Save the Cat rankings

AVATAR script analysis

AVATAR script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Marine veteran Jake Sully arrives on Pandora and must decide whether to spy on the natives or embrace their world. He trains in his avatar body, bonds with Neytiri, and grows into their culture before conflict erupts. Betrayal by his human commanders spurs him to lead the Na’vi in battle and complete his transformation.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 109 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Jake in his wheelchair in a crowded city as a broken veteran.

When I was lying there in the VA hospital, with a big hole blown through the middle of...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

Jake’s line about the strong preying on the weak hints at power dynamics and survival.

You want a fair deal, you're on the wrong planet. The strong prey on the weak.
3

Set-Up

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

78%

We learn Jake’s backstory, disability, and recruitment in scenes 1–5.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 12% target

80%

Jake wakes from cryo-sleep to arrive at Pandora, forcing him into a new world.

5

Debate

Scene 17 / Page 8 / 20% target

75%

Jake and Grace argue over his fitness before he links to his avatar, questioning his place.

Tell me you're joking.
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / Page 11 / 25% target

77%

Jake accepts Quaritch’s offer to spy, leaving the human world to enter Pandora’s.

This low gravity makes you soft. You get soft, Pandora will shit you out dead with zero warning.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 7 / 30% target

70%

Norm Spellman befriends Jake, introducing the subplot of human friendship and guidance.

Hey, you're Jake right? Tom's brother? You look just like him. Sorry, I'm Norm Spellman, I went through...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 28 / Page 13 / 40% target

76%

Jake experiences thrill and danger in the rainforest as he tests survival skills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / Page 14 / 50% target

80%

Jake is attacked by viperwolves and saved by Neytiri, raising the stakes and forging their bond.

I don't have all goddamn night! Come on! Come on!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 40 / Page 19 / 65% target

78%

Jake learns RDA plans to relocate the Omaticaya for unobtanium, heightening external threats.

Yeah. They want to study me. See if I can learn to be one of them.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 75 / Page 30 / 75% target

82%

Bulldozers destroy the sacred glade where Jake and Neytiri bonded, seeming to shatter his new world.

Jake! Wake up! Where ever you are, come back to me now. Jake!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 76 / Page 30 / 80% target

79%

Jake argues with Grace over his worth, doubting his ability to intervene.

She's not going anywhere.
13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / Page 36 / 85% target

85%

Jake confesses his betrayal and warns the Na’vi of the attack, committing to their cause.

A great evil is upon us. The Sky People are coming to destroy Hometree. They will be here...
14

Finale

Scene 99 / Page 44 / 95% target

80%

The climactic battle where Na’vi forces overcome human troops demonstrates Jake’s leadership.

15

Final Image

Scene 109 / Page 51 / 99% target

83%

Jake’s consciousness permanently transfers into his avatar, completing his transformation.