Save the Cat rankings

CAPERNAUM script analysis

CAPERNAUM script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Capernaum follows young Zain as he sues his parents for bringing him into a brutal world, then embarks on a journey caring for baby Yonas. He learns survival on the streets, experiences fleeting hope with caretaker Rahil, and confronts systemic failures in detention and courtroom battles. Ultimately, Zain reclaims agency by speaking out in a televised hearing.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 195 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Zain is detained and examined, establishing his dire circumstances and setting the visual tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / Page 5 / 5% target

15%

Zain declares “I want to sue my parents,” voicing the story’s core theme of accountability and personal rights.

I want to sue my parents.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-7 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

10%

We meet Zain’s daily life with Rahil and Yonas, establishing characters, stakes, and the household’s fragility.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 6 / 12% target

12%

Rahil entrusts Zain with sole care of Yonas, triggering Zain’s shift into responsibility and independence.

Don't leave the house, ok? Please don't let Yonas cry a lot. Our neighbor's a pain.
5

Debate

Scenes 16-17 / Pages 7-8 / 20% target

10%

Zain struggles with diaper changes and Rahil grapples with legal barriers, doubting their ability to cope.

You smell like shit, you little shit. Stop! Sit down. Sit down!
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / Page 9 / 25% target

10%

Rahil testifies in court about her undocumented status, pushing Zain fully into his own story of survival.

Because I don't have a permit.
7

B Story

Scene 30 / Page 11 / 30% target

10%

Zain defends Rahil from their neighbor’s harassment, reinforcing their bond as his emotional support story.

What a piece of shit, that bitch... Slut, whore, filthy...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 34-49 / Pages 12-16 / 40% target

12%

Montage of everyday hustle: stealing food, selling goods, dreaming of Sweden—Zain learns street smarts and small triumphs.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 50-51 / Page 17 / 50% target

13%

Zain returns to find Rahil gone and breaks a cassette in despair—stakes rise as he faces abandonment.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 80-82 / Pages 28-29 / 65% target

11%

Water cuts off, neighborhood hostility intensifies, and Zain’s self-talk reveals growing isolation.

No water? Seriously? Great!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 132 / Page 45 / 75% target

12%

Zain finds Rahil’s home locked and their belongings tossed out—his worst fear realized.

What sonofabitch changed the lock and threw my shit out?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 160 / Page 55 / 80% target

10%

In detention, Rahil prays while Zain stares blankly, both engulfed in guilt and hopelessness.

13

Break into Three

Scene 179 / Page 61 / 85% target

13%

Zain appears on a talk show, reclaiming his voice and preparing for the final showdown.

I want to sue my parents.
14

Finale

Scene 188 / Page 63 / 95% target

14%

In court, Zain delivers a powerful address demanding adults stop bringing children into abuse, resolving his fight.

That kid in your belly will be just like me.
15

Final Image

Scene 195 / Page 66 / 99% target

10%

Zain takes his ID photo, signifying his transformation into someone who claims his rights.

No, this is my right. This is my left.