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THE WITCH script analysis

THE WITCH script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A Puritan family is exiled to the wilderness where dark forces wreak havoc on their faith and unity. As tensions rise over missing items and supernatural happenings, accusations of witchcraft emerge. The children face terror, the parents fall into despair and violence, and Thomasin must choose between survival and faith. In the end, she embraces the darkness to save herself.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 17 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

William’s banishment establishes the harsh, driven world and the family’s fall from grace.

What went we out into this wilderness to find? Leaving our country, kindred, our father’s houses? We have...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

20%

Early on, the family vows secret and public devotion, hinting at faith under trial.

I will confess Jehovah with all heart in secret and in assembly of the just.
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 10% target

20%

Thomasin and Caleb’s argument over England’s comforts shows family tension and life in the wild.

We had glass windows in England. We have not been hither so long that you can forget that?
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

20%

The missing silver cup triggers suspicion and fear of witchcraft among the family.

Thomasin, where hast thou put the silver cup?
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

20%

The children overhear plans to send Thomasin away, raising stakes about her future.

She’s old enough, she needs must leave to serve another family.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 25% target

20%

Thomasin confronts William about witchcraft accusations, marking her active conflict.

You must tell me, Thomasin...
7

B Story

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 30% target

20%

William’s confession of pride introduces the subplot of sin and redemption.

O my God, I am false. I am bemired with the filth of pride. I am. I know...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 40% target

20%

The children are locked in the goat shed, showing the film’s horror elements and escalating dread.

No! It is not safe. Not with them!
9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 50% target

20%

The burial of Caleb marks a point of no return and raises the story’s emotional stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 12 / Page 12 / 65% target

20%

Katherine’s hallucinations of her dead sons intensify the supernatural threat.

My lambs. My angels!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 75% target

20%

Black Phillip kills William, representing the ultimate collapse of safety.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 80% target

20%

Thomasin’s desperate fight with her mother leaves her isolated and guilt-ridden.

What hast thou done!?
13

Break into Three

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 85% target

20%

Thomasin summons Black Phillip, committing to a darker path.

Black Phillip. I conjure thee to speak. Speak as thou dost speak to Jonas and Mercy.
14

Finale

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 95% target

20%

Thomasin joins the coven, fully embracing witchcraft and power.

15

Final Image

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 99% target

20%

The final shot of Thomasin among witches mirrors her transformation from exile to empowerment.