Save the Cat rankings

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN script analysis

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Jake, a disaffected teen, follows his dying grandfather’s cryptic instructions to a mysterious orphanage. There he meets Miss Peregrine and discovers a hidden world of time loops and peculiar children. After learning of an ancient evil hunting them, Jake embarks on a quest across time to find a talisman and save both his family and his new friends. His journey leads to a climactic battle, forcing him to choose between returning home or protecting the loop forever.

80 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 125 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Jake’s mundane life and his feeling that nothing ever changes.

I guess I felt nothing would ever change. You leave footprints on the beach, and tomorrow they’re gone....
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Jake is mocked at work, underscoring his search for purpose and change.

Hey, Amy? Jake! I’m in your math class.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-12 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

75%

Jake’s routine is upended by his grandfather’s death and a mission to a remote island.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Page 3 / 12% target

85%

Grandfather dies delivering a cryptic plea to ‘go to the island’ with the key.

No! Listen! Please. Go to the island. Take the little key with you. The one with purple string.
5

Debate

Scene 12 / Page 4 / 20% target

70%

Jake struggles to accept the loss and wonders why he’s been brought here.

You know because... why else would I be here. I get it.
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 4 / 25% target

80%

Jake officially enters the new world by meeting Miss Peregrine and entering the time loop.

Millard broke a few things, that’s all. They were going to hurt Jake.
7

B Story

Scene 13 / Page 5 / 30% target

75%

Emma’s introduction deepens Jake’s emotional stake and personal connection.

He said you could explain everything.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-20 / Pages 6-8 / 40% target

70%

Jake explores the peculiar world, witnessing abilities and daily monster resets.

9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Page 9 / 50% target

80%

The time loop resets with a bomb, marking a false high when Jake receives letters for a critical mission.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 31 / Page 10 / 65% target

75%

Jake and Emma decide to seek the talisman to reverse time, despite growing dangers.

Oh Jake, wouldn’t it be incredible? If you really could get him back? We have to find it.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 75 / Page 47 / 75% target

80%

The true villain is revealed when Miss Avocet is unmasked as Lamont in disguise.

Oh god... The bird, it was you. We brought you into the loop! You waited outside the cave...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 73 / Page 46 / 80% target

75%

Jake grapples with the danger his actions have unleashed and hesitates to hand over the talisman.

I can’t. It puts you in danger.
13

Break into Three

Scene 91 / Page 54 / 85% target

80%

After the orphanage is destroyed, the children resolve to pursue Lamont to Cardiff, rallying for the final battle.

If you’re right, he’s going to Cardiff. I say we follow.
14

Finale

Scenes 112-122 / Pages 66-75 / 95% target

80%

Jake leads the rescue and battles monsters with skeleton allies, culminating in Lamont’s defeat.

15

Final Image

Scene 125 / Page 78 / 99% target

70%

Jake and Emma reflect on their journey and look forward to new possibilities.

Well... It’s absolutely true. And I think that would have made him really proud.