Save the Cat rankings

BAD COUNTRY script analysis

BAD COUNTRY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Detective Bud Carter’s pursuit of a dangerous Aryan Brotherhood ring propels him and informant Jesse Wheeler through escalating stakes. After an undercover bust turns deadly, alliances shift as Jesse flips for the feds, leading to betrayal, all‐in operations, and a climactic siege. Ultimately, Bud secures a brutal victory but is left to reckon with the fallout.

65 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 41 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Bud negotiating emeralds in a tense trailer, setting tone and stakes.

Now these here are Brazilian, from Bahia. Deep cuts. Damn good. These is India, paler, but also good....
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Bud interrogates Nady and Ray, hinting at trust and betrayal themes.

I know you're too fuckin' dumb to be any more than a courier. I know you're coverin' for...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

70%

After the shootout reveals Bud’s cover, he remains suspicious despite Metro Squad’s celebration.

Motherfucker, he's a cop.
4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

75%

The revelation ‘he’s a cop’ triggers a violent ambush and raises the personal stakes.

Motherfucker, he's a cop.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

68%

Bud and Shepard stake out and then arrest Jesse, debating how to handle the suspect.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 3-4 / 25% target

70%

The arrest and house raid mark the move into active conspiracy territory.

7

B Story

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

66%

Grace’s encounters with Catfish foreshadow the criminal underworld subplot and loyalty issues.

Hey there, Catfish...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-20 / Pages 6-8 / 40% target

70%

Bud juggles faction tensions while Jesse tests law enforcement waters, revealing the case’s complexity.

That's if he was a surface informant. I don't want him to testify. I want to keep him...
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 8 / 50% target

72%

Jesse formally flips, offering intel to multiple agencies—a false victory callback.

Y'all wanna talk about crime? Well I could tell y'all things. Names. Locations. What boat is movin' what...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-24 / Pages 8-10 / 65% target

70%

Betrayal escalates as Catfish’s crew turns violent and Bud confronts Jesse’s unpredictable choices.

You're a piece of work, Catfish.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Page 11 / 75% target

74%

Jesse’s warning of being ‘made’ and ensuing shootout leave Bud isolated and under fire.

You been made, Bud. We gotta skin out.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 29-30 / Pages 11-12 / 80% target

68%

In the rehab ward and hallway, Bud reflects on the personal cost of violence.

13

Break into Three

Scene 39 / Page 13 / 85% target

73%

Bud devises the plan to send Jesse in first, signaling a final gamble.

That's exactly what we're gonna do! We got no way inside. Let Jesse go in hard and draw...
14

Finale

Scene 40 / Pages 13-14 / 95% target

75%

The tavern shootout brings all players together in the decisive confrontation.

15

Final Image

Scene 41 / Page 14 / 99% target

70%

Bud interrogates Lucian after the massacre, mirroring the opening but showing the changed stakes.

Want a cup of coffee?