Save the Cat rankings

THE FLORIDA PROJECT script analysis

THE FLORIDA PROJECT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A young mother, Halley, and her daughter Moonee live in a budget motel near a Florida theme park, scraping by on meager rent and day-to-day survival. Moonee’s mischief with friends highlights their precarious situation, while social services loom in the background. As the family’s situation deteriorates, Halley and Moonee face a crisis that forces a desperate escape. The story ends on a note of fleeting freedom and uncertain hope.

60 Save the Cat fit score 52% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Moonee and friends discovering newcomers at the neon-lit motel, establishing playful tone and setting.

Freshies at The Future!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 5% target

50%

Bobby warns Halley about being late on rent, hinting at responsibility and consequences.

Seriously, if you’re going to be late again, you got to let me know.
3

Set-Up

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

55%

Establishes motel life, Moonee’s mischief, and Halley’s tenuous relationship with landlord Bobby.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

50%

Moonee and friends spit on Grandma Stacy’s car, escalating community conflict.

Go home, you rachet bitch!
5

Debate

Scene 4 / Page 3 / 20% target

50%

Halley and Moonee discuss selling their iPad to pay bills, debating how far they’ll go to survive.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 25% target

60%

Kids ignite a fire in abandoned condos, marking a shift from playful antics to dangerous territory.

Scooty! We need your lighter!
7

B Story

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 30% target

50%

Halley’s relationship with Bobby deepens as she negotiates rent, highlighting adult stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 4-5 / 40% target

60%

Moonee and friends explore abandoned condos and flee the fire, showcasing childhood adventure amid hardship.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 6 / 50% target

55%

DCF investigators arrive at the motel, raising the stakes from playful struggle to potential separation.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 65% target

60%

Investigator questions Halley and Moonee, tightening pressure around their fragile situation.

You know I smoke. But that’s it.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 75% target

60%

Moonee is told she’s being taken away, the lowest emotional point.

Well I don’t want to.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 16-17 / Pages 8-9 / 80% target

55%

Moonee says goodbye and then runs from the DCF worker, reflecting despair and defiance.

13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / Page 9 / 85% target

60%

Moonee finds Jancey and bids farewell, resolving to make a final break rather than submit.

You’re my best friend. And this may be the last time I’m going to see you...
14

Finale

Scene 19 / Page 10 / 95% target

60%

Moonee and Jancey run into the theme park, embracing freedom one last time.

15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Page 10 / 99% target

60%

Mirrors opening’s playful tone but now tinged with bittersweet escape.