Save the Cat rankings

Black Swan script analysis

Black Swan script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An obsessive young ballerina, Nina, is cast as Swan Queen and pushed by her demanding mentor to embrace her darker side. As she struggles with her own perfectionism, rivalry and hallucinations, Nina’s body and mind unravel. Ultimately, she transcends her limits onstage in a tragic final performance.

82 Save the Cat fit score 73% analysis confidence / 128 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

88%

The very first scene shows a dancer transforming into the White Swan under sinister pursuit, establishing tone and imagery.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

79%

Nina tells her mother about a dream of dancing the White Swan, hinting at her need to reconcile light and dark aspects of herself.

I had the most amazing dream last night. I was dancing the White Swan.
3

Set-Up

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

85%

We meet Nina’s strict mother, her studio life, and her obsession with perfection as groundwork for her arc.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 12% target

74%

On the subway Nina first sees the provocative stranger who will become Lily, igniting her obsession and doubt.

5

Debate

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

81%

Nina struggles to win the Swan Queen role, debates her own capabilities and fears rejection.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 25% target

77%

When Leroy officially offers Nina the Swan Queen part, she crosses into the “upside-down” act of embracing the Black Swan.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 7 / 30% target

70%

Nina confides in her mother after audition news, deepening their fraught relationship as an emotional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 33-34 / Pages 12-13 / 40% target

76%

Nina’s rehearsals with David and comparisons with Lily show her successes and growing jealousy.

But I knew the White Swan wouldn't be a problem. The real work will be your metamorphosis into...
9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 14 / 50% target

82%

At the gala, Leroy publicly names Nina as the new Swan Queen—stakes are high, her dream realized (false victory).

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 48 / Page 18 / 65% target

80%

Rehearsals become punishing, Nina’s body and mind break down under Leroy’s harsh demands and her own pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 75 / Page 23 / 75% target

75%

After a wild night, Nina barricades herself and hallucinations culminate—she hits rock bottom, isolated and terrified.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 83 / Page 25 / 80% target

78%

Nina hesitates outside her mother’s room, questioning her sanity and support before the final performance.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 86-87 / Pages 26-27 / 85% target

74%

Nina nails the Black Swan rehearsal, finding inner strength and clarity to go forward despite her fractures.

At last, I saw the Black Swan.
14

Finale

Scenes 121-123 / Pages 34-35 / 95% target

83%

Nina delivers the triumphant Coda onstage while succumbing to her injuries, resolving arc in a performance/martyrdom.

15

Final Image

Scene 128 / Page 36 / 99% target

88%

The final shot of Nina collapsed onstage surrounded by applause completes a tragic mirror of the opening dance.

Listen to them! They love you! Get up, get up! I always knew you had it in you,...