Save the Cat rankings

E.T. - THE EXTRA-TERRESTIAL script analysis

E.T. - THE EXTRA-TERRESTIAL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A lonely boy, Elliott, discovers and befriends an alien stranded on Earth. As they forge a deep bond, Elliott hides and cares for his new friend while avoiding government agents. When E.T. is discovered and seemingly dies, Elliott rallies with his siblings to save him. In a daring final escape, they return E.T. to his ship, completing a journey of friendship and loss.

85 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 30 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

A silent pan over the night sky into a forest establishes the film’s sense of wonder and isolation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Elliott is excluded from his friends’ game, hinting at themes of belonging and connection.

You have to ask Steve.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Pages 1-7 / 10% target

65%

We see the alien’s arrival in the forest and Elliott’s lonely home life, setting up both worlds.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 12% target

75%

Elliott and E.T. meet, sparking the story’s central relationship.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-11 / Pages 9-11 / 20% target

65%

Elliott hesitates to reveal E.T. as Mary investigates strange noises and school distracts him.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 12 / 25% target

70%

E.T. ventures out of the room, signaling Elliott’s commitment to hide and protect him.

7

B Story

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 30% target

65%

E.T.’s kitchen exploration deepens his bond with Elliott and the family dynamic.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-17 / Pages 14-17 / 40% target

60%

Government forces close in as E.T. adapts to Earth, reflecting the ‘promise of the premise.’

9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 50% target

70%

Authorities monitor Elliott and E.T., and Elliott asserts their emotional link.

No, Elliott feels his feelings
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 19-22 / Pages 19-22 / 65% target

65%

Medical examinations intensify and E.T. appears to perish, tightening the tension.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 22 / Page 22 / 75% target

70%

E.T. is declared dead, marking the story’s lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / Page 23 / 80% target

60%

White vehicles arrive and Elliott’s world collapses as he confronts loss.

13

Break into Three

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 85% target

75%

E.T.’s heartbeat reveals he’s alive, giving Elliott new hope.

14

Finale

Scenes 26-29 / Pages 26-29 / 95% target

70%

Elliott and friends execute a daring escape and bike chase to reunite E.T. with his ship.

15

Final Image

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 99% target

75%

E.T. departs in his spaceship, mirroring the opening’s awe and concluding their journey.