Multiple Intersecting Storylines

You're not going to find Citizen Kane -esque plotting or screwy experimental chronology in this movie.

However, Independence Day does present us with a three different storylines that initially appear separate but eventually draw together and intersect all into one story. We've got:

1. David and his dad 
2. The President, his family, and Connie, his communications director
3. Jasmine, Steve, and Dylan

After the aliens invade, though, these plotlines start converging. David and his dad (plot 1) go looking for David's ex-wife, who turns out to be the President's communication's director (plot 2). Then, Steve (plot 3) ends up with the White House crew (plot 2) because he flies a mission against the aliens and manages to capture one.

Once he's gotten through all that, he goes looking for Jasmine (plot 3), who's been nursing the First Lady (plot 2) through wounds from the alien attack.

Still with us?

Then, David and Connie (plots 1 and 2) serve as witnesses at Jasmine and Steve's quickie wedding (plot 3) before Steve and David trek out into space to disable the alien mother ship's shields. And so they all come together…hmm, it didn't seem super complicated while watching it, but written out, it does seem kind of impressive that they got al those stories to mesh.

We guess alien invasions have a way of bringing people together.