Save the Cat rankings

HELLBOY script analysis

HELLBOY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hellboy is introduced through the Bureau’s investigation into the paranormal and his reluctant partnership with Agent Myers. As the team uncovers Rasputin’s apocalyptic plan involving the demon Sammael, personal stakes emerge through Liz’s struggle and Hellboy’s loyalty. The mid-point battle steels the team, but Broom’s death and doubts about purpose plunge them into despair. Ultimately, Hellboy rallies to confront the portal’s guardian and reunites with Liz, fulfilling both the mission and his own search for belonging.

78 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 55 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces Bureau’s paranormal work and sets tone with George Matlin interview.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

10%

Broom’s measured authority hints at courage and standing by others.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 5-8 / 10% target

11%

Myers meets Broom, Abe, then Hellboy, establishing characters and Bureau HQ.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / 12% target

10%

Hellboy’s first major field victory against Sammael reveals the demon threat.

Uh-oh -- between a rock and a hard place --
5

Debate

Scenes 13-15 / 20% target

11%

Liz’s fragility and Myers’ doubts after the hospital attack raise personal stakes.

No. Not this time, H.B. It's been months since I've had an episode. And you know what? I'm...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 25-26 / 25% target

10%

Team enters Benjamin Institute tunnels preparing for deeper confrontation.

7

B Story

Scenes 21-24 / 30% target

11%

Liz and Myers reconnect, exploring their relationship amid mission urgency.

The hospital called us. They don't feel they're capable of caring for you any longer, and --
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-32 / 40% target

10%

Exploration of tunnels, fights with Sammael, and Hellboy’s combat showcase bureau action.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 33-34 / 50% target

10%

After defeating Sammael, Hellboy returns triumphant but Abe is injured, shifting tone to consequence.

No, it doesn't make it right, but I stopped that creature, didn't I?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 39-41 / 65% target

10%

Rasputin confronts Broom and later Broom dies, tightening Rasputin’s power.

Very good, Professor Broom.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 41-42 / 75% target

12%

Broom’s funeral marks low point—Hellboy and team despair without their mentor.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 42-44 / 80% target

10%

Team readies for Moscow mission, doubts linger about purpose and leadership without Broom.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 45-47 / 85% target

10%

After personal reflections, team enters cemetery and mausoleum, resolved to stop Rasputin.

14

Finale

Scenes 48-54 / 95% target

11%

Hellboy battles Kroenen, escapes traps, then fights Behemoth in catacombs to close portal.

Ouch -- It did hurt.
15

Final Image

Scene 55 / 99% target

12%

Hellboy and Liz reunite, emphasizing found family and fulfilled mission.

Keep her safe. No matter what. I'll deal with whatever's back there.