Save the Cat rankings

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC script analysis

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ben Cash leads his six children in an isolated, survivalist life in the Pacific Northwest. After a medical scare in a supermarket and the death of their mother, the family embarks on a mission to honor her true wishes by disrupting her funeral. Confronted by the outside world and internal conflicts, Ben and his children must reconcile their rigorous ideals with real–world challenges before finding a new balance.

80 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 12 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Introduces the family’s feral survivalist lifestyle with Bodevan hunting an elk at dawn.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

80%

Ben’s ritual marking Bodevan’s manhood hints at themes of transformation and identity.

Today. The boy is dead. And in his place. Is a man.
3

Set-Up

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

78%

We meet Ben’s rigorous training regimen and the family’s isolated existence leading into their educational rituals.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

82%

Ben suffers a medical episode in the supermarket, catalyzing their clash with mainstream society.

Everyone get back! Just get back!
5

Debate

Scene 7 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

75%

The children question Ben’s extreme doctrines during the celebratory Noam Chomsky Day debrief.

What kind of crazy person celebrates Noam Chomsky’s BIRTHDAY like it’s some kind of official holiday?! Why can’t...
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

80%

Ben and kids storm the funeral service, committing to Leslie’s final wishes and entering the story’s main journey.

I’ll take that as my cue, if I may.
7

B Story

Scene 9 / Page 7 / 30% target

77%

Jack’s confrontation bars them from the funeral, introducing the personal conflict subplot about family bonds.

You are the worst thing that has ever happened to me.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 40% target

79%

Knife–fighting drills show the family’s unique skills and lifestyle, offering playful survivalist beats.

This is not normal. We are not normal.
9

Midpoint

Scene 7 / Pages 5-6 / 50% target

74%

The celebratory high of Noam Chomsky Day marks the story’s midpoint with ideological reinforcement and family unity.

Happy Noam Chomsky Day.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 9 / Page 7 / 65% target

80%

Jack’s outright rejection and legal threat close in on Ben’s mission, endangering their stand.

You are the worst thing that has ever happened to me.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 11 / Page 9 / 75% target

76%

Vespyr’s fall during the break–in feels like the worst outcome of their extremist choices.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 10 / Page 8 / 80% target

77%

The children’s emotional argument on the bus highlights their doubt and isolation.

I don’t want to lose you!
13

Break into Three

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 85% target

81%

Ben learns Vespyr will recover and decides to reconcile with mainstream life, shifting to a new approach.

14

Finale

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 95% target

79%

The family reconciles in the hospital, integrating lessons from both their upbringing and the outside world.

15

Final Image

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 99% target

82%

The closing hospital scene contrasts the opening hunt, showing a more balanced family dynamic.