Save the Cat rankings

30 DAYS script analysis

30 DAYS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Paroled inmate Ellis arrives at an isolated house under strict supervision, quickly learning the dark intentions behind his parole and facing life-threatening challenges. As he navigates threats from the administration and a murderous uncle figure, an unexpected ally emerges in Lynn, leading to a final showdown in the basement catacombs. Ellis ultimately musters courage to trap his tormentor and escape, closing his thirty days with a new sense of agency.

80 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 43 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Ellis arrives at the remote house for his 30-day parole, establishing the isolated, ominous setting.

that we’re in the middle of nowhere; the last house on a dead end street in the center...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Brode warns that the administration wants Ellis to fail, stating the struggle against a system set against him.

The administration WANTS you to fail.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

12%

Brode attaches Ellis’s tracker, explains rules, and introduces domestic surveillance in the living room.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

10%

Ellis discovers the disturbing cassette and bondage suit, signaling deeper threats.

Oh, Tuesday, that was fucking brilliant! Picked my whole day up and just dusted it right off!
5

Debate

Scenes 6-9 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

13%

Ellis grapples with parole terms, hallucinations, and explores escape tunnels, questioning whether he can endure.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 3 / 25% target

11%

A threatening phone call convinces Ellis that this parole house is a trap, and he must take proactive action.

7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 30% target

10%

Lynn arrives at the door, setting up the emotional/friendship subplot that will support Ellis.

Well mine killed people... And I watched.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 13-20 / Pages 3-5 / 40% target

12%

Ellis’s rapport builds with Alex and Lynn amid knife threats and secret visits, showcasing suspenseful interactions.

9

Midpoint

Scene 23 / Page 5 / 50% target

10%

Ellis receives a cryptic call from the Unit, marking a point of no return and escalating stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 24-30 / Pages 5-7 / 65% target

14%

Multiple failed escape attempts, open hatch discoveries, threatening calls, and self-handcuffing show increasing oppression.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / Page 9 / 75% target

11%

Alex forces Ellis to choose between killing Lynn or violating parole, representing the worst moment.

Watch me or I’ll blow her god-damn teeth out the back of her head!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 37 / Page 9 / 80% target

11%

After beating Alex, Ellis hesitates as his uncle’s pleas echo, doubting his resolve.

... Come on, El... Come on... Don’t be like that... I did it for you...
13

Break into Three

Scene 38 / Page 9 / 85% target

10%

Ellis traps Alex with the Survivor in the catacomb, committing to his final plan.

14

Finale

Scenes 36-42 / Pages 9-11 / 95% target

12%

Ellis secures Alex in the pit, evades parole constraints, and makes a clean escape from the house.

15

Final Image

Scene 43 / Page 11 / 99% target

10%

In the dark catacomb, the Survivor attacks Alex, reversing the power dynamic and closing the story.