Save the Cat rankings

Fantastic Mr. Fox script analysis

Fantastic Mr. Fox script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Fantastic Mr. Fox follows Mr. Fox’s transition from a discontented family man to daring animal hero. After infiltrating farms for food and angering three farmers, he must rally his friends in a desperate underground rescue mission. Along the way he doubts himself, nearly loses all hope, then finds redemption by leading a clever finale and restoring family unity.

80 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

We see Mr. and Mrs. Fox walking home, establishing domestic life.

What'd the doctor say?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 5% target

20%

Mr. Fox expresses dissatisfaction with his writing career, hinting at themes of identity and self-worth.

Does anybody actually read my column? Do your friends ever talk about it?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

20%

Fox and wife scout the first farm, then infiltrate it and barely escape, establishing the world and stakes.

Should we go through the hole under the horse fence or climb the rail over the bridle path?
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 12% target

20%

Mrs. Fox discovers her chicken is from Boggis, driving Mr. Fox back to stealing.

Where'd you get this chicken?
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

20%

Mr. Fox debates whether to risk another heist as he plans a cider robbery with his son and nephew.

Where'd you come from? Go back to the tree and do your homework!
6

Break into Two

Scenes 8-9 / Page 4 / 25% target

20%

They commit to the cider heist, entering Bean’s secret cellar.

Y'all are trespassin', now. Illegally. 'Round these parts, we don't take kindly to cider poachers.
7

B Story

Scene 13 / Page 6 / 30% target

20%

Kylie joins the family in the hole, supporting the emotional subplot of found family.

You're paranoid, Foxy.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-17 / Page 7 / 40% target

20%

Fox leads the animals into Boggis’s chicken house then celebrates their feast in the flint mine.

I guess we do have those three ugly, cusshole farmers to thank for one thing: reminding us to...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 18-19 / Page 8 / 50% target

20%

A flood destroys the feast and Fox says an emotional farewell before mounting a rescue mission.

I guess we always were. I promise you: if I had all this to do over again, I'd...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 20-21 / Page 9 / 65% target

20%

Rat reveals the farmers’ kidnapping of Kristofferson and attacks, raising stakes.

Y'all lookin' for somethin'? Nothin' down here but rusty bottle-caps and drainin' water.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 75% target

20%

Fox rallies the animals but questions whether this rescue can succeed.

In a way, I'm almost glad that flood interrupted us, because I don't like the toast I was...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / Page 10 / 80% target

20%

Mrs. Fox’s mural showing the family’s longing underscores their low point.

It's stupendous. Where's us?
13

Break into Three

Scenes 24-26 / Page 11 / 85% target

20%

The ransom note from Fox and their stealth preparations mark the plan’s final phase.

Why'd he write this in letters cut out of magazines?
14

Finale

Scenes 27-35 / Pages 12-14 / 95% target

20%

Fox’s infiltration, the confrontations, and climactic escape demonstrate clever teamwork and payoff.

Your tractors uprooted my tree. Your posse hunted my family. Your gunmen kidnapped my nephew. Your rat insulted...
15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 15 / 99% target

20%

The supermarket celebration shows the Fox family thriving in a new world.

Let's see, now. Where does this lead?