Save the Cat rankings

UP script analysis

UP script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Carl Fredricksen’s lifelong dream of adventure is kindled in childhood and resurfaces after his wife’s passing. When he ties thousands of balloons to his house to reach Paradise Falls, an unexpected stowaway entails a journey of discovery and healing. Along the way, they befriend a giant bird and a talking dog, confront Carl’s hero-turned-villain, and Carl learns to open his heart again.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 75 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

85%

We see young Carl entranced by the newsreel and Charles Muntz’s expedition, establishing his lifelong obsession.

Adventure is out there!
2

Theme Stated

Scenes 2-3 / 5% target

78%

Ellie and Carl bond over their ‘Adventure Book,’ stating that life is about pursuing dreams beyond the ordinary.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-10 / 10% target

80%

We see Carl’s daily life, his isolation, and the inciting mailbox incident that underscores his grief and stubbornness.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 12-13 / 12% target

82%

Carl discovers Ellie’s Adventure Book in the closet, triggering his decision to honor her dream.

5

Debate

Scenes 14-15 / 20% target

75%

Carl hesitates before lift-off and emotionally says goodbye to Ellie’s memory, questioning if he can really go.

I'll meet you at the van in just a minute. I... want to say one last goodbye to...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 15-17 / 25% target

88%

Carl launches his house with balloons and leaves the mundane world behind, embarking on the adventure.

7

B Story

Scenes 23-24 / 30% target

80%

Russell stows away and becomes Carl’s travel companion, introducing a new emotional relationship thread.

Hi, Mr. Fredricksen. It's me, Russell.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-34 / 40% target

83%

Carl and Russell navigate storms, lose their GPS, crash in the wilderness, and meet the giant bird Kevin and Dug, showcasing the adventure’s thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 47-48 / 50% target

77%

Discovering Kevin’s maternal side and meeting Dug shifts the journey from mere exploration to emotional stakes and new alliances.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 49-55 / 65% target

79%

Muntz’s pack of dogs hunts them down, and Muntz reveals himself as a threat, raising tension.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 64-65 / 75% target

81%

Kevin is captured by Muntz and the house is damaged by fire, leaving Carl feeling powerless and alone.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 66-67 / 80% target

76%

Carl reaches Paradise Falls but realizes rescuing Kevin means more than accomplishing a childhood dream.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 69-70 / 85% target

84%

Carl decides to rescue Dug and Kevin, embracing connection over his solitary goal.

I was hiding under your porch because I love you. Can I stay?
14

Finale

Scenes 71-73 / 95% target

88%

Carl fights Muntz, Dug helps defeat the dogs, and they escape with Kevin, delivering heroics and emotional resolution.

15

Final Image

Scenes 74-75 / 99% target

85%

Carl gives Russell the Ellie Badge and they share ice cream, showing Carl’s new family bond.

Russell, for assisting the elderly, and for performing above and beyond the call of duty, I would like...