Save the Cat rankings

Beetlejuice script analysis

Beetlejuice script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Beetlejuice follows the Maitlands as they die in a car crash, struggle to haunt their home, and form an unlikely bond with Lydia. After failed haunting attempts and summoning the misguided Betelgeuse, they face despair before reuniting to protect Lydia and defeat the chaos-causing ghost. The film closes on a triumphant, harmonious note.

85 Save the Cat fit score 76% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Adam’s miniature town and idyllic normal life before the crash.

Well, well, you're a big fella...!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

72%

Jane’s push to sell the house foreshadows themes of attachment and letting go.

Hi, Barb! I'm glad I caught you. I heard you were on vacation!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

78%

We meet Adam and Barbara’s relationship, their home life, and Jane’s nuisance sales attempts.

Happy vacation, honey!
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

85%

The Maitlands crash and drown, abruptly ending their living world.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

79%

They grapple with their new ghostly existence and consult the Handbook for the Recently Deceased.

Something like this always happens when we try to go on vacation. Always.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

74%

They accept being ghosts and decide to learn haunting rules after discovering their lack of reflection.

7

B Story

Scene 11 / Pages 7-8 / 30% target

77%

Lydia Deetz enters, establishing the emotional subplot of the lonely girl who can’t fit in.

You hate it? I love it.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 29-31 / Pages 15-17 / 40% target

80%

The Maitlands comically practice ghostly sheets and moans to scare the living.

God, this is so corny. Have we been reduced to this? Sheets?
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / Pages 17-18 / 50% target

82%

Lydia reveals she sees and understands them, raising the stakes and changing their haunting goals.

I'm wearing contacts... Also I read through Handbook for the Recently Deceased. It says that live people ignore...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 45 / Page 21 / 65% target

75%

The Deetzes confront and threaten to break down the attic door to exorcise the ghosts.

All right, you dead people! Come on out, or we'll break down this door and drag you out...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 56 / Page 25 / 75% target

78%

Lydia attempts to summon Betelgeuse in desperation, marking the lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 58 / Pages 26-27 / 80% target

73%

Charles’s development plans threaten Lydia’s sanctuary, amplifying stakes for all characters.

In short, I've got options to buy enough of the stores on Main Street to control the city...
13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / Pages 25-26 / 85% target

80%

Adam and Barbara reconcile with Lydia, deciding to protect her rather than scare her.

I'm so sorry we frightened you. What were you doing?
14

Finale

Scenes 60-61 / Pages 27-29 / 95% target

81%

Betelgeuse wreaks havoc and is defeated by the sandworm, resolving the ghostly threat.

Attention K-Mart shoppers!
15

Final Image

Scene 65 / Page 30 / 99% target

76%

The Maitlands and Lydia joyfully reunite and sing, mirroring the opening’s warmth.