Two Weeks Notice
Despite a mid-range budget of $60.0M, Two Weeks Notice became a financial success, earning $199.0M worldwide—a 232% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Lucy Kelson protests outside a building demolition site, establishing her as a passionate, idealistic environmental lawyer fighting for community preservation against corporate development.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when George offers Lucy a job as his chief counsel with the promise to save the community center she's fighting for. She's torn between her principles and the opportunity to make real change from inside.. At 10% 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 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 20% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Lucy accepts George's job offer and enters his world of wealth and privilege. She makes the active choice to compromise her outsider status to work from within, beginning her new life as George's chief counsel., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Lucy reaches her breaking point with George's constant demands and gives her two weeks notice. False defeat: she thinks leaving will free her, but she's actually running from her feelings. Stakes raise as their time together becomes limited., 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 (61% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lucy's last day arrives. George hires June as her replacement. Lucy watches George with June, believing she's been replaced both professionally and personally. The death of their relationship seems final as she prepares to leave his life forever., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 66% of the runtime. George realizes he loves Lucy and doesn't need another assistant—he needs her. Lucy realizes she can have both principles and love. They each gain clarity that their relationship matters more than pride or professional boundaries., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Two Weeks Notice'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 Two Weeks Notice against these established plot points, we can identify how the filmmaker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Two Weeks Notice within its genre.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Lucy Kelson protests outside a building demolition site, establishing her as a passionate, idealistic environmental lawyer fighting for community preservation against corporate development.
Theme
Lucy's mother or colleague suggests that sometimes you have to work within the system to change it, hinting at the compromise between idealism and pragmatism that defines Lucy's arc.
Worldbuilding
Establish Lucy's world of activism and principle, her dedication to causes over personal comfort. Introduce George Wade, wealthy playboy developer who represents everything she opposes. Show his dependence on staff for basic decisions.
Disruption
George offers Lucy a job as his chief counsel with the promise to save the community center she's fighting for. She's torn between her principles and the opportunity to make real change from inside.
Resistance
Lucy debates taking the job, consulting with family and friends. She rationalizes that she can use George's resources for good causes. George pursues her, showing unusual interest in having her specifically.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Lucy accepts George's job offer and enters his world of wealth and privilege. She makes the active choice to compromise her outsider status to work from within, beginning her new life as George's chief counsel.
Mirror World
Lucy and George begin their working relationship. Their chemistry becomes apparent as they clash and connect. George becomes increasingly dependent on Lucy for everything, not just legal advice, blurring professional boundaries.
Premise
The promise of the premise: Lucy tries to maintain her principles while working for George, who increasingly relies on her for every decision. Comedy from their opposites-attract dynamic and her frustration with his neediness versus growing affection.
Midpoint
Lucy reaches her breaking point with George's constant demands and gives her two weeks notice. False defeat: she thinks leaving will free her, but she's actually running from her feelings. Stakes raise as their time together becomes limited.
Opposition
During her notice period, George interviews replacements. Lucy becomes jealous, realizing her feelings. George begins to understand what he's losing. Both sabotage the replacement interviews. Tension builds as neither admits their true feelings.
Collapse
Lucy's last day arrives. George hires June as her replacement. Lucy watches George with June, believing she's been replaced both professionally and personally. The death of their relationship seems final as she prepares to leave his life forever.
Crisis
Lucy processes her loss, returning to her old activist life but feeling empty. George goes through motions with June but realizes she's not Lucy. Both are miserable apart, forcing them to confront what they really want.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
George realizes he loves Lucy and doesn't need another assistant—he needs her. Lucy realizes she can have both principles and love. They each gain clarity that their relationship matters more than pride or professional boundaries.
Synthesis
George pursues Lucy, making grand romantic gesture. He demonstrates personal growth by making his own decisions. Lucy chooses to embrace both her values and her feelings. They confess their love and commit to a relationship as equals.
Transformation
Final image shows Lucy and George together, both transformed. George is more self-reliant and purposeful; Lucy has learned to balance idealism with personal happiness. They've found partnership that honors both their growth.