Save the Cat rankings

Babel script analysis

Babel script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

“Babel” interweaves four disparate stories connected by a single rifle. In Morocco, two brothers’ play with a gun leads to tragedy. In Japan, a deaf teen struggles with isolation. In the U.S., a caretaker risks everything to help her sister’s family. And on a bus through the desert, a tourist’s injury tests cultural divides.

20 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 189 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces rural Moroccan setting and the rifle arriving at Yussef and Ahmed’s house.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

8%

Abdullah’s greeting hints at communication and misunderstanding as pivotal issues.

Good morning Abdullah... I brought you this...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

10%

We see Hassan selling the rifle, the boys testing it, and family dynamics at home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 28 / Page 10 / 12% target

12%

A bullet smashes the bus window, injuring Susan and propelling the desert plot forward.

Susan, what's wrong?
5

Debate

Scenes 29-31 / Pages 11-13 / 20% target

10%

Chieko debates her place in social settings and the brothers argue over the rifle’s use.

6

Break into Two

Scene 37 / Page 15 / 25% target

11%

The boys drop the rifle in the desert, signalling their transition into unintended consequences.

Hurry up, man, hurry...
7

B Story

Scenes 13-17 / Pages 5-7 / 30% target

9%

Amelia’s struggles caring for U.S. children establish the emotional through-line about responsibility.

Yes... yes sir... yes sir, Mrs. Rachel told me...I'm very sorry. How is Mrs. Susan?... No sir, don't...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 4-5 / 40% target

10%

The brothers play with the rifle in the desert, exploring its power and their youth.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 10 / 50% target

12%

High stakes hit when Susan is shot—‘all is not well’ moment for the bus storyline.

Stop the bus, stop, my wife's been hurt.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 54-56 / Page 19 / 65% target

11%

Bus stranded and local indifference close in on Richard and Susan’s plight.

What are you guys laughing about?
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 59-61 / Pages 20-21 / 75% target

12%

Susan’s condition worsens and there is no ambulance—Richard’s worst fears materialize.

It hurts, it hurts...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 68-71 / Pages 22-23 / 80% target

11%

Richard feels helpless as Susan is tended in a stranger’s home and bureaucracy stalls rescue.

13

Break into Three

Scene 165 / Page 45 / 85% target

11%

Confrontation in the desert shootout forces Yussef’s surrender and sets up resolve.

Yussef, stop shooting!
14

Finale

Scenes 191-193 / Pages 54-55 / 95% target

10%

Susan’s surgery and Richard’s interaction with the Ambassador resolve the U.S. story and echo connection themes.

Mr. Jones, I'm Ken Clifford, Ambassador to the United States.
15

Final Image

Scene 190 / Page 54 / 99% target

10%

A desert helicopter shot mirrors the opening, underlining how global actions converge.