Ultraviolet
In the late 21st century, a subculture of humans have emerged who have been modified genetically by a vampire-like disease, giving them enhanced speed, incredible stamina and acute intelligence. As they are set apart from "normal" and "healthy" humans, the world is pushed to the brink of worldwide civil war aimed at the destruction of the "diseased" population. In the middle of this crossed-fire is - an infected woman - Ultraviolet, who finds herself protecting a nine-year-old boy who has been marked for death by the human government as he is believed to be a threat to humans.
Working with a mid-range budget of $30.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $31.1M in global revenue (+4% 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%)
Ultraviolet (2006) showcases deliberately positioned narrative design, characteristic of Kurt Wimmer's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 27 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Violet narrates her backstory as a Hemophage - a genetically modified human hunted by the totalitarian government. She operates as a rebel fighter in a dystopian future.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Violet infiltrates a government facility to steal what she believes is a weapon that could turn the tide of the war. This mission sets the main plot in motion.. 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 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Violet makes the active choice to protect Six instead of killing him, defying both the resistance and the government. She becomes a fugitive to both sides., moving from reaction to action.
At 44 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Violet discovers that Six is dying - he was engineered with a fatal condition and has only hours to live. The "weapon" aspect was his blood, which contains antigens. What seemed like a rescue mission becomes a race against time., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 65 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Six dies in Violet's arms. She experiences the loss of a child for the second time, confronting the death and grief she'd been running from since her infection., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 69 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Violet discovers Six can be revived using the same technology that created him. She gains new resolve and purpose - not just to save Six, but to end Daxus's regime permanently., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Ultraviolet'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 Ultraviolet against these established plot points, we can identify how Kurt Wimmer utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Ultraviolet within the science fiction genre.
Kurt Wimmer's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Kurt Wimmer films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Ultraviolet represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kurt Wimmer filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional science fiction films include Lake Placid, The Postman and Oblivion. For more Kurt Wimmer analyses, see Equilibrium.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Violet narrates her backstory as a Hemophage - a genetically modified human hunted by the totalitarian government. She operates as a rebel fighter in a dystopian future.
Theme
A government official discusses the Hemophage threat, stating "They're not human anymore" - establishing the film's theme about identity, humanity, and what defines life worth protecting.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the futuristic world where Hemophages (vampire-like beings created by disease) are hunted by Vice-Cardinal Daxus's regime. Violet is shown as a skilled warrior working with the underground resistance.
Disruption
Violet infiltrates a government facility to steal what she believes is a weapon that could turn the tide of the war. This mission sets the main plot in motion.
Resistance
Violet discovers the "weapon" is actually a young boy named Six who has been engineered by Daxus. She debates whether to kill him as ordered by the resistance or spare him. The boy represents something she thought she'd lost.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Violet makes the active choice to protect Six instead of killing him, defying both the resistance and the government. She becomes a fugitive to both sides.
Mirror World
Violet begins bonding with Six, who represents innocence and the child she lost when infected. He becomes the emotional center that awakens her buried humanity and maternal instincts.
Premise
Violet and Six evade capture through spectacular action sequences. She uses her enhanced abilities and technology to stay ahead of both government forces and betrayed resistance members. Their bond deepens.
Midpoint
Violet discovers that Six is dying - he was engineered with a fatal condition and has only hours to live. The "weapon" aspect was his blood, which contains antigens. What seemed like a rescue mission becomes a race against time.
Opposition
Daxus and his forces intensify their pursuit. Violet seeks a cure for Six while fighting off increasingly dangerous attacks. Her own condition worsens, and former allies become enemies.
Collapse
Six dies in Violet's arms. She experiences the loss of a child for the second time, confronting the death and grief she'd been running from since her infection.
Crisis
Violet mourns Six in her darkest moment, processing the loss. She confronts what it means to be human - it's not about biology, but about the capacity to love and sacrifice.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Violet discovers Six can be revived using the same technology that created him. She gains new resolve and purpose - not just to save Six, but to end Daxus's regime permanently.
Synthesis
Violet launches a final assault on Daxus's stronghold. She fights through his forces, combining her Hemophage abilities with her rediscovered humanity. She confronts and defeats Daxus, destroying his operation.
Transformation
Violet successfully revives Six. The closing image shows them together, having formed a family. She has transformed from a isolated warrior into a protector who fights for love rather than survival.