Save the Cat rankings

Finding Nemo script analysis

Finding Nemo script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Finding Nemo opens with Marlin’s overprotective nature highlighted as he prepares his son Nemo for school, setting up the stakes of letting go. When Nemo is captured by divers, Marlin teams up with Dory, igniting a cross‐ocean rescue mission. Along the way, they face comedic and perilous trials in the ocean’s depths, while Nemo plots his own escape in the dentist’s tank. Ultimately, lessons about trust, perseverance, and family bring them back together.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 13 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Introduces Marlin and Coral admiring their new home and eagerly awaiting their children, establishing an idyllic but fragile family life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

80%

Nemo’s excitement and Marlin’s worry foreshadow the theme of letting go and trust.

First day of school! First day of school! Wake up, wake up! C'mon, first day of school!
3

Set-Up

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

78%

Establishes Marlin’s protective routine, Nemo’s yearning for independence, and the school drop‐off world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 3 / 12% target

90%

Nemo’s touch of the boat and capture by divers disrupts the status quo and propels Marlin into action.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

75%

Marlin hesitates to trust others but teams up with Dory; the shark meeting tests his trust further.

Fish are friends, not food.
6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 25% target

80%

Marlin commits to the journey and accepts Dory’s help, entering the unfamiliar open ocean.

7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 30% target

70%

Dory’s storyline deepens as the sharks’ “Fish are friends, not food” mantra underscores her optimistic influence.

Fish are friends, not food.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 8 / Page 6 / 40% target

78%

The jellyfish forest provides playful, visually engaging trials and showcases Marlin and Dory’s growing bond.

I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy.
9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 7 / 50% target

82%

Riding the East Australian Current is a high‐energy peak where Marlin and Dory gain momentum—and hope—for finding Nemo.

Well, you never really know. But when they'll know, you'll know, you know?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 5-8 / 65% target

77%

Nemo’s failed escape attempts in the tank and the dentist’s vigilance raise stakes for both halves of the story.

Fish aren't meant to be in a box, kid. It does things to 'ya.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 9 / Page 8 / 75% target

75%

Gill’s plan to escape seems nearest success just before everything falls apart, marking a false victory.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 11 / Page 9 / 80% target

70%

Marlin’s conversation with Nemo—discussing Sandy Plankton—underscores his guilt and fear at potentially failing his son.

He was a hundred and fifty! Not one hundred! Who is this Sandy Plankton who knows everything?
13

Break into Three

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 85% target

74%

Marlin resolves to push past fear as he drops Nemo off again, preparing for a final push toward rescue.

Time for school! Time for school! Get up! Let's go! Go!
14

Finale

Scene 13 / Page 11 / 95% target

80%

The tank gang’s escape distraction lets Nemo reunite with Marlin’s rescue effort, bringing the dual narratives together.

15

Final Image

Scene 12 / Page 10 / 99% target

83%

Mirrors the opening reef shot but now shows Marlin and Nemo more confident and secure in their bond.