Save the Cat rankings

BOYHOOD script analysis

BOYHOOD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Boyhood follows Mason from age six through college, depicting his family life, parental struggles, and personal growth. The story’s beats trace his changing relationships with his mother, father, and friends as he navigates childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Moments of transition—moving cities, parental conflict, first love, and graduation—mark the film’s narrative structure.

75 Save the Cat fit score 58% analysis confidence / 127 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

82%

Introduces young Mason waiting for his mother and sharing his whimsical wasp theory, setting the tone of childhood curiosity.

Yeah. Hey, guess what, Mom?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 12 / Page 2 / 5% target

75%

Olivia’s news of moving to Houston plants the theme of change and growth throughout life.

So listen, guys, I wanna talk to you about something, and you might not like this idea at...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-11 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

68%

We see Mason’s school life, family routines, and parental tension, establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 12% target

71%

The family’s move to Houston disrupts Mason’s familiar world.

So listen, guys, I wanna talk to you about something, and you might not like this idea at...
5

Debate

Scenes 22-28 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

65%

Mason experiences conflicted loyalties between his divorced parents, feeling unsettled at each visit.

Do you think he's gonna spend the night?
6

Break into Two

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

62%

He crosses into a new phase by attending his mother’s college class, blending childhood and adult worlds.

7

B Story

Scene 54 / Page 9 / 30% target

60%

The father-son bond deepens when they discuss magic and reality.

Dad? There's no like... real magic in the world, right?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 36-43 / Pages 8-10 / 40% target

58%

Montage of family charades, Harry Potter release, and dad teaching golf and yard chores illustrate the playful middle act.

9

Midpoint

Scene 62 / Page 11 / 50% target

66%

Bill’s explosive behavior at dinner signals a false high—tension peaks when the family dinner turns violent.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 61-68 / Pages 11-13 / 65% target

64%

Bill’s aggression escalates through threats, forcing Olivia to flee with the children.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 68-70 / Pages 13-14 / 75% target

63%

Mom drives away to Carol’s house, representing the darkest point of domestic breakdown.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 73-74 / Pages 14-15 / 80% target

60%

Mason adjusts to a new school and contemplates fitting in, uncertain about his place.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 107-108 / Pages 19-20 / 85% target

57%

Mason’s deep talk with Sheena and the subsequent argument prompt him to take responsibility in his relationships.

I just feel like there are so many things that I could be doing and probably want to...
14

Finale

Scenes 123-127 / Pages 23-25 / 95% target

64%

Graduation, parental reconciliation, and Mason’s departure to college resolve his journey from boyhood to adulthood.

The point is those pictures you took. Thousands of submissions from all over the state and you won.
15

Final Image

Scene 127 / Page 25 / 99% target

70%

Mason hiking Big Bend with friends symbolizes his embrace of life’s ongoing journey.