Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
In the twenty-eighth century, space station Alpha is a city where beings from different planets live together exchanging their knowledge and culture. Peace is granted by a human force, including Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and his partner Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne). They are assigned by the Defense Minister (Herbie Hancock) to retrieve the last species of converter in a dangerous mission. They succeed and back to Alpha, unknown humanoids abduct Commander Arun Filitt (Clive Owen) expecting to steal the converter. They head to a forbidden area that is infected, but Valerian and Laureline follow them and disclose a hidden secret about the race and the infected area.
Working with a major studio investment of $177.2M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $226.0M in global revenue (+28% 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%)
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) showcases meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Luc Besson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 17 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 Opening montage shows Alpha space station's creation over centuries as humanity makes first contact with alien species, set to David Bowie's "Space Oddity." Establishes the utopian vision of intergalactic cooperation.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when During the Big Market heist, Valerian has a vision/dream of the planet Mül and the peaceful Pearl species being destroyed. This haunting vision disrupts his perception and hints at a dark secret beneath Alpha's utopian surface.. 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 34 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Valerian and Laureline actively choose to enter the contaminated zone in Alpha to investigate, despite the dangers. An attack occurs during a Security Council meeting; Filitt is kidnapped by unknown aliens. They commit to the rescue mission., moving from reaction to action.
At 69 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False defeat: Valerian and Laureline locate Filitt but discover he's being held by the last survivors of Mül—the Pearls from Valerian's vision. The stakes raise as they learn the truth: Filitt destroyed Mül to cover up a military mistake. The heroes' mission becomes morally complex., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 103 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Bubble dies in Valerian's arms after sacrificing herself to help them escape. This "whiff of death" moment represents the loss of innocence and the cost of Alpha's secrets. Valerian must confront that his government committed genocide., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 110 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Valerian and Laureline make the choice to side with the Pearls against Filitt. They synthesize their duty to justice (not blind obedience) with their skills as operatives. They now understand that true partnership requires trust and doing what's right., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets against these established plot points, we can identify how Luc Besson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets within the action genre.
Luc Besson's Structural Approach
Among the 12 Luc Besson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Luc Besson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Luc Besson analyses, see The Fifth Element, Anna and The Family.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening montage shows Alpha space station's creation over centuries as humanity makes first contact with alien species, set to David Bowie's "Space Oddity." Establishes the utopian vision of intergalactic cooperation.
Theme
During the opening sequence, the theme of unity in diversity is stated: "There is no problem that cannot be solved by people working together." Sets up the central question of whether different species can truly coexist.
Worldbuilding
Establishes Valerian and Laureline as special operatives, their flirtatious dynamic, and their mission to retrieve a Converter creature from Big Market. Shows their skills, relationship tensions (Valerian wants commitment, Laureline is skeptical), and the multi-dimensional marketplace.
Disruption
During the Big Market heist, Valerian has a vision/dream of the planet Mül and the peaceful Pearl species being destroyed. This haunting vision disrupts his perception and hints at a dark secret beneath Alpha's utopian surface.
Resistance
Valerian and Laureline successfully retrieve the Converter and return to Alpha. They debate the meaning of his vision. Commander Filitt briefs them on a growing infected zone in Alpha's core and orders an investigation. They resist understanding the full implications.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Valerian and Laureline actively choose to enter the contaminated zone in Alpha to investigate, despite the dangers. An attack occurs during a Security Council meeting; Filitt is kidnapped by unknown aliens. They commit to the rescue mission.
Mirror World
Valerian encounters Bubble, a shape-shifting entertainer played by Rihanna, who becomes a key ally. She represents the theme of looking beyond appearances and finding worth in the marginalized. Her character embodies transformation and hidden value.
Premise
The "fun and games" of exploring Alpha's bizarre sectors: the pair navigate through alien territories, including the glamorous entertainment district where Bubble performs, various alien cultures, and dangerous zones. The promise of the premise—spectacular alien worlds and action.
Midpoint
False defeat: Valerian and Laureline locate Filitt but discover he's being held by the last survivors of Mül—the Pearls from Valerian's vision. The stakes raise as they learn the truth: Filitt destroyed Mül to cover up a military mistake. The heroes' mission becomes morally complex.
Opposition
Valerian and Laureline are separated and face increasing pressure. Filitt's forces hunt them. They must choose between duty to their commander and doing what's right. Bubble is fatally wounded helping them. The Pearls' peaceful nature contrasts with humanity's violence.
Collapse
Bubble dies in Valerian's arms after sacrificing herself to help them escape. This "whiff of death" moment represents the loss of innocence and the cost of Alpha's secrets. Valerian must confront that his government committed genocide.
Crisis
Valerian and Laureline process the truth about Mül's destruction and Bubble's sacrifice. They debate their duty as soldiers versus their moral obligation. The emotional darkness of realizing their entire mission was built on a lie.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Valerian and Laureline make the choice to side with the Pearls against Filitt. They synthesize their duty to justice (not blind obedience) with their skills as operatives. They now understand that true partnership requires trust and doing what's right.
Synthesis
The finale: Valerian and Laureline confront Filitt, expose his crimes, and protect the Pearls. They help the Pearls escape Alpha with their Converter to rebuild their civilization. The couple finally commits to each other, having learned to trust.
Transformation
Closing image shows the Pearls departing in their restored ship to rebuild Mül, while Valerian and Laureline stand together as true partners, having evolved from cocky operatives to principled heroes who choose justice over orders. Mirrors the opening's theme of cooperation, now earned through sacrifice.