Save the Cat rankings

A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN script analysis

A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Billy Moore’s journey from a down-and-out fighter on Bangkok’s streets to a prison boxing champion unfolds through trials of addiction, violence, and unlikely friendships. After a brutal defeat and a whirlwind descent into drugs, his arrest and imprisonment thrust him into a harsher world where he must adapt or perish. Mentored in prison, Billy discovers purpose through Muay Thai, culminating in a high-stakes tournament that tests his resolve and finally brings him redemption. In the end, he emerges victorious in the ring and reconciles with his past.

65 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 211 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Billy training alone in a shack, setting tone of isolation and fight obsession.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 25 / 5% target

11%

In interrogation, Billy’s plea for the embassy hints at fighting for survival and freedom.

GET ME THE EMBASSY!! GET ME THE FUCKING EMBASSY!!!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

10%

Shows Billy’s disciplined fight prep contrasted with Nindam’s fights, establishing his world and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / 12% target

10%

Billy loses a match and lashes out at the referee, triggering his downward spiral.

5

Debate

Scenes 12-20 / 20% target

10%

Billy drifts through Bangkok’s nightlife, selling and using drugs, questioning his future.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 21-25 / 25% target

10%

Police raid and arrest thrust Billy into the prison world, a clear new act shift.

7

B Story

Scene 38 / 30% target

12%

Billy meets cellmate Tiffany, introducing human connection and emotional subplot.

I'll sit somewhere else.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 32-46 / 40% target

11%

Prison intake, withdrawal, violence, and survival provide contrast and tests in Billy’s new world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 60 / 50% target

12%

Initiation into the Samurai cell marks Billy’s commitment to prison life and its codes.

Okay, farang. You sleep here.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 82-85 / 65% target

11%

Cell raids and the brutal beating of Kiaw represent escalating threats closing in on Billy.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 143 / 75% target

12%

Billy loses control during sparring and knocks Lek unconscious, jeopardizing his place.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 155 / 80% target

12%

Dr. Adi warns Billy he must stop fighting, undercutting his purpose and hope.

Never seen you here before...
13

Break into Three

Scenes 162-163 / 85% target

11%

The boxing team prepares and exits prison for the tournament, setting up final act.

14

Finale

Scenes 172-191 / 95% target

12%

Billy’s tournament fight arc—from ritual to victory—resolves his inner and outer conflicts.

15

Final Image

Scene 210 / 99% target

10%

Reuniting with his father shows Billy’s return from darkness and attainment of redemption.