Turbulence
On a flight transporting dangerous convicts, murderer Ryan Weaver manages to break free and cause complete chaos throughout the plane. As various people on board fall victim to Weaver, it is ultimately down to flight attendant Teri Halloran to keep the aircraft from crashing, with on-ground support from an air traffic controller. While Halloran struggles to pilot the plane, Weaver continues to terrorize the surviving members of the crew.
The film box office disappointment against its respectable budget of $55.0M, earning $11.5M globally (-79% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the action 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%)
Turbulence (1997) exhibits meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Robert Butler's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Flight attendant Teri Halloran prepares for a Christmas Eve flight, appearing calm and professional but showing subtle signs of fear of flying. She boards the 747 that will transport dangerous criminals.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when After takeoff, Stubbs breaks free and attacks the guards. In the chaos, Ryan Weaver also escapes his restraints. Stubbs is killed, but Weaver gains control of the situation, killing the marshals.. 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.
The First Threshold at 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Ryan's true psychopathic nature is revealed when he murders the pilots. Teri realizes she must take control of the plane herself, crossing from passive crew member to active survivor fighting for her life., moving from reaction to action.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Ryan takes full control of the plane and appears to have Teri trapped. The situation escalates as the aircraft enters dangerous turbulence, raising the stakes dramatically. False defeat - survival seems impossible., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ryan brutally attacks Teri and appears to have won. The plane is critically damaged and running out of fuel, heading toward populated Los Angeles. All seems lost - death appears certain for Teri and thousands below., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Teri overcomes her fear and injuries, realizing she has the knowledge and courage to both defeat Ryan and land the plane. She synthesizes her flight training with survival instinct for one final confrontation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Turbulence's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Turbulence against these established plot points, we can identify how Robert Butler utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Turbulence within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Flight attendant Teri Halloran prepares for a Christmas Eve flight, appearing calm and professional but showing subtle signs of fear of flying. She boards the 747 that will transport dangerous criminals.
Theme
Ryan Weaver charmingly tells Teri "You never really know someone until you see them under pressure," foreshadowing the film's exploration of true character revealed through crisis.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of the flight crew, the handful of passengers, and two shackled prisoners being transported: the seemingly charming Ryan Weaver and the crude Stubbs. The FBI agents escort them aboard, establishing security protocols.
Disruption
After takeoff, Stubbs breaks free and attacks the guards. In the chaos, Ryan Weaver also escapes his restraints. Stubbs is killed, but Weaver gains control of the situation, killing the marshals.
Resistance
Teri and the crew try to assess the situation and communicate with ground control. Ryan appears helpful and cooperative, creating doubt about his dangerousness. Teri debates whether to trust him or resist.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Ryan's true psychopathic nature is revealed when he murders the pilots. Teri realizes she must take control of the plane herself, crossing from passive crew member to active survivor fighting for her life.
Mirror World
Teri establishes radio contact with ground control, particularly connecting with flight instructor Ben. This relationship becomes her lifeline and represents the hope and support that will help her survive.
Premise
Cat-and-mouse thriller between Teri and Ryan unfolds aboard the 747. Teri attempts to fly the plane with ground control guidance while evading and outsmarting the killer, using her knowledge of the aircraft.
Midpoint
Ryan takes full control of the plane and appears to have Teri trapped. The situation escalates as the aircraft enters dangerous turbulence, raising the stakes dramatically. False defeat - survival seems impossible.
Opposition
Ryan systematically eliminates remaining crew and passengers. Teri fights back but faces increasing danger from both the killer and the failing aircraft systems. Ground control struggles to help as options dwindle.
Collapse
Ryan brutally attacks Teri and appears to have won. The plane is critically damaged and running out of fuel, heading toward populated Los Angeles. All seems lost - death appears certain for Teri and thousands below.
Crisis
Teri, badly injured, must find the strength to continue. She faces her deepest fears of flying and death, processing the horror while ground control and military prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Teri overcomes her fear and injuries, realizing she has the knowledge and courage to both defeat Ryan and land the plane. She synthesizes her flight training with survival instinct for one final confrontation.
Synthesis
Teri battles Ryan in a final confrontation, ultimately defeating him. She then attempts the nearly impossible landing with ground control's guidance, navigating the damaged 747 toward LAX as fuel runs out.
Transformation
Teri successfully crash-lands the plane, saving herself and the city. Emergency crews arrive as she emerges from the aircraft - transformed from fearful flight attendant to heroic survivor who conquered her greatest fears.