Save the Cat rankings

Big script analysis

Big script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Thirteen-year-old Josh dreams of being grown up, and after a wish to the mysterious Zoltar machine, he wakes up as an adult in New York City. Navigating the corporate world at Macmillan Toys, he experiences the highs of success and the lows of loneliness, especially in his relationship with Susan. Ultimately, Josh realizes the value of his childhood and finds his way back home.

85 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 81 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Josh immersed in a fantasy game in his bedroom establishes his imaginative world and youthful perspective.

You are standing in the cavern of the evil wizard.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

60%

Billy’s reminder to take out the garbage hints at responsibilities and the costs of growing up.

Take the garbage out. Every day, take the garbage out...
3

Set-Up

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

70%

We learn about Josh’s home life, friendships, and his crush on Cynthia, grounding his childhood world before the wish.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 12% target

90%

Josh finds the Zoltar machine and makes the wish that propels him into adulthood.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 9-10 / 20% target

80%

Josh awakens as an adult and struggles to convince his mother and friends he’s still a kid inside.

Mom, I'm a grown up!
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 25% target

80%

Josh and Billy arrive in New York City, leaving childhood behind to enter the adult world.

7

B Story

Scene 42 / Page 42 / 30% target

70%

Josh meets Susan at the company party, launching the emotional core of his journey.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 40% target

80%

Josh’s rapid integration and success at Macmillan Toys show the fun of living his dream life.

9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / Page 37 / 50% target

90%

Josh’s bold toy pitch wins approval, marking his peak of success and confidence.

Like a big prehistoric insect with maybe like giant claws that could pick up a car and crush...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 65% target

80%

Paul and Susan investigate Josh’s background, threatening the illusion he’s built.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 70 / Page 70 / 75% target

90%

Josh confesses to Susan that he’s really a thirteen-year-old, and his adult life collapses.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 69 / Page 69 / 80% target

80%

Alone in his fantasy game, Josh confronts his loss of childhood and identity.

13

Break into Three

Scene 78 / Page 78 / 85% target

80%

Josh and Susan share a heartfelt goodbye in the park, and he commits to returning home.

14

Finale

Scenes 79-80 / Pages 79-80 / 95% target

80%

Josh returns to his family, reconciling childhood and maturity in genuine relationships.

15

Final Image

Scene 81 / Page 81 / 99% target

80%

Back to playing stick ball with Billy, Josh re-embraces his youth with new wisdom.