Troll Factory
A crime drama that takes place when reporter Im Sang-jin, who learned of the existence of the 'comment army' through a report on online public opinion manipulation, encounters a huge entity in the process of covering them.
The film earned $6.7M at the global box office.
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%)
Troll Factory (2024) showcases precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Ahn Gooc-jin's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 49 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.6, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Im Sang-jin struggles as a low-level journalist, desperate for a breakthrough story while facing financial pressures and professional frustration.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Sang-jin is recruited by a mysterious organization running a "comment manipulation team" - a troll factory that shapes public opinion through coordinated online campaigns.. 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 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Sang-jin actively chooses to join the troll factory, accepting his role in manipulating public discourse. He crosses the moral line and enters the world of professional disinformation., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False victory: Sang-jin's campaign successfully manipulates a major political event, earning him recognition and a promotion. He feels powerful and in control, but the stakes have raised significantly., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 82 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The operation is exposed or someone dies as a result of their disinformation campaign. Sang-jin faces the devastating human cost of his actions. His moral compromise has led to tragedy., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 87 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Sang-jin decides to expose the entire operation. He chooses truth over self-preservation, gathering evidence and preparing to become a whistleblower despite the personal cost., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Troll Factory'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 Troll Factory against these established plot points, we can identify how Ahn Gooc-jin utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Troll Factory within the crime genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Im Sang-jin struggles as a low-level journalist, desperate for a breakthrough story while facing financial pressures and professional frustration.
Theme
A colleague warns: "The truth doesn't matter anymore. Only what people believe matters." This establishes the film's exploration of truth versus manipulation in the digital age.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the world of online media, struggling journalists, and the underbelly of South Korea's digital information ecosystem. We see Sang-jin's financial desperation and ethical compromises.
Disruption
Sang-jin is recruited by a mysterious organization running a "comment manipulation team" - a troll factory that shapes public opinion through coordinated online campaigns.
Resistance
Sang-jin debates whether to join the troll factory. He observes their operations, learns about the money involved, and wrestles with ethical concerns while his financial needs push him toward acceptance.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Sang-jin actively chooses to join the troll factory, accepting his role in manipulating public discourse. He crosses the moral line and enters the world of professional disinformation.
Mirror World
Sang-jin encounters a fellow team member who still maintains some moral boundaries, representing the conscience he's abandoning. This relationship becomes his thematic mirror.
Premise
The "fun and games" of running disinformation campaigns. Sang-jin becomes skilled at manipulation, enjoys the power and money, and witnesses the real-world impact of manufactured narratives on elections and public opinion.
Midpoint
False victory: Sang-jin's campaign successfully manipulates a major political event, earning him recognition and a promotion. He feels powerful and in control, but the stakes have raised significantly.
Opposition
The operation intensifies with darker assignments. Journalists investigating the troll factory get closer. Sang-jin's personal life deteriorates. His moral mirror character challenges him, and the real-world consequences of their lies become undeniable.
Collapse
The operation is exposed or someone dies as a result of their disinformation campaign. Sang-jin faces the devastating human cost of his actions. His moral compromise has led to tragedy.
Crisis
Sang-jin confronts the depth of his betrayal of journalistic ethics and his own values. He processes the damage he's caused and faces potential legal consequences and personal ruin.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Sang-jin decides to expose the entire operation. He chooses truth over self-preservation, gathering evidence and preparing to become a whistleblower despite the personal cost.
Synthesis
Sang-jin executes his plan to expose the troll factory, facing threats and opposition. He uses his insider knowledge and journalistic skills to document and reveal the truth he once helped suppress.
Transformation
Sang-jin has reclaimed his integrity as a journalist. Though he may face consequences, he's transformed from a manipulator of truth into its defender, understanding that truth does matter.