Save the Cat rankings

MOONRISE KINGDOM script analysis

MOONRISE KINGDOM script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An adventurous young runaway pair, Sam and Suzy, set off into the New Penzance wilds, sparking a search led by Scout Master Ward and Captain Sharp. Their idyllic freedom is upended when they’re discovered, separated, and threatened by storm and authority, only to reunite amid crisis. Ultimately, community bonds and unexpected guardianship emerge after a climactic rescue.

80 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Introduces the Bishops’ home, Suzy’s isolation and desire for escape during a rainstorm

In order to show you how a big symphony orchestra is put together, Benjamin Britten has written a...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Narrator defines the island setting and hints at nature’s power and human vulnerability

This is the island of New Penzance. Sixteen miles long. Forested with old-growth pine and maple. Criss-crossed by...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

75%

Establishes Suzy’s home life, the island community and Sam’s disappearance

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Scout Master Ward discovers Sam Shakusky is missing at camp

5

Debate

Scenes 4-5 / Page 1 / 20% target

70%

Law enforcement and foster parents weigh next steps in the search

Captain Sharp, this is Randall Ward over at Camp Ivanhoe. Over.
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 25% target

78%

Sam and Suzy meet in the meadow and embark on their joint escape

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 30% target

65%

Captain Sharp arrives at the Bishops’ house, setting up his personal stakes with Suzy’s family

Good evening. Sorry to startle you. I was JUST --
8

Fun and Games

Scene 23 / Page 1 / 40% target

74%

Sam and Suzy arrive at a tidal lagoon and explore their freedom

9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / Page 1 / 50% target

77%

They are discovered by their families and the scouts, shifting the adventure’s tone

Put your clothes on. Both of you.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 39 / Page 1 / 65% target

70%

Scouts speculate about punishment and danger intensifies around Sam

I heard he's going to reform school.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 55 / Page 1 / 75% target

75%

Sam is struck by lightning amid the scouts’ pursuit, seeming to doom their escape

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 61 / Page 1 / 80% target

80%

Confrontation atop the church roof during a storm tests their resolve

Where you going? What are you doing? Come down!
13

Break into Three

Scene 62 / Page 1 / 85% target

82%

Rescue from the exploding steeple unites characters in resolution

Captain Sharp is offering to assume the responsibility of foster parenthood!
14

Finale

Scene 64 / Page 1 / 95% target

68%

Ward’s log reflects reconstruction and a new recruit, signaling restored order

Scout Master's log. October tenth. Reconstruction continues increasingly ahead of schedule, which I attribute to a particularly robust...
15

Final Image

Scene 65 / Page 1 / 99% target

70%

Family reunited around music and painting, showing emotional restoration

Suzy? Lionel, Murray, Rudy! Dinner!