both the conspirators and official military forces who think he's gone rogue. His former colleague Colonel Whitacre is revealed to be part of the plot. Trust erodes, pressure mounts, and they're increasingly isolated.
Collapse
One of Gallagher's few remaining allies is killed. He's completely discredited within the military system, and the assassination is imminent. He has no official support, no proof anyone will believe, and the conspiracy appears unstoppable. Dark night moment: the system he served has completely turned against him.
Crisis
Gallagher processes his isolation and the betrayal by his institution. He nearly gives up but Eileen reminds him of what's at stake. He must choose between self-preservation and stopping a conspiracy that could reignite the Cold War.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale at the peace summit. Gallagher infiltrates the event, locates the sniper team, and engages in a tense confrontation. He exposes Colonel Whitacre and the conspirators, prevents the assassination, and saves the peace process. Action climax combining his military skills with his newfound distrust of blind loyalty.