The film unspools in reverse order, consisting of 13 primary segments designed to look like long, continuous takes.

: By placing the "climax" at the start, Noé emphasizes the theme that "Time destroys all things". This structure forces the audience to view the initial scenes of happiness through the lens of the tragedy they know is coming, transforming a simple drama into a fatalistic tragedy.

: It begins with the violent aftermath of a crime and moves backward toward a peaceful afternoon in a park.

: The film explores the futility of revenge, the animalistic nature of men under extreme stress, and the fragility of human existence. Technical Audacity