Save the Cat rankings

JOJO RABBIT script analysis

JOJO RABBIT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Jojo Betzler begins as an enthusiastic Hitler Youth member, only to discover a Jewish girl hidden in his home, which challenges his beliefs. As Jojo’s friendship with Elsa deepens, he faces mounting external dangers and internal conflicts, leading to a crisis of faith and a final transformation when the war ends.

85 Save the Cat fit score 52% analysis confidence / 85 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

48%

Jojo prepares for his Jungvolk induction, establishing his naive Nazi enthusiasm.

Jojo Betzler, ten and a half years old. Today you join the ranks of the Jungvolk. This is...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

41%

Jojo’s mother muses on absence and longing, foreshadowing loss and the value of human connection.

Like the sun misses the moon.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

50%

We meet Jojo, his imaginary Hitler friend, and his ambitions—from uniform training to the pressure to kill a rabbit.

Kill the rabbit and be a soldier Jojo!
4

Catalyst

Scene 20 / 12% target

57%

Jojo discovers Elsa hiding in his sister’s room, upending his worldview.

You come to kill me, little boy?
5

Debate

Scenes 21-24 / 20% target

54%

Jojo wrestles with how to treat Elsa—seeking Adolf’s advice and fearing to betray or protect her.

Adolf, what am I gonna do??
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / 25% target

49%

Adolf suggests reverse psychology, and Jojo commits to an active strategy with Elsa, launching the central relationship.

How are you going to chop up stuff?!
7

B Story

Scenes 20-25 / 30% target

50%

Elsa’s presence becomes the emotional B Story, exploring Jojo’s empathy and identity.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 34-38 / 40% target

53%

Jojo’s ‘research’ on Jewish life and his humorous letters build their friendship and reveal his changing perspective.

Ok here's the situation. If I tell on you, you'll be in big trouble and I don't think...
9

Midpoint

Scene 61 / 50% target

58%

Gestapo’s arrival threatens Elsa’s safety, raising the stakes in a tense false-identity moment.

Heil Hitler. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Herman Deertz of the Vienna Gestapo.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 63-67 / 65% target

56%

After the Gestapo leaves, Klenzendorf abandons Jojo and then his mother is executed, isolating him further.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / 75% target

60%

Jojo learns his mother has been executed, marking his lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 69 / 80% target

55%

Grief and fear drive Jojo to confront Elsa with a knife in despair, doubting everything.

13

Break into Three

Scene 70 / 85% target

57%

Elsa explains the Resistance, giving Jojo a new understanding and hope to act.

The Resistance, Jojo. O-Five. The O stands for Oesterreich, Austria.
14

Finale

Scenes 80-83 / 95% target

59%

Jojo witnesses Nazi executions, reunites with Yorki, then rescues Elsa by revealing the truth and embracing humanity.

No... I... I was helping them. I was good to the Jews. Please, someone tell them, I helped...
15

Final Image

Scene 85 / 99% target

51%

Jojo and Elsa step into a liberated town, contrasting the Opening Image with new empathy and freedom.