Save the Cat rankings

Labyrinth script analysis

Labyrinth script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Sarah is frustrated with babysitting her infant brother Freddie when the Goblin King Jareth whisks him away into a sprawling labyrinth. Determined to rescue him, she enters the maze, reluctantly befriends its strange denizens, and faces a series of trials and temptations. In a dreamlike midpoint she nearly succumbs to the magic around her, but ultimately she finds courage, rejects Jareth’s offer, and wins back her brother. The film closes as Sarah awakens at home, holding Freddie safely.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 29 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

A bird’s-eye view of the labyrinth establishes the story’s fantastical world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Sarah’s frustrated outburst hints at themes of responsibility and growing up.

Get off me, you monster!!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

20%

We see Sarah’s home life, her argument with her parents, and her reluctance to babysit.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

20%

Jareth appears and kidnaps Freddie, propelling Sarah into action.

I've been known by many names ... but the one I prefer is Jareth, King of the Goblins!!!
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

20%

Sarah hesitates at the labyrinth entrance, questioning whether she can rescue her brother alone.

6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Pages 2-3 / 25% target

20%

She steps into the maze, leaving the ordinary world behind.

7

B Story

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

20%

Sarah meets Hoggle and the Wise One, beginning her friendships and moral support arc.

The best way to the castle, hmmm. I'm glad you asked that question.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-19 / Pages 4-9 / 40% target

20%

Sarah and her new allies navigate walls, forests, and talkative creatures in a series of whimsical trials.

9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 50% target

20%

In the dreamlike ballroom, Sarah is seduced by the magic and nearly gives up her quest.

I ... I feel like ... I ... don't know what I feel ...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 32 / Page 14 / 65% target

20%

A battalion of goblins chases Sarah and Hoggle, intensifying external threats.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Page 12 / 75% target

20%

Jareth offers Sarah power at his side, and she momentarily seems defeated.

Why, everything ... you'll rule by my side.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 29 / Page 13 / 80% target

20%

Alone in a collapsing corridor, Sarah doubts her ability to save Freddie.

13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 17 / 85% target

20%

Sir Didymus’s pledge renews Sarah’s resolve to fight the Goblin King.

Let us be brothers henceforth, and fight for the right as one!
14

Finale

Scene 27 / Page 11 / 95% target

20%

Sarah confronts Jareth in the gravity-defying Escher room, using wit instead of magic to triumph.

15

Final Image

Scene 29 / Page 13 / 99% target

20%

Sarah awakens in her own nursery, clutching Freddie and restored to reality.