Save the Cat rankings

Beasts of the Southern Wild script analysis

Beasts of the Southern Wild script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Hushpuppy lives with her ailing father Wink in a fragile bayou community. When a storm and melting ice unleash disaster, Hushpuppy embarks on a journey to save her father and her home. Through trials and loss, she learns resilience and the power of community.

85 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 94 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

The trailer’s dawn light establishes Hushpuppy’s isolated, fragile world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 15 / 5% target

70%

Miss Bathsheba’s lecture on meat and survival introduces the theme of interconnectedness and resilience.

MEAT. MEAT. MEAT. Every animal is made out of meat. I am meat, ya'll asses meat. Everything is...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / 10% target

80%

We meet Hushpuppy’s daily routines, her experiments and relationship with Wink and the bayou animals.

4

Catalyst

Scene 16 / 12% target

80%

The Antarctic ice shelf cracks, signaling global environmental upheaval.

5

Debate

Scenes 17-20 / 20% target

70%

Hushpuppy fears Wink has disappeared and debates her ability to handle life alone.

6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / 25% target

70%

Wink returns, marking Hushpuppy’s entry into an expanded adventure beyond her routine.

Daddy! Daddy, Daddy! I learned lots of stuff while you gone. If I drink all this here I...
7

B Story

Scene 8 / 30% target

70%

Wink and Hushpuppy’s fishing ritual deepens their bond and emotional stakes.

Ain't that ugly over there? We live in the prettiest place on earth.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-14 / 40% target

70%

Community celebrations and holiday festivities showcase the Bathtub’s culture and character.

9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / 50% target

80%

The massive ice shelf collapse in the woods marks the story’s major turning point.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 31 / 65% target

80%

Rising floodwaters and Hushpuppy’s panic over her mother’s absence intensify the threat.

Momma!? Momma!? MOMMA!? I think I broke something.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / 75% target

80%

Wink collapses on the schoolboat, leaving Hushpuppy feeling helpless.

Miss Bathsheba! Miss Bathsheba! My Daddy fell down!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / 80% target

70%

Hushpuppy wrestles with her fear as Miss Bathsheba gives her a dire mission with medicine.

Ok, Hushpuppy, here's what I need you to do. You take this medicine and run as fast as...
13

Break into Three

Scene 66 / 85% target

70%

The levee detonation plan signals a shift toward proactive resolution.

Peter T, don't hold onto me, hold onto the boat. You gonna be fine.
14

Finale

Scene 92 / 95% target

80%

Hushpuppy shares a final meal with the dying Wink, fulfilling her journey of love and acceptance.

No crying, you hear?
15

Final Image

Scene 94 / 99% target

80%

The community’s march across the rising water embodies hope and continuity.

When I die, the scientists of the future, they gonna find it all. They gonna know, once there...