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An American Werewolf in London script analysis

An American Werewolf in London script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An American Werewolf in London follows two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf on the moors. One survives but finds himself cursed, undergoing traumatic transformations and haunted by his friend’s undead spirit. Ultimately, his struggle culminates in a tragic climax in a London cinema.

45 Save the Cat fit score 25% analysis confidence / 95 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

The film opens with a pull-back from the moon, establishing a stark, eerie visual tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Jack’s question about love hints at underlying themes of human connection and fate.

Do you think she'll meet me in Rome?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-9 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

30%

We meet David and Jack, see their banter and the hostile locals at the Slaughtered Lamb, setting up characters and world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 3 / 12% target

40%

The wolf-monster attack shatters the protagonists’ ordinary world.

Jesus fuck! David! Please help me! Please! David! Shit! Help me! Oh God!
5

Debate

Scene 12 / Page 4 / 20% target

30%

David awakens in the hospital, questioning what happened and his own sanity.

6

Break into Two

Scene 28 / Page 7 / 25% target

30%

Jack’s undead visit confirms the reality of the curse, propelling David into a new, dangerous journey.

7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 5 / 30% target

30%

The developing bond between David and nurse Alex provides an emotional counterpoint to the horror.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 16 / Page 4 / 40% target

30%

Surreal wolf-vision sequence shows David’s growing internal conflict and horror at his transformation.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 7 / 50% target

30%

Jack’s explicit warning about the moon delivers a real turning point: the curse is inevitable.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / Page 8 / 65% target

30%

David’s emotional breakdown and Jack’s words intensify the internal and external pressures closing in on him.

Beware the moon, David.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / Page 15 / 75% target

40%

David’s full, agonizing werewolf transformation represents his apparent defeat.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 78 / Page 20 / 80% target

30%

Hiding and crying in an alley, David hits rock bottom, believing he’s responsible for murders.

13

Break into Three

Scene 80 / Page 21 / 85% target

30%

David’s call home shows his decision to confront or escape his fate, setting up the final act.

Yes, operator. I'd like to call the United States and reverse the charges. David Kessler for anyone. Yes,...
14

Finale

Scene 84 / Page 23 / 95% target

40%

David’s werewolf form attacks in the cinema, leading to the climactic standoff with police.

Go away! Please! Go away!
15

Final Image

Scene 95 / Page 25 / 99% target

40%

David is revealed dead in wolf form, mirroring the lunar opening and completing the tragic cycle.

David? Is it you? Is it true, David?