Save the Cat rankings

The Boxtrolls script analysis

The Boxtrolls script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Boxtrolls follows orphan Eggs as he is raised by underground creatures and ventures into human society, forging a friendship with Winnie. After discovering his true heritage and facing betrayal by Snatcher, Eggs rallies both humans and boxtrolls to confront evil and restore harmony.

75 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 46 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces the dark alley chase with a boxtroll fleeing with a baby, setting the film’s tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

80%

Winnie’s line expresses fear and prejudice against boxtrolls, hinting at themes of acceptance.

Boxtrolls! They could come eat my face off at any moment. I'd better warn father.
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / 10% target

80%

Establishes Snatcher’s manipulation and the town’s plan to exterminate boxtrolls, defining the stakes.

Boxtroll monsters have stolen a child.
4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / 12% target

80%

Snatcher secures a contract to destroy the boxtrolls, initiating the central conflict.

They're no doubt picking their teeth with his adorable baby bones by now!
5

Debate

Scene 14 / 20% target

80%

Eggs debates the morality of inaction and decides to rescue Fish, marking his internal struggle.

Carry on like everything is normal? They drag us away and we do nothing...
6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / 25% target

80%

Eggs ventures into the human world, navigating the market street where he witnesses society first-hand.

Ladies and gents, From the long-lost land of Crackerslovakia -- MADAME FROU FROU!
7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

80%

Eggs meets Winnie, sparking their friendship and emotional core of the story.

Wait! I saw you last night.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-19 / 40% target

80%

Eggs explores city life, infiltrates Snatcher’s factory, and sneaks around amid comic tension.

You ever wonder what they're thinkin' `bout, Mr. Trout?
9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / 50% target

80%

Eggs discovers his father among the enslaved boxtrolls, raising the emotional stakes.

But.. you're all alive!?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / 65% target

80%

Snatcher and henchmen threaten to expose Eggs, forcing him and Winnie to flee.

If Lord Portley-Rind finds out that boy is alive, it will ruin everything I've worked for!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / 75% target

80%

Eggs feels betrayed when he parts ways with Winnie, believing fathers offer only disappointment.

You said fathers were supposed to help. That they took care of kids.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 34 / 80% target

80%

Eggs warns the boxtrolls of imminent danger and fears they will be destroyed.

We have to leave the cavern.
13

Break into Three

Scene 39 / 85% target

80%

The boxtrolls and townspeople unite, revealing the truth about Snatcher and Herbert Trubshaw.

You're alive! You're all alive! But how?! I saw you crushed!
14

Finale

Scene 41 / 95% target

80%

Snatcher’s hubris leads to his demise during the tasting, and Eggs asserts self-worth.

Cheese, hats, boxes - they don't make you. You make you.
15

Final Image

Scene 46 / 99% target

80%

Ends on a peaceful image of acceptance as Mr. Trout and Mr. Pickles reflect on existence.

Aww, ain't that lovely?