Save the Cat rankings

A CURE FOR WELLNESS script analysis

A CURE FOR WELLNESS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Corporate workaholic Lockhart is sent to retrieve his boss from a remote Swiss sanitarium, only to find the facility hides a dark, life-altering secret. He bonds with fellow patient Hannah and uncovers Volmer’s inhumane experiments. After a harrowing escape and descent into subterranean catacombs, Lockhart confronts the Baron in a climactic battle. He and Hannah ultimately flee as the sanitarium burns, emerging forever changed.

85 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 87 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

The desolate early-morning skyline establishes isolation and unease.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 35 / 5% target

20%

Lockhart’s comment “Yes. I never slept better” hints at the lure and danger of the sanitarium’s promise.

...Yes. I never slept better.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-8 / 10% target

15%

We meet Lockhart at work, learn of Morris’s fate, and see him en route to the sanitarium.

4

Catalyst

Scene 15 / 12% target

25%

Lockhart is assigned the task of retrieving Pembroke once the market closes.

Josh, it’s Castorp. In an hour and a half, the Nikkei closes. Once it does I want you...
5

Debate

Scenes 28-31 / 20% target

20%

Lockhart probes the sanitarium, faces obstruction, and nearly leaves, questioning his mission.

6

Break into Two

Scene 34 / 25% target

20%

The car crash plunges Lockhart into the literal and psychological interior of the sanitarium.

7

B Story

Scene 42 / 30% target

30%

Lockhart meets Hannah, sparking the emotional subplot that underscores his transformation.

Is there something in the water?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 35-43 / 40% target

25%

Lockhart explores the spa’s surreal treatments, bonds with patients, and clashes with Volmer.

9

Midpoint

Scene 56 / 50% target

25%

Discovery of the Embryonic Chamber reveals the sanitarium’s horrific secret – a false victory that raises stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 58 / 65% target

20%

Lockhart is tortured by the dentist, showing Volmer’s power closing in.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 60 / 75% target

20%

Lockhart’s escape attempt fails, leaving him alone and hunted.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 62-64 / 80% target

20%

Hallucinations and police rejection push Lockhart into despair and doubt about his sanity.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 68-70 / 85% target

25%

Lockhart decides to take action, breaking into the outbuilding and entering the catacombs.

14

Finale

Scenes 84-86 / 95% target

25%

In a tense showdown in the Baron’s chamber and catacombs, Lockhart defeats Volmer and escapes with Hannah.

15

Final Image

Scene 87 / 99% target

30%

The board members’ horrified reaction underscores how much Lockhart and Hannah have changed.

My God, what have you done?