Save the Cat rankings

INSIDE OUT 2 script analysis

INSIDE OUT 2 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Riley navigates the challenges of growing up as her emotions oversee every moment from Headquarters. When Anxiety begins to dominate, Joy must rally the other emotions to restore balance and help Riley face her fears. Through escalating internal conflicts and a dangerous trip through Riley’s mind, they learn that embracing all emotions is key to maturity.

85 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 18 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Introduces Riley at a hockey rink championship, framing her life through the emotions in Headquarters.

This is Joy, coming to you live in Riley’s mind, and we’re expecting a GREAT CHAMPIONSHIP today with...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

80%

Riley’s outburst over a pimple hints at the theme of emotional growth and acceptance.

UGH! YOU’RE ALWAYS ON ME, CAN’T YOU JUST LAY OFF FOR LIKE ONE SECOND??!
3

Set-Up

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

75%

We see Riley at hockey, then emotions handle her life and HQ is renovated, establishing characters and status quo.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

80%

News of being assigned to a new high school disrupts Riley’s world, sparking her anxiety.

We--we got assigned to a different high school.
5

Debate

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

75%

Riley meets new peer Valentina and the emotions worry about her social future, debating how to help.

Oh, this is a sad story.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 6 / 25% target

80%

Riley enters the locker room with Valentina, symbolically stepping into the unfamiliar world of high school.

Alright, you ready Riley?
7

B Story

Scene 9 / Pages 6-7 / 30% target

75%

Coach Roberts confiscates phones, reinforcing the social stakes and friendships subplot.

You’re here to work. Not goof around. Got that, Andersen?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 7-9 / 40% target

80%

New emotions take over HQ, music changes, and the Sar-chasm threatens them, showcasing play and personality clashes.

We have to know one cool song, right?
9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / Page 9 / 50% target

85%

The Sar-chasm crisis represents a false defeat and forces the emotions to confront real danger together.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 13-15 / Pages 9-12 / 65% target

85%

Emotions argue in Long Term, Anxiety’s projections worsen, and HQ is critically damaged by the Back of the Mind tube crash.

OF COURSE I’M DELUSIONAL! Do you know how HARD it is to stay positive all the time?!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 16 / Pages 12-13 / 75% target

80%

Joy searches hopelessly through Riley’s flawed memories, believing Anxiety cannot be stopped.

I don’t know how to stop Anxiety. Maybe we can’t. Maybe this is what happens when you grow...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Pages 13-14 / 80% target

80%

Riley plays hockey while the emotions feel powerless, marking their lowest emotional point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / Page 14 / 85% target

80%

The emotions resolve to summon Pouchy and use dynamite to forge a new plan, uniting against Anxiety.

14

Finale

Scene 18 / Pages 14-15 / 95% target

85%

They trigger an avalanche of memories, rebuild HQ, and restore emotional balance, solving Riley’s conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 18 / Page 15 / 99% target

85%

The restored Headquarters and harmonious emotions reflect Riley’s maturity and acceptance of all feelings.