Save the Cat rankings

MONKEYBONE script analysis

MONKEYBONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Monkeybone follows Stu Miley, a TV creator who falls into a coma and finds himself in a surreal underworld where his mischievous alter ego Monkeybone reigns. As Stu struggles to escape Dark Town and reclaim his body, Julie fights to save him in the real world. Their intertwined journeys culminate in a chaotic showdown at a zoo event, forcing Stu to confront his dual nature and reunite with Julie.

75 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 40 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces Stu anxiously watching his pilot screening, establishing his world.

Thank you...that's our pilot...the good news is, Comedy Channel has just picked us up with an order for...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

55%

Stu laments that people love Monkeybone more than him, hinting at identity and self-worth.

They don't love me. They love Monkeybone.
3

Set-Up

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

48%

We meet Stu, Julie, colleagues and see his ambition, relationship and the Monkeybone brand’s growing power.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 12% target

50%

A freak accident with a Monkeybone banner knocks Stu into a coma, propelling him into Dark Town.

That damn monkey is everywh--
5

Debate

Scene 5 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

45%

Stu arrives in Dark Town and hesitates, unsure how to navigate this nightmare realm.

6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 25% target

50%

Stu commits to exploring Dark Town with Monkeybone, crossing into Act Two’s surreal underworld.

7

B Story

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

48%

Julie and Kimmy discuss the three-month life support deadline, establishing her emotional journey.

I had so much I always wanted to say to him. At least he had a chance to...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-14 / Pages 5-7 / 40% target

50%

Stu and Monkeybone explore the Coma Bar, party at Hypnos’s penthouse and plan to steal an E-ticket—pure genre play.

Hey, Stu, why so glum? Everybody loves a good humiliation nightmare.
9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 8 / 50% target

52%

Stu wakes up from the coma possessed by Monkeybone—twist ups the stakes with a false victory.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 20 / Page 8 / 65% target

45%

Hypnos gloating about the Monkeybone franchise’s success tightens the pressure on Stu’s rescue.

Oh, we're predicting a record box-office. It's like I always say...nightmares are your best entertainment!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 11 / 75% target

48%

Stu is tortured on the rack, feeling completely helpless and facing emotional low.

You're mad at me. Great. You have every right to be. But we're both mad at Dark Town....
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 27-28 / Pages 11-12 / 80% target

46%

Trapped in a donor’s body, Stu races through the hospital corridor, questioning his fate.

13

Break into Three

Scene 32 / Page 14 / 85% target

50%

At the zoo banquet, Monkeybone’s proposal signals Stu’s final plan to reclaim himself and save Julie.

As emcee I want to thank you all for joining us at this swingin' bash...it's a special night...
14

Finale

Scenes 34-38 / Pages 14-16 / 95% target

49%

Stu battles Monkeybone atop the zoo grounds and balloon, facing his alter ego to protect Julie and the crowd.

15

Final Image

Scene 40 / Page 17 / 99% target

50%

Stu returns to his body and reunites tenderly with Julie, completing his arc.

Is it you? Is it really you this time?