Woo
Darlene "Woo" Bates, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, has been dumped a little bit too many times, now this femme-fatale doesn't let just any man swing with her, and when she's set up on a blind-date with Tommy Davidson's character, it could be love.. if they don't kill each other first. "Woo" features cameos by Foxy Brown, LL Cool J, and Duane Martin.
The film struggled financially against its small-scale budget of $13.0M, earning $8.0M globally (-38% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the comedy genre.
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 Woo is introduced as a wild, free-spirited woman whose psychic friend Celestrial predicts she'll meet her soulmate tonight, a Virgo. Meanwhile, Tim is shown as a shy, uptight law clerk who struggles with women.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Woo's cousin Claudette sets her up on a blind date with Tim, and Woo discovers he's a Virgo - matching Celestrial's prediction. She agrees to the date, disrupting both their normal Friday night plans.. 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 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Tim picks up Woo for their date. Despite immediately clashing personalities - her bold flirtation versus his nervous awkwardness - they commit to going out together, entering the chaotic night ahead., moving from reaction to action.
At 42 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False defeat: After a series of disasters including a transvestite encounter and Tim's car getting towed, they end up at a club where Woo's ex-boyfriend Darryl shows up. Tim sees Woo dancing provocatively with Darryl and feels completely outclassed and humiliated., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tim and Woo have a massive blowout fight. Tim tells Woo she's too wild and exhausting, while Woo accuses Tim of being boring and judgmental. They seemingly end the date in complete failure, the dream of connection dying as they part ways angrily., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 67 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Tim realizes he was so focused on impressing Woo that he never showed her his real self. Woo realizes she tested Tim unfairly instead of giving him a genuine chance. Both decide to find each other and try again authentically., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Woo's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Woo against these established plot points, we can identify how Daisy von Scherler Mayer utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Woo within the comedy genre.
Daisy von Scherler Mayer's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Daisy von Scherler Mayer films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Woo exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Daisy von Scherler Mayer filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Bad Guys, Ella Enchanted and The Evening Star. For more Daisy von Scherler Mayer analyses, see The Guru, Madeline.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Woo is introduced as a wild, free-spirited woman whose psychic friend Celestrial predicts she'll meet her soulmate tonight, a Virgo. Meanwhile, Tim is shown as a shy, uptight law clerk who struggles with women.
Theme
Celestrial tells Woo that tonight she'll find her perfect match - someone who will accept her for who she is. The theme of finding authentic connection despite differences is established.
Worldbuilding
We meet Woo's world of girlfriends and nightlife, and Tim's world of his crude friends Frankie, Romaine, and Hop who constantly try to help him with women. The contrast between Woo's boldness and Tim's timidity is established.
Disruption
Woo's cousin Claudette sets her up on a blind date with Tim, and Woo discovers he's a Virgo - matching Celestrial's prediction. She agrees to the date, disrupting both their normal Friday night plans.
Resistance
Woo prepares for the date while Tim nervously gets ready with coaching from his friends. Tim's friends give him bad advice about how to act cool. Woo's friends hype her up. Both are uncertain about what the night will bring.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Tim picks up Woo for their date. Despite immediately clashing personalities - her bold flirtation versus his nervous awkwardness - they commit to going out together, entering the chaotic night ahead.
Mirror World
At their first restaurant stop, we see glimpses of genuine connection beneath their surface conflicts. Woo's vibrant energy begins to crack Tim's shell, while his sincerity starts to intrigue her beyond the superficial.
Premise
The promise of the premise unfolds as Woo and Tim's date becomes increasingly chaotic. They get kicked out of an Italian restaurant after Woo causes a scene, encounter Tim's ex-girlfriend, and deal with various mishaps that test their patience with each other.
Midpoint
False defeat: After a series of disasters including a transvestite encounter and Tim's car getting towed, they end up at a club where Woo's ex-boyfriend Darryl shows up. Tim sees Woo dancing provocatively with Darryl and feels completely outclassed and humiliated.
Opposition
Everything goes wrong. Darryl and his crew threaten Tim. Tim's friends show up and make things worse with their antics. Woo and Tim argue bitterly about their incompatibility. Tim's insecurities and Woo's impulsiveness create escalating conflicts.
Collapse
Tim and Woo have a massive blowout fight. Tim tells Woo she's too wild and exhausting, while Woo accuses Tim of being boring and judgmental. They seemingly end the date in complete failure, the dream of connection dying as they part ways angrily.
Crisis
Separated, both Woo and Tim reflect on the disastrous night. Tim sits alone feeling like a failure, while Woo questions whether she'll ever find someone who truly accepts her. Their friends offer little comfort.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tim realizes he was so focused on impressing Woo that he never showed her his real self. Woo realizes she tested Tim unfairly instead of giving him a genuine chance. Both decide to find each other and try again authentically.
Synthesis
Tim and Woo reunite and have an honest conversation. Tim stands up to Darryl when he reappears, showing newfound confidence. Woo shows vulnerability and admits she was scared of real connection. They finally see each other clearly and embrace their differences.
Transformation
Woo and Tim share a genuine kiss as the sun rises. The wild woman and the shy man have found balance together - she's softened slightly, he's loosened up. They walk off together, opposites who've found their match.