Save the Cat rankings

JEUX INTERDITS script analysis

JEUX INTERDITS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

In occupied France during WWII, young Paulette, orphaned by war, finds refuge on the Doll farm and befriends Michel. Together they create a secret cemetery for dead animals, but their games escalate into theft, leading to heartbreaking consequences and ultimately a mature letting go.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 56 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

70%

Introduces Paulette and Michel meeting on a wooded islet and sets a quiet, storybook tone.

C'est l'histoire d'une petite fille...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

65%

Paulette follows her dead dog, signaling that grief and mortality are central themes.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

60%

We meet Paulette’s family tragedy in the exodus and see her first bond with Michel on the riverbank.

J'ai pas peur, c'est pas m&chant, une vache.
4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / 12% target

75%

Paulette’s parents die during an air raid, orphaning her and forcing her onto the Doll farm.

5

Debate

Scene 8 / 20% target

60%

The Doll family discusses Paulette’s fate and war dangers while Michel tries to comfort her uncertainty.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / 25% target

70%

Paulette and Michel decide to create a secret cemetery for dead animals, embarking on their shared project.

a ne te regarde pas.
7

B Story

Scene 5 / 30% target

65%

Their friendship deepens when Michel rescues Paulette from a runaway cow, marking the start of their bond.

Alors, quoi ? Tu pouvais pas l'arr&ter ?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 19 / 40% target

60%

Michel and Paulette joyfully craft little crosses and pray at their animal cemetery.

Je vous salue, Marie pleine de grce...
9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / 50% target

75%

Georges dies, reminding the children of real loss and raising the emotional stakes.

Notre Pre, qui tes aux Cieux, que Votre Nom soit sanctifi...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 32 / 65% target

70%

Michel’s theft of Gouard family chicks and his confrontation show mounting external conflict.

Tu veux que j't'aide ? Qu'est-ce que tu fous là ?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

75%

The police arrive and take Paulette away, seeming to end their secret world forever.

Et si je te dis où elles sont, tu la gardes ?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 54 / 80% target

70%

Alone in the mill, Michel smashes all the stolen crosses in despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 55 / 85% target

65%

He decides to preserve only Paulette’s bracelet, symbolizing his acceptance and hope.

Tiens, garde-le cent ans.
14

Finale

Scene 55 / 95% target

60%

Michel’s act of hiding the bracelet marks his poignant choice to honor their bond and let go.

Tiens, garde-le cent ans.
15

Final Image

Scene 56 / 99% target

70%

Paulette at the Red Cross hears someone call for Michel, suggesting their connection endures.