Save the Cat rankings

Little Miss Sunshine script analysis

Little Miss Sunshine script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A quirky family embarks on a road trip to get young Olive to her beauty pageant, revealing their individual struggles along the way. Frank’s recent suicide attempt, Dwayne’s vow of silence after discovering he is colorblind, and Grandpa’s death force them to confront personal failures and family bonds. They learn to support one another through chaos and self-doubt, culminating in Olive’s unconventional performance. In the end, the family emerges more united and accepting.

85 Save the Cat fit score 73% analysis confidence / 26 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Olive alone mimics a pageant winner, establishing her dream and the film’s tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

85%

Richard declares “Winners…and Losers,” stating the theme of success versus failure.

There’s two kinds of people in this world -- Winners...and Losers.
3

Set-Up

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

75%

We meet key family members—Sheryl, Frank and others—establishing their dysfunction and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

78%

Frank’s suicide attempt is revealed, forcing Sheryl to bring him home and upending the family dynamic.

I’m so glad you’re still here.
5

Debate

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 20% target

70%

The family struggles to get the bus started, symbolizing their doubts about making it to the pageant.

I just want everyone here to know I'm the pre-eminent Proust scholar in the United States.
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 3 / 25% target

80%

They finally start the bus and commit to the road trip, entering a new world of challenges.

"No one gets left behind! No one gets left behind!" Outstanding, soldier! Outstanding!
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 8 / 30% target

72%

Frank bonds with Dwayne while surfing, providing emotional depth and a mini-love story with life philosophies.

I don't know if I believe in God, but the ocean -- it's always here for you: infinitely...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / Page 4 / 40% target

74%

On the bus, Richard pitches his plan, and Frank challenges his mindset, showcasing their family banter.

Sarcasm is just the sour grapes of losers trying to pull winners down to their level.
9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 50% target

82%

Grandpa dies, turning the trip into a mission to honor him and heightening stakes.

No. We've come seven hundred miles. I'll be damned if I'm not making that contest.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 16 / Page 7 / 65% target

76%

Dwayne’s breakdown and rejection of the family intensifies internal conflict.

You're not my family! I don't want to be your family! I hate you fucking people! I hate...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 23 / Page 10 / 75% target

77%

Family debates whether Olive should perform, risking her dream and their unity.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / Page 10 / 80% target

72%

They face despair over Olive’s future and the possible failure of the trip.

13

Break into Three

Scene 24 / Page 11 / 85% target

79%

Olive goes on stage and the family decides to join her, recommitting to each other.

Keep dancing, Honey! Just dance!
14

Finale

Scene 25 / Page 12 / 95% target

70%

The family faces legal consequences together, showing solidarity despite external judgment.

15

Final Image

Scene 26 / Page 13 / 99% target

80%

They share a quiet meal at a rest stop, a calmer contrast to the opening and a new family unity.

Richard... Don’t ever have children.