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KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS script analysis

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Kubo, raised in isolation by his mother, must embark on a perilous journey to retrieve his father’s armor and defeat vengeful spirits. Alongside Monkey and Beetle, he learns courage, the power of storytelling, and the meaning of family. Inner and outer conflicts escalate until Kubo confronts the Moon Beast with the strength of his memories. Ultimately, he reunites with his parents in spirit form, completing his transformation.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 26 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

70%

Kubo’s mother, at sea in a storm, sets the visual and emotional tone of peril and magic.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

70%

Kubo’s mother warns that his grandfather and aunts are monsters, hinting at themes of memory, loss, and family.

No, they are monsters! Grandfather and my sisters stole your eye, Kubo!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / 10% target

70%

We see Kubo’s daily life: waking in the cave, preparing breakfast, and performing for villagers, establishing his world and abilities.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / 12% target

70%

The Sisters appear at the cemetery and threaten Kubo, forcing him out of his safe routine.

We’re your family, Kubo. Your mother’s sisters. And we’ve been looking for you for so long.
5

Debate

Scene 9 / 20% target

60%

Stranded in a blizzard, Kubo awakens unsure of his next steps until Monkey arrives, underscoring his fear and uncertainty about the quest ahead.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

70%

Kubo and Monkey camp in the whale carcass and resolve to seek the armor, signaling their full entry into the adventure.

We’re going to find the armor. It’s the only thing that can protect you.
7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

70%

Meeting Beetle introduces the friendship subplot and deepens Kubo’s ties to his father through a fellow samurai’s memories.

Hanzo! Yes! I remember him. I think maybe... he was my master!
8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / 40% target

70%

Kubo practices magic by creating paper birds while Monkey cautions him about growing stronger and the balance of danger and power.

We grow stronger. The world grows more dangerous. Life has a way of keeping things balanced.
9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / 50% target

80%

In a dramatic shift, Kubo invokes the Sword Unbreakable to defeat the Odokuro, marking a false victory and raising the stakes.

I INVOKE THE SWORD UNBREAKABLE!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 18 / 65% target

60%

The Sisters track Kubo across the snow, tightening their pursuit and threat level.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 20 / 75% target

70%

A storm and a Sister’s attack on the boat leave Kubo separated from Beetle, representing the seeming failure of their mission.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 21 / 80% target

80%

Inside the cave, Monkey reveals her history with Hanzo, plunging Kubo into emotional turmoil about love, sacrifice, and loss.

In recognizing his compassion I recognized my own. I spared his life. He gave me mine.
13

Break into Three

Scene 22 / 85% target

70%

The final confrontation is set when Kubo and his friends face the remaining Sister in Beetle’s fortress, forming their plan to end the pursuit.

You took her from us. It was only fitting we took something from you!
14

Finale

Scene 23 / 95% target

80%

Kubo uses his storytelling and the villagers’ spirits to weaken the Moon Beast, transforming him and resolving the central conflict.

For every horrible thing down here there’s something far more beautiful. My mother saw it. So did my...
15

Final Image

Scene 26 / 99% target

70%

Kubo is reunited with his parents as spirits, mirroring the opening’s emotional magic and showing his growth and healing.