Save the Cat rankings

Coraline script analysis

Coraline script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Coraline moves into a new home, discovers a hidden door to an alluring but sinister Other World, and must rescue her real parents and trapped spirits by confronting the Other Mother. Along the way, she learns bravery and the importance of family.

85 Save the Cat fit score 73% analysis confidence / 75 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Coraline arrives at the Pink Palace and meets Wybie, establishing her new and lonely environment.

Hello?... Who's there?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

75%

Coraline complains about her parents’ inattention, hinting at the theme of wanting genuine care.

I almost fell down a well yesterday, Mom.
3

Set-Up

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

78%

We see Coraline’s new home, her parents’ distraction, and her curiosity as she questions her father and explores.

Go out and ... count all the doors and windows and write that down. List everything blue!
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

82%

Coraline discovers the small hidden door behind the wallpaper, triggering the adventure.

Bricks? I don't get it.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 5-6 / 20% target

70%

She hesitates to enter, following a mouse into the tunnel and debating whether to proceed.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 25% target

85%

Coraline enters the Other World and experiences the first glimpse of its comforts.

MMMMM, something smells good.
7

B Story

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 30% target

65%

She meets Mr. Bobinsky and begins bonding with secondary characters, deepening relationships.

I think our mail got mixed up. Should I leave it outside or...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-11 / Pages 8-11 / 40% target

77%

Coraline enjoys the Other Parents’ hospitality, button-eyed allure, and eerie perfection.

You're just in time for supper, dear!
9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / Page 38 / 50% target

68%

At Miss Spink and Forcible’s Other Apartment, Coraline is celebrated, but the performance hints at danger (false midpoint victory).

I'm known as the siren of all seven seas, The breaker of hearts by the bay.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 41-45 / Pages 41-45 / 65% target

84%

The Other Mother entices Coraline to stay forever and presents the box of buttons, increasing threat.

For you ... our little doll.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / Page 48 / 75% target

88%

Coraline is locked in the closet-prison with the ghosts, feeling hopeless and trapped.

You may come out when you've learned to be a loving daughter!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 49-50 / Pages 49-50 / 80% target

82%

Pulled back to the real world, Coraline doubts her ability to save anyone.

13

Break into Three

Scene 65 / Page 65 / 85% target

79%

Armed with resolve and the stone talisman, Coraline returns to the Other World to rescue her parents.

I have to go back. They are my parents.
14

Finale

Scenes 66-74 / Pages 66-74 / 95% target

83%

Coraline confronts the Beldam in games, retrieves the ghost eyes from the garden, theatre, and attic, and disposes of the Beldam’s hand with Wybie’s help.

Bless you, miss, you found me! But there's two eyes still lost.
15

Final Image

Scene 75 / Page 75 / 99% target

81%

A bright garden party celebrates Coraline’s bravery and restored family bonds.

Oh, look April - Pink Ladies!