Save the Cat rankings

ParaNorman script analysis

ParaNorman script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Norman, who can see ghosts, struggles with family misunderstandings and bullying at school. When a curse resurrects Puritan zombies, he must embrace his gift and rally his peers to save the town. Through supernatural adventures, Norman learns empathy and the power of understanding others.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 97 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the horror tone and undead threat in the lab, setting the film’s spooky atmosphere.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Norman’s father mocks his sensitivity, hinting at the theme of empathy and acceptance.

The zombie is eating her head, Grandma.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

14%

We see Norman’s home life, his relationship with Grandma’s ghost, and his isolation at school.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 2 / 12% target

12%

Mr. Prenderghast senses the curse activating, launching the central conflict.

Not much time, not much time...
5

Debate

Scenes 11-14 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

13%

Norman hesitates to reveal his gift to classmates and doubts his ability to confront the curse.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 16-17 / Page 4 / 25% target

12%

Mr. Prenderghast urges Norman to act, pushing him into the adventure with Neil and Mitch.

So do I. Let's do it together! You shouldn't let them get you down. They always do stuff...
7

B Story

Scenes 17-18 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

11%

Norman’s friendship with Neil deepens as they bond over his ghostly abilities and the upcoming quest.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 30-36 / Pages 7-8 / 40% target

12%

The group encounters zombies, vision sequences, and comedic scares, showcasing the film’s supernatural thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 50 / Page 10 / 50% target

13%

At the Old Chapel Graveyard, Norman and Alvin face the rising dead, marking the story’s high-stakes turn.

Read from the book, stop the curse, go home and pretend this never happened.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 63-65 / Pages 12-13 / 65% target

12%

Zombies invade town; panic escalates and the group’s mission grows perilous.

See! I told you! Zombies! It's the witch's curse!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 84 / Page 16 / 75% target

12%

Town Hall catches fire and the kids are trapped, reflecting their worst moment.

We're all gonna DIE!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 89-91 / Pages 17-18 / 80% target

13%

Norman’s vision of Aggie’s past and his guilt over misunderstanding her deepens his despair.

How could you?! She was just a little kid! She was no different than me!
13

Break into Three

Scenes 92-93 / Pages 18-19 / 85% target

13%

Norman rallies the zombies and townspeople with a heartfelt speech, resolving to end the curse.

The curse isn't about the zombies hurting you! It's about you hurting them! I figured it out, and...
14

Finale

Scene 95 / Page 20 / 95% target

14%

Norman confronts Aggie’s grave, offers compassion, and lifts the curse.

I think you're just a little kid with a really special gift who only ever wanted people to...
15

Final Image

Scene 97 / Page 21 / 99% target

12%

The family watches TV together, now accepting Grandma’s ghost and showing Norman’s growth.

Your, uh, your grandma here is she?