Warlock
In Boston of 1691, a warlock is sentenced to death, but escapes magically into the future (our present), followed doggedly by the witch hunter. There he is searching for the three parts of the Devil's Bible, trailed by the witch hunter and the woman whose house he landed in. They must stop him, as the book contains the true name of God, which he can use to un-create the world.
Working with a modest budget of $7.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $9.1M in global revenue (+30% profit margin).
1 win & 8 nominations
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%)
Warlock (1989) reveals carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Steve Miner's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes 1691 Boston: The Warlock is imprisoned and awaiting execution for witchcraft. Witch hunter Giles Redferne has captured him, but the dark sorcerer remains defiant and dangerous.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The Warlock escapes execution by summoning Satan, who sends him forward through time to 1980s Los Angeles. Redferne is pulled through the portal as well, beginning the chase across centuries.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Kassandra is cursed by the Warlock, aging twenty years overnight. Desperate and terrified, she chooses to help Redferne hunt the Warlock - it's her only hope for survival. They form an unlikely partnership., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The Warlock obtains the second section of the Grimoire and nearly completes his quest. Kassandra continues aging rapidly, and the stakes become visceral - time is running out for both the world and for her personally., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 78 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Warlock obtains the final section of the Grand Grimoire and prepares to speak God's name backwards. Kassandra is now elderly and dying from the curse. All seems lost - the Warlock has won., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 83 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Redferne realizes the solution: the Warlock must be stopped using the rules of witchcraft itself. He discovers a way to attack the Warlock during the ritual. Kassandra finds renewed strength, and together they make one final assault., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Warlock'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 Warlock against these established plot points, we can identify how Steve Miner utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Warlock within the action genre.
Steve Miner's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Steve Miner films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Warlock takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Steve Miner filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys. For more Steve Miner analyses, see Lake Placid, House and Forever Young.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
1691 Boston: The Warlock is imprisoned and awaiting execution for witchcraft. Witch hunter Giles Redferne has captured him, but the dark sorcerer remains defiant and dangerous.
Theme
A priest warns that evil can transcend time itself, foreshadowing the supernatural pursuit that will span centuries. The theme: some battles between good and evil are eternal.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of 17th century witch trial atmosphere, the Warlock's dark powers, and Redferne's relentless dedication. The Grand Grimoire is revealed as the Warlock's goal - a book that contains the true name of God which, if spoken backwards, will unmake creation.
Disruption
The Warlock escapes execution by summoning Satan, who sends him forward through time to 1980s Los Angeles. Redferne is pulled through the portal as well, beginning the chase across centuries.
Resistance
Both Warlock and Redferne struggle to adapt to the modern world. Kassandra, a young woman, encounters the disoriented Redferne. The Warlock begins his quest to reassemble the scattered Grand Grimoire, killing to obtain the first pages.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Kassandra is cursed by the Warlock, aging twenty years overnight. Desperate and terrified, she chooses to help Redferne hunt the Warlock - it's her only hope for survival. They form an unlikely partnership.
Mirror World
Kassandra and Redferne's relationship deepens as the cynical modern woman learns to believe in things beyond rational explanation. Their bond becomes the emotional core that carries the film's theme of faith versus skepticism.
Premise
The cross-time chase intensifies. Redferne teaches Kassandra about witchcraft and the supernatural while they track the Warlock across California. The Warlock brutally murders to collect the three sections of the Grand Grimoire, growing more powerful with each acquisition.
Midpoint
The Warlock obtains the second section of the Grimoire and nearly completes his quest. Kassandra continues aging rapidly, and the stakes become visceral - time is running out for both the world and for her personally.
Opposition
The Warlock stays ahead of his pursuers, using his powers to devastating effect. Kassandra continues aging, becoming weaker. Redferne's old-world methods struggle against the Warlock's cunning use of modern society. The enemy closes in on the final section of the Grimoire.
Collapse
The Warlock obtains the final section of the Grand Grimoire and prepares to speak God's name backwards. Kassandra is now elderly and dying from the curse. All seems lost - the Warlock has won.
Crisis
Redferne and the dying Kassandra face their darkest moment. The weight of failure crushes them - they've lost the race, and creation itself hangs in the balance. Redferne must reconcile his guilt over bringing Kassandra into this nightmare.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Redferne realizes the solution: the Warlock must be stopped using the rules of witchcraft itself. He discovers a way to attack the Warlock during the ritual. Kassandra finds renewed strength, and together they make one final assault.
Synthesis
The final confrontation. Redferne and Kassandra interrupt the Warlock's ritual. Using iron, salt, and ancient knowledge combined with modern courage, they battle the sorcerer. Kassandra proves essential, her skepticism-turned-faith becoming her strength.
Transformation
The Warlock is destroyed, and Kassandra's curse is broken - she returns to her true age. The modern woman who didn't believe in anything beyond science now understands that faith and courage transcend time. She and Redferne part ways, transformed by their impossible journey.