Save the Cat rankings

MOANA 2 script analysis

MOANA 2 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Moana discovers a new artifact and embraces her role as Tautai, setting sail to break a divine curse. Along the voyage, she unites with Maui and faces escalating supernatural threats. At her lowest, she finds resolve to persevere and ultimately frees her people. The story concludes with her triumphant arrival and restoration.

80 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 16 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Moana exploring a deserted atoll introduces her curiosity and adventurous spirit.

Almost there, just an easy little hop. Kinda.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Moana reflects on the ocean as a unifying friend, hinting at connection and destiny.

The Ocean is my friend. Our friend... It connects us. So... there is nowhere I could ever go...
3

Set-Up

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 10% target

25%

Moana’s return to Motunui establishes her world, relationships, and responsibilities.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

20%

Maui’s warning about Nalo raises the stakes and interrupts Moana’s newfound role.

Nalo is a god, Maui. If you try to reconnect the people of the ocean he will destroy...
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 20% target

20%

Moana wrestles with leaving home when Simea insists on joining, questioning her promise.

I’m coming with you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 25% target

20%

The village farewell marks Moana’s departure from safety into the wider world.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 30% target

20%

Maui’s imprisonment introduces the emotional partnership that will support Moana.

This is not the end of our story! This is not where our destiny is denied! TOGETHER WE...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 40% target

20%

Moana’s initial clash and reluctant alliance with Matangi provide adventurous tests.

Get outta here, break Nalo’s curse, find Motufetū... Here to help...
9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 50% target

20%

Reuniting with Maui through the portal ups the commitment and unites both quests.

There’s always another way.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 13 / Page 1 / 65% target

20%

The storm’s tentacle attack intensifies external pressure on Moana’s crew.

The spinny thing is coming!!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 75% target

20%

Maui’s failure to lift the island and the looming wave signals utter defeat.

Not a lot of leverage!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 80% target

20%

Capsized and separated, Moana doubts rescue until she resolves there’s another way.

There’s another way...there’s always another way...
13

Break into Three

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 85% target

20%

Moana’s decision to swim alone marks her shift to final, self-reliant action.

14

Finale

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 95% target

20%

Moana reaches Motufetū and actively breaks Nalo’s curse, resolving the quest.

15

Final Image

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 99% target

20%

The broken curse and island arrival mirror the opening’s isolation with community restored.