Under the Same Moon
Tells the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos and his mother, Rosario. In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico.
The film earned $23.3M 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%)
Under the Same Moon (2007) reveals deliberately positioned plot construction, characteristic of Patricia Riggen's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Carlitos lives with his grandmother in Mexico, speaking to his mother Rosario on the phone every Sunday. She works in Los Angeles, separated by the border, calling from the same payphone each week.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Carlitos' grandmother dies suddenly, leaving him alone and vulnerable. His aunt and uncle plan to take him in, but Carlitos overhears they only want the money Rosario sends. His safe world collapses.. 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Carlitos makes the active choice to cross the border illegally with coyotes. He leaves Mexico behind, entering the dangerous world of undocumented migration, beginning his quest to find his mother in Los Angeles., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Enrique is caught by immigration enforcement during a raid. He sacrifices himself to help Carlitos escape, but now Carlitos is truly alone in Los Angeles with no protection, no money, and no way to find his mother. His guardian is gone., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Carlitos navigates to the location on Sunday morning. Rosario simultaneously goes to the same spot, both converging on their weekly ritual location. The community helps Carlitos, showing how the migrant network operates as a family. The final journey to reunion., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Under the Same Moon's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Under the Same Moon against these established plot points, we can identify how Patricia Riggen utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Under the Same Moon within the drama genre.
Patricia Riggen's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Patricia Riggen films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Under the Same Moon takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Patricia Riggen filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Patricia Riggen analyses, see The 33, Miracles from Heaven and Girl in Progress.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Carlitos lives with his grandmother in Mexico, speaking to his mother Rosario on the phone every Sunday. She works in Los Angeles, separated by the border, calling from the same payphone each week.
Theme
Grandmother tells Carlitos that his mother works hard so he can have a better life, stating "She's doing this for you, to give you opportunities she never had." The theme of sacrifice and maternal love across distance is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Carlitos' life in Mexico with his grandmother, his Sunday phone calls with Rosario, and Rosario's difficult life in LA working multiple jobs. We see the parallel worlds of mother and son separated by the border, both longing for reunion.
Disruption
Carlitos' grandmother dies suddenly, leaving him alone and vulnerable. His aunt and uncle plan to take him in, but Carlitos overhears they only want the money Rosario sends. His safe world collapses.
Resistance
Carlitos debates crossing the border alone to find his mother. He enlists the help of smugglers (coyotes), resists his aunt's plans, and prepares for the dangerous journey. He remembers landmarks his mother described: a pizzeria, laundromat, and a mural.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Carlitos makes the active choice to cross the border illegally with coyotes. He leaves Mexico behind, entering the dangerous world of undocumented migration, beginning his quest to find his mother in Los Angeles.
Premise
Carlitos and Enrique journey through California, working odd jobs and evading immigration authorities. Carlitos searches for the landmarks his mother described. Their bond grows as Enrique becomes a reluctant protector and Carlitos brings hope back into Enrique's life.
Opposition
Immigration raids increase, Enrique is torn between his own safety and protecting Carlitos. Rosario desperately searches but keeps missing Carlitos by moments. The American Dream shows its harsh reality: exploitation, fear, and constant threat of deportation. Time is running out.
Collapse
Enrique is caught by immigration enforcement during a raid. He sacrifices himself to help Carlitos escape, but now Carlitos is truly alone in Los Angeles with no protection, no money, and no way to find his mother. His guardian is gone.
Crisis
Carlitos wanders alone, frightened and lost in the city. He questions whether he'll ever find his mother, processes the loss of Enrique, and must find the courage within himself to continue without help.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Carlitos navigates to the location on Sunday morning. Rosario simultaneously goes to the same spot, both converging on their weekly ritual location. The community helps Carlitos, showing how the migrant network operates as a family. The final journey to reunion.