Save the Cat rankings

MATILDA script analysis

MATILDA script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Matilda, a brilliant young girl neglected by her parents, discovers the joy of reading and befriends her kind teacher, Miss Honey. When she is forced into a harsh school run by the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, Matilda’s courage and newfound telekinetic powers lead her to stand up for herself and her classmates. Through a series of escalating confrontations, she transforms her own life and that of Miss Honey.

75 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 47 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces the Wormwood family’s indifference as they view baby Matilda as an inconvenience.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

75%

Matilda asks to read instead of watching TV, stating the value of books and learning.

To 'read'?? You want to read when you've got a television set sitting right there??
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

82%

We meet Matilda’s neglectful parents and see her self-sufficiency and early genius in the home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / 12% target

70%

Matilda’s insistence on reading sparks conflict with her television-obsessed parents, pushing her toward independence.

5

Debate

Scenes 12-14 / 20% target

76%

Matilda debates with her father and mother about going to school and pursuing her intellect.

Four! If you were six and a half, you'd be in school.
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / 25% target

80%

Mr. Wormwood insists Matilda start school, moving her from home into the world of Crunchem Hall.

You're going to school.
7

B Story

Scene 30 / 30% target

85%

Matilda meets Miss Honey, establishing the mentor relationship and emotional throughline.

Children, we have a new student today, Matilda Wormwood. Now you all remember how scary it was on...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 30-36 / 40% target

80%

Matilda excels academically, bonds with friends, and endures Trunchbull’s outrages, showcasing her intelligence and spirit.

Dear, why don't you try these instead?
9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / 50% target

78%

The public cake-eating punishment of Bruce Bogtrotter heightens stakes and cruelty—Matilda must act.

Will little Brucie come up here?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 40 / 65% target

79%

Trunchbull’s punishment—the Chokey—escalates the oppression and danger Matilda faces.

Teach you a lesson -
11

All Is Lost

Scene 44 / 75% target

74%

Matilda faces her greatest crisis as Trunchbull’s tyranny seems unstoppable, and she’s powerless in class.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 45 / 80% target

76%

Matilda feels despair when Trunchbull brings proof of the haunting, questioning her abilities.

Oh Miss Honey, I wish you’d been there!
13

Break into Three

Scene 46 / 85% target

80%

Matilda resolves to use her telekinesis openly to defeat Trunchbull once and for all.

14

Finale

Scenes 46-47 / 95% target

82%

Matilda’s final showdown expels Trunchbull and secures Miss Honey’s happiness; she forces her parents to sign adoption papers.

15

Final Image

Scene 47 / 99% target

80%

Matilda stands triumphant and secure in Miss Honey’s home, a contrast to her lonely beginnings.