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ANNABELLE script analysis

ANNABELLE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

New parents John and Mia Form receive a mysterious doll and soon find their lives upended by cult violence and supernatural terror. After relocating to Pasadena for safety, they encounter eerie phenomena linked to the doll and struggle to protect their newborn. Tragedy strikes, pushing John to the brink before a final unsettling epilogue reveals the doll’s next victim.

70 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 21 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Father Perez’s sermon in the church establishes a serene, devout tone before horror intrudes.

God honors sacrifice. And our sacrifices touch God's heart and move his hand.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

50%

The line about sacrifice foreshadows the costs the Forms will endure.

God honors sacrifice. And our sacrifices touch God's heart and move his hand.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

40%

We meet John and Mia socially with neighbors and see their domestic life and hopes for their first child.

John. But he cheats.
4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 12% target

60%

John gives Mia the Annabelle doll, setting the supernatural plot in motion.

5

Debate

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 20% target

50%

An intruder breaks in, and Mia must question their safety and whether to stay.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 25% target

60%

The Forms move into a new Pasadena apartment, embarking on Act Two in a strange building.

7

B Story

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 30% target

55%

Mia meets landlord Joe Fuller, whose benign guidance provides emotional support amid terror.

Whoa... Sorry. It's just me.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 40% target

50%

The couple discovers disturbing childlike drawings, giving a taste of the doll’s malevolence.

I agree, it's strange. Should we talk to their parents?
9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 50% target

50%

Father Perez’s sermon on fear underscores the turning point: knowledge can diminish terror—or invite it.

Isn't it true that the more we know of something, the less power it holds over us and...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 65% target

55%

Cult members assault Mia in her bedroom, escalating supernatural danger.

I like your dolls...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 75% target

60%

Mia’s suicide leap is the bleakest moment, seeming to doom the family.

Mia? Are you in there?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 19 / Page 19 / 80% target

50%

John consoles Leah and reflects on their shattered ambitions.

I know this is hard for you. But try to remember that we moved here to get away...
13

Break into Three

Scene 12 / Page 12 / 85% target

55%

In the hospital hallway, John musters resolve upon seeing his newborn daughter alive.

14

Finale

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 95% target

60%

A new mother buys the doll, showing John’s fight failed and horror will repeat.

Anything I can help you with?
15

Final Image

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 99% target

60%

The final shot of the doll in new hands mirrors the opening’s calm toy imagery turned ominous.