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THE WOMAN KING script analysis

THE WOMAN KING script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The film opens with the capture and rescue of young Fumbe by the Agojie, introducing the stakes of the slave trade and the fierce warrior culture of Dahomey. We follow Nawi’s journey from a defiant farm girl into a dedicated Agojie recruit under Nanisca’s command, punctuated by training sequences and deepening bonds. A traumatic reunion with General Oba and revelations of an imminent Oyo attack escalate the conflict into personal stakes. The final act sees betrayal, capture, escape, and a climactic assault on the barracoons, culminating in Nanisca’s elevation as Kpojito and the forging of a new order.

65 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 81 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Fumbe as a captive and the brutality of the slavers, establishing the world’s darkness.

Fumbe. When the men come, do not look at them...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Nanisca warns that the slave trade is poison, suggesting the moral cost of prosperity.

The slave trade is the reason we prosper. But at what price? It is a poison, slowly killing...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-8 / Page 1 / 10% target

10%

We meet Nawi’s home life, her rejection of an arranged marriage, and the call to palace service.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

10%

Nanisca leads the raid that liberates Fumbe and reveals the larger conflict with the Mahi and Oyo.

You challenge the King of Dahomey?
5

Debate

Scenes 5-13 / Page 1 / 20% target

10%

Nawi debates commitment to palace life while mourning her loss and questioning her place.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 14-16 / Page 1 / 25% target

10%

Nawi enters the palace proper and is stripped of her old identity, committing to the Agojie world.

Bathe yourselves. Add your clothes to the fire. You will no longer need them.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 30% target

10%

Nawi’s sister Dayo protests the marriage deal, underscoring family ties and personal freedom.

I will not marry an old man who beats me!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-37 / Page 1 / 40% target

10%

A montage of rigorous training, competitions with male soldiers, and bonding among recruits.

Men of Dahomey run away! Agojie women stand and fight! We pluck out hearts! Show Ghezo’s might!
9

Midpoint

Scene 47 / Page 1 / 50% target

10%

Tribute Day and the arrival of Oba force Nanisca to relive her trauma, raising the stakes dramatically.

I am General Oba Ade. My lieutenant, Boma. I bring King Ghezo the esteemed regard of the Alafin...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 58 / Page 1 / 65% target

10%

Oba declares war on Dahomey, directly threatening the Agojie and the kingdom’s survival.

Dahomey is an abomination, with an army of whores. We will march to their city. And we will...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 75 / Page 1 / 75% target

10%

Nawi is captured and separated from her sisters, the worst fear realized.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 76 / Page 1 / 80% target

10%

In the barracoons, Nawi and Izogie contemplate death instead of living enslaved.

I know what I must do. What the Miganon said. We will slit our throats.
13

Break into Three

Scene 77 / Page 1 / 85% target

10%

Nanisca refuses the honor of Kpojito to mount a rescue mission, resolving to act.

The Kpojito is beloved of the people. She must be deserving of their admiration, their trust. And we...
14

Finale

Scenes 79-80 / Page 1 / 95% target

10%

Nanisca leads the assault on the barracoons, rescues Nawi, and kills Oba in a final showdown.

You do not remember me. Now you will never forget.
15

Final Image

Scene 81 / Page 1 / 99% target

10%

Ghezo’s public proclamation cements Nanisca’s rise and the new order she fought for.

Heroes of Dahomey! Behold, the bravest of the brave, chosen of Ghezo, elevated in his name to the...