Linear = a narrative that has a beginning, middle and end
Nonlinear = this doesn't always start from the beginning. Usually jumps around the timeline of events
Todorov's Narrative Theory
BEGINNING - Equilibrium established
MIDDLE - Disruption of equilibrium
END - Equilibrium re-established
Our horror opening scene will most likely finish at the disruption of equilibrium which is about 2-3 minutes in. This is because horror films get to the action quite quickly therefore the disruption will be happening so early on.
Horror films can sometimes flip the narrative, this is called reverse chronology.
An example of Todorov's Narrative Theory is the film 'The Purge'.This is where there is peace in the beginning as the annual 'Purge' has not begun. Yet when this day comes, there is a disruption of the equilibrium as all crime is legal for 24 hours and the main family in this film try to survive throughout this. The restoration of the equilibrium comes when the 'Purge' is over and people go back to their everyday lives. 
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