Save the Cat rankings

44 Inch Chest script analysis

44 Inch Chest script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A tightly wound man, Colin, collapses after discovering his wife’s infidelity and is spirited away by friends who plan to confront her lover. As the group holds the captive and Colin spirals through anger, grief, and obsession, flashbacks and visions reveal deeper themes of identity, betrayal, and redemption. Ultimately Colin must decide whether to kill the man or let go, leading to a final confrontation and his quiet departure into a new life.

65 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 66 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Colin is catatonic in his trashed living room, establishing his shattered state.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Archie’s mother quips about masculinity: probing how a man proves himself.

Put hairs on your chest, that will!...
3

Set-Up

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

68%

We meet Colin, Liz, Archie and Meredith, learn of the violent incident and establish relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

70%

Archie finds Colin unresponsive, prompting action to intervene.

... Col... Col... C'mon mate this is no good... Colin...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 7-8 / 20% target

65%

The friends debate next steps while transporting Colin in the van.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 25% target

72%

They forcibly abduct the waiter, signaling the shift from normal life to their plan.

Just get on with yer meals! Concentrate on your snails!
7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 30% target

68%

Meredith’s phone call to Archie introduces the personal stakes and her perspective.

`Allo?... `Allo, Arch!...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 9-12 / 40% target

70%

The gang’s rough camaraderie and dark humor play out as they gather intelligence and banter.

9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 50% target

74%

Colin returns home with groceries, only to confront Liz’s confession, raising the stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 65% target

69%

The group solidifies their murderous intent after discussing killing Liz’s lover.

Th is is wh y Lo ve r bo y mus t b e killed !...Th is is...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 75% target

73%

Colin admits he struck Liz violently, hitting rock bottom in guilt and rage.

I caught her right on the fuckin' chin... Her head bounced off the door frame... She fell lookin'...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 39 / Page 39 / 80% target

72%

Colin collapses on the street, despairing that Liz could be anywhere.

She could be anywhere!
13

Break into Three

Scene 60 / Page 60 / 85% target

71%

Colin surprises everyone by deciding to spare the lover, pivoting the story to resolution.

What's been `appenin' then?
14

Finale

Scene 64 / Page 64 / 95% target

72%

Liz confronts Colin and the gang, forcing him to face his own transformation.

You all must be very proud of yourselves.
15

Final Image

Scene 66 / Page 66 / 99% target

70%

Colin walks away into a new life, echoing his opening broken state but renewed.