They Came Together
In New York City, couple Joel and Molly are having dinner with their couple friends, Kyle and Karen. In the general discussion of their respective relationships and how they met, Joel and Molly, in telling their story, say that it is exactly like a corny romantic comedy. The story they end up telling not only has every romantic comedy cliché thrown in, but it is told in the style of a romantic comedy, complete with crazy characters who should be smarter to figure out a smoother path to a happy ending for Joel and Molly. But that one romantic comedy element that is the big payoff may not be reality, or perhaps it is.
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%)
They Came Together (2014) exhibits carefully calibrated plot construction, characteristic of David Wain's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 23 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Joel and Molly sit at dinner with another couple, beginning to tell their "how we met" story. Establishes the framing device and their current relationship status as a married couple.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 9 minutes when Joel and Molly literally collide on the street, papers flying everywhere. The meet-cute disrupts both their ordinary routines and sets the romantic plot in motion, though they initially dislike each other.. At 11% 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 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Joel decides to ask Molly out on a proper date despite the conflict of interest. He makes an active choice to pursue the relationship, crossing into Act 2., moving from reaction to action.
At 41 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Joel and Molly declare their love for each other in an over-the-top romantic scene. False victory: everything seems perfect, but the secret about Joel's company threatening Molly's shop hasn't been revealed yet., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 61 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Molly discovers Joel works for the corporation trying to destroy her business. The relationship "dies" as she ends things, calling him a liar. Joel loses both the girl and his sense of self-worth., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 66 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Joel realizes he must choose Molly over his job and grand romantic gestures over corporate loyalty. He quits his job and prepares to win her back, synthesizing his corporate skills with genuine romantic intention., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
They Came Together's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping They Came Together against these established plot points, we can identify how David Wain utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish They Came Together within the comedy genre.
David Wain's Structural Approach
Among the 5 David Wain films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. They Came Together takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete David Wain filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more David Wain analyses, see Role Models, Wanderlust and A Futile and Stupid Gesture.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Joel and Molly sit at dinner with another couple, beginning to tell their "how we met" story. Establishes the framing device and their current relationship status as a married couple.
Theme
One of the dinner companions says, "People say New York is the most romantic city in the world." The theme: love in the big city, and how romantic comedy conventions play out in real life.
Worldbuilding
Flashback establishes Joel as a corporate executive at a candy conglomerate, and Molly as owner of a quirky independent candy shop. Both have baggage from previous relationships and are established as "opposites" in every rom-com cliché way.
Disruption
Joel and Molly literally collide on the street, papers flying everywhere. The meet-cute disrupts both their ordinary routines and sets the romantic plot in motion, though they initially dislike each other.
Resistance
Joel and Molly keep running into each other at various events. Friends and coworkers offer advice about dating. Joel debates whether to pursue Molly despite their differences and his corporate obligation to put her shop out of business.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Joel decides to ask Molly out on a proper date despite the conflict of interest. He makes an active choice to pursue the relationship, crossing into Act 2.
Mirror World
Their first date montage begins, showing them connecting on various activities. Molly's quirky worldview starts to influence Joel, teaching him about authenticity versus corporate sterility.
Premise
The "fun and games" of the romantic comedy: elaborate dates, meeting each other's friends and family, sexual mishaps, costume party sequences. Every rom-com trope is lovingly parodied as Joel and Molly fall for each other.
Midpoint
Joel and Molly declare their love for each other in an over-the-top romantic scene. False victory: everything seems perfect, but the secret about Joel's company threatening Molly's shop hasn't been revealed yet.
Opposition
The secret begins to emerge. Joel's ex-girlfriend returns, Molly's shop faces increasing pressure from the corporate candy chain. Friends start expressing doubts. External pressures and misunderstandings mount.
Collapse
Molly discovers Joel works for the corporation trying to destroy her business. The relationship "dies" as she ends things, calling him a liar. Joel loses both the girl and his sense of self-worth.
Crisis
Joel wallows in misery. Molly mourns the relationship. Both separately process the loss and what they truly value: corporate success versus authentic love and small business integrity.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Joel realizes he must choose Molly over his job and grand romantic gestures over corporate loyalty. He quits his job and prepares to win her back, synthesizing his corporate skills with genuine romantic intention.
Synthesis
Joel executes an elaborate plan to win Molly back, including a public declaration of love and sacrifice. Molly must decide whether to forgive him. All supporting characters help orchestrate the grand romantic finale.
Transformation
Back at the dinner table, we see Joel and Molly happily married, having transformed from cynical urbanites into true believers in romantic comedy love. The final image mirrors the opening but shows they've embraced the fairy tale.