Save the Cat rankings

HOME ALONE script analysis

HOME ALONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy, is accidentally left home alone when his large family flies to Paris for Christmas. Initially reveling in independence, he soon must defend his house against two inept burglars. Along the way, he learns the value of family and forges an unexpected friendship with his reclusive neighbor, Old Man Marley.

72 Save the Cat fit score 62% analysis confidence / 36 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

80%

Establishes the cozy McCallister home and Christmas setting.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

75%

Kevin’s line “Families suck!” bluntly states the theme of family importance.

I don't want a new family! I don't want any family! Families suck!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

70%

Introduces the busy McCallister clan, Kevin’s place in it, and his frustrations.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

80%

Kevin’s wish that his family would disappear triggers the main conflict.

I don't want a new family! I don't want any family! Families suck!
5

Debate

Scenes 9-13 / 20% target

65%

Kevin wakes alone and hesitates to accept his new reality before taking action.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / 25% target

70%

Kevin switches on all the lights and embraces his solo adventure.

7

B Story

Scene 6 / 30% target

70%

Buzz tells about Old Man Marley, setting up Kevin’s emotional subplot.

That's him. Back in '58, murdered his whole family and half the people on his block with a...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-20 / 40% target

80%

Kevin’s creative traps and the burglars’ comical failures showcase the premise.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / 50% target

70%

Kevin fells the tree—his most ambitious stunt yet—raising the stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 27-29 / 65% target

75%

Harry and Marv regroup and confirm Kevin is home alone, intensifying danger.

The kid we saw the other day. He lives here.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / 75% target

60%

Kevin worries aloud about his mother, feeling helpless and alone.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 32 / 80% target

60%

He reflects on the true meaning of family in his moment of despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 33 / 85% target

80%

The family’s return reunites Kevin with loved ones and shifts him into resolution mode.

Who wants to get the presents out of the car? Jeff?
14

Finale

Scene 35 / 95% target

75%

Kevin shares a heartfelt moment with Marley, completing his emotional arc.

15

Final Image

Scene 36 / 99% target

70%

The burglars in jail mirror how Kevin’s world has been set right.