Save the Cat rankings

BADLANDS script analysis

BADLANDS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

BADLANDS follows Holly’s reflective narration as she drifts from a sheltered life into a crime spree with Kit. Their impulsive romance and escalating violence culminate in capture and final reflection.

60 Save the Cat fit score 50% analysis confidence / 15 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Holly’s voice-over introduces her past and sets the world of loss and memory.

My mother died of pneumonia when I was just a kid. My father had kept their wedding cake...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Kit and Cato’s banter about a dead dog hints at fate and mortality.

I'll give you a dollar to eat this collie.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

55%

Holly’s idle baton-twirling and Kit’s shoe-selling show their separate, mundane lives before collision.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

70%

Kit meets Holly, sparking the relationship that drives the plot.

Hi, I'm Kit. I'm not keeping you from anything important, am I?
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

50%

Holly and Kit argue over Cato’s injury, revealing moral hesitation.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 3 / 25% target

65%

Kit’s violent threat in the storm cellar marks their leap into outlaw behavior.

7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 30% target

45%

Holly’s emotional check on Cato deepens her personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 9 / Page 4 / 40% target

60%

The couple’s hostage-taking in a mansion illustrates their thrill and criminal escapades.

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 4 / 50% target

55%

Cornered at the oil rig, stakes rise from playful theft to life-or-death danger.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 65% target

60%

The Sheriff’s successful capture chase tightens the law’s pursuit.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 75% target

50%

Kit’s processing for extradition feels like total defeat.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 13 / Pages 5-6 / 80% target

50%

Escorted to the plane, both reflect on lost freedom and consequences.

13

Break into Three

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 85% target

45%

Holly’s voice-over of their fates signals resolve to narrate closure.

14

Finale

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 95% target

50%

Voice-over summarizes outcomes, delivering emotional resolution.

15

Final Image

Scene 15 / Page 6 / 99% target

60%

Kit’s hat conversation and Holly staring out the window mirror the opening’s reflective tone.

Sir... Where'd you get that hat?