The Son of Bigfoot
Teenage outsider Adam sets out on an epic and daring quest to uncover the mystery behind his long-lost dad, only to find out that he is none other than the legendary Bigfoot! He has been hiding deep in the forest for years to protect himself and his family from HairCo., a giant corporation eager to run scientific experiments with his special DNA. As father and son start making up for lost time after the boy's initial disbelief, Adam soon discovers that he too is gifted with superpowers beyond his imagination. But little do they know, HairCo. is on their tail as Adam's traces have led them to Bigfoot!
Working with a mid-range budget of $30.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $46.4M in global revenue (+55% 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 Son of Bigfoot (2017) showcases strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of Jérémie Degruson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 32 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Adam is an awkward teenager bullied at school, living with his mother Shelly in a small town. He's a loner who gets harassed by bullies and struggles to fit in.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Adam discovers a mysterious package containing a hair sample and evidence suggesting his father may still be alive. This shatters the belief that his father died years ago.. 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 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Adam makes the active choice to run away from home and venture into the forest to search for his father, crossing into the unknown wilderness despite his mother's warnings., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: The evil corporation HairCo, led by the villain, discovers Bigfoot's location. The stakes raise dramatically as the antagonist closes in, threatening to capture Adam's father for experimentation., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Bigfoot is captured by HairCo and taken away for experimentation. Adam loses his father just after finding him. This represents the death of hope and Adam's failure to protect his family., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 74 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Adam synthesizes what he's learned from his father about acceptance and courage. He embraces his own "Bigfoot" nature, rallies his forest friends, and chooses to launch a rescue mission against HairCo., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Son of Bigfoot'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 Son of Bigfoot against these established plot points, we can identify how Jérémie Degruson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Son of Bigfoot within the family genre.
Jérémie Degruson's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jérémie Degruson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Son of Bigfoot takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jérémie Degruson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional family films include The Bad Guys, Like A Rolling Stone and Cats Don't Dance. For more Jérémie Degruson analyses, see Bigfoot Family.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Adam is an awkward teenager bullied at school, living with his mother Shelly in a small town. He's a loner who gets harassed by bullies and struggles to fit in.
Theme
Adam's mother tells him "Your father would be proud of you" and speaks about being true to yourself despite what others think - establishing the theme of self-acceptance and family identity.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Adam's world: his strained school life, his relationship with his protective mother, his curiosity about his missing father, and his isolation from peers. We see his inventive nature and gift for gadgets.
Disruption
Adam discovers a mysterious package containing a hair sample and evidence suggesting his father may still be alive. This shatters the belief that his father died years ago.
Resistance
Adam investigates clues about his father, debates whether to pursue this dangerous truth, and prepares to leave home. His mother tries to protect him from the truth while Adam grows determined to find answers.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Adam makes the active choice to run away from home and venture into the forest to search for his father, crossing into the unknown wilderness despite his mother's warnings.
Mirror World
Adam encounters his father - Bigfoot - for the first time. This relationship will teach Adam about acceptance, identity, and what it means to be different. His father represents the outcast who has learned to embrace who he is.
Premise
The "fun and games" of Adam bonding with his Bigfoot father, learning about his own emerging abilities, meeting forest animals who can communicate, and discovering the magic of the wilderness. Father and son connect.
Midpoint
False defeat: The evil corporation HairCo, led by the villain, discovers Bigfoot's location. The stakes raise dramatically as the antagonist closes in, threatening to capture Adam's father for experimentation.
Opposition
HairCo intensifies their hunt. Adam and his father must evade capture while Adam's insecurities about being different resurface. The corporation's forces close in, and Adam's friendship with his father is tested.
Collapse
Bigfoot is captured by HairCo and taken away for experimentation. Adam loses his father just after finding him. This represents the death of hope and Adam's failure to protect his family.
Crisis
Adam experiences despair and doubt. He must process the loss and confront his own fear of being different. He questions whether he can save his father and whether he has the courage to embrace who he really is.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Adam synthesizes what he's learned from his father about acceptance and courage. He embraces his own "Bigfoot" nature, rallies his forest friends, and chooses to launch a rescue mission against HairCo.
Synthesis
The finale: Adam leads the forest animals in an assault on HairCo headquarters. He uses both his human ingenuity and his Bigfoot abilities to rescue his father, defeat the villain, and expose the corporation's crimes.
Transformation
Adam returns to school confident and self-assured, no longer ashamed of being different. He stands up to bullies and embraces his unique identity. The closing image shows a transformed teen who has found his place.