Save the Cat rankings

ONWARD script analysis

ONWARD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Onward follows teenage elf Ian Lightfoot as he embarks on a magic quest to briefly bring back his deceased father. Alongside his boisterous brother Barley and their half-manifested dad, they face tavern showdowns, road chases, and ancient trials. Through missteps and breakthroughs they learn to trust one another and embrace the spark of magic in themselves. The film closes on a restored family dynamic and a hope-filled future.

85 Save the Cat fit score 13% analysis confidence / 53 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

12%

Introduces the world’s lost magic and sets a nostalgic, adventurous tone.

Long ago, the world was full of wonder!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Narrator hints that magic—and self-belief—still reside within Ian on his birthday.

But I hope there's a little magic left... ...in you.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

15%

Establishes world history of magic fading, Ian’s daily struggles, and his longing for adventure.

4

Catalyst

Scene 18 / Page 2 / 12% target

14%

Ian and Barley discover their father’s wizard staff and half-spell — a literal chance to bring Dad back.

It's a wizard staff! DAD WAS A WIZARD!
5

Debate

Scenes 19-20 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

13%

Ian hesitates as his father is only half-summoned and questions whether they can finish the spell.

6

Break into Two

Scene 20 / Page 3 / 25% target

12%

They commit to the road quest to locate a Phoenix Gem and fully restore their father.

7

B Story

Scenes 21-22 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

11%

The Manticore subplot introduces Laurel’s parallel effort to protect her sons’ quest.

No! My days of sending people on dangerous quests are over.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 21-28 / Pages 3-6 / 40% target

14%

Tavern confrontation, sprite chase, accidental shrinkage — the brothers bond through action-packed mishaps.

9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / Page 7 / 50% target

13%

Ian crosses the chasm, proving his growth and uncovering the next clue — a clear victory moment.

Ha-ha! He did it, Dad!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 39 / Page 7 / 65% target

12%

Colt Bronco arrives to confront them, escalating external pressure and deadlines.

You guys are in trouble, big time!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 31 / Page 6 / 75% target

13%

The spell wears off, Barley reverts and they’re pulled over by police — worst-case separation of the trio.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / Page 6 / 80% target

12%

Brothers argue at the rest stop, doubting their mission and their relationship.

13

Break into Three

Scene 48 / Page 9 / 85% target

11%

Ian reflects on his journey, checks off their quest list, and commits to finish the spell for real.

14

Finale

Scenes 49-51 / Pages 9-10 / 95% target

14%

They recover the Phoenix Gem, face the dragon curse, then Ian’s classroom speech shows magic restored in everyday life.

And I think with a little bit of magic in your life... you can do almost anything.
15

Final Image

Scene 53 / Page 10 / 99% target

12%

The brothers drive off in their new van, united and hopeful with restored family magic.