COCO script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Marigold petals on the path set a visually poetic opening that introduces the Day of the Dead.

Abuelita’s admonition about ‘Eat your food’ hints at family duty vs. personal desire.

Miguel! Eat your food.

We learn Miguel’s musical passion, his strict shoemaking lineage, and the family’s ban on music.

The family destroys Miguel’s guitar, triggering his decision to prove himself through de la Cruz.

What is all this? You keep secrets from your own family?

Miguel wrestles with guilt over stealing and questions whether he can follow his dream.

After grabbing the guitar in the mausoleum, Miguel finds himself invisible and steps into the Land of the Dead.

Meeting Mamá Imelda introduces the emotional family subplot about memory and legacy.

Miguel and Héctor’s adventures—escaping the station, learning Land of the Dead rules, and performing ‘Poco Loco’—provide playful sequences.

Their triumphant performance at the battle of the bands marks a false-sense victory.

Mama Imelda’s confrontation on the staircase raises stakes and disapproval.

I remember that feeling, when my husband would play, and I would sing and nothing else mattered.

Héctor exposes Ernesto de la Cruz’s betrayal, shattering Miguel’s idol worship.

We had a deal, chamaco!

Trapped in the cenote, Héctor’s grief over being forgotten mirrors Miguel’s fear of losing family.

She's... forgetting me.

The Rivera clan rescues them and commits to retrieving the photo, renewing Miguel’s hope.

I don't know! I'm still angry at you.

The family unites to infiltrate de la Cruz’s concert, secure the photo, and restore Héctor’s legacy.

Miguel’s song revives Mamá Coco’s memories, closing the emotional loop on remembrance.

REMEMBER ME THOUGH I HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE REMEMBER ME DON'T LET IT MAKE YOU CRY