Save the Cat rankings

BODY OF EVIDENCE script analysis

BODY OF EVIDENCE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A tough lawyer, Frank Dulaney, agrees to defend Rebecca Lawson in the suspicious death of her lover, Andrew Marsh. As Frank digs for evidence, he becomes entangled in a seductive and dangerous affair with his client that threatens his family and career. When the trial concludes with a not guilty verdict, Frank realizes Rebecca’s guilt and confronts her in a violent climax. In the end, justice is served, and Frank walks away forever changed.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 85 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces the grim crime scene and stakes of Marsh’s death.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

65%

Medical Examiner states ‘cardiac arrest,’ hinting at hidden truths and misleading appearances.

The official cause of death was a cardiac arrest.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / 10% target

75%

Dulaney arrives at the scene, interviews witnesses, and assembles his DA team to investigate Rebecca.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / 12% target

80%

Rebecca Lawson is formally arrested for Marsh’s murder, launching the legal battle.

Rebecca Lawson, you're under arrest for the murder of Andrew Marsh.
5

Debate

Scene 10 / 20% target

70%

Rebecca denies guilt, and Dulaney questions whether to fully commit to a case that reeks of danger.

No -- I didn't kill him.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 9-10 / 25% target

75%

Dulaney accepts the challenge to represent Rebecca, crossing into Act II by taking her case.

7

B Story

Scenes 19-20 / 30% target

70%

Intercuts Dulaney’s home life as Sharon confronts him about neglecting their son, introducing his personal stakes.

Frank -- I know you're busy, but Michael asked me after dinner if you were angry with him....
8

Fun and Games

Scene 24 / 40% target

75%

Frank and Rebecca’s seductive interactions reveal her allure and deepen his entanglement.

I'm the photographer.
9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / 50% target

80%

Their first sexual encounter marks a false victory, heightening tension and stakes.

You and me -- making love.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 33 / 65% target

75%

Dulaney discovers scratches on his back, evidence of Rebecca’s dangerous side closing in on him.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 41 / 75% target

75%

Sharon finds the scratches on Frank’s back, signaling the potential collapse of his family.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 53 / 80% target

70%

Frank returns home to a bitter confrontation with Sharon, hitting rock bottom emotionally.

Yeah -- what are you doing up?
13

Break into Three

Scene 71 / 85% target

75%

Frank and Sharon reconcile in the rain, renewing his resolve to confront Rebecca.

I'm sorry. God -- I'm so sorry.
14

Finale

Scene 82 / 95% target

80%

Frank confronts Rebecca and Paley, forcing a violent confession and resolution of the case.

She's right, Paley. You've got to kill me. She doesn't have to -- she's free -- she can't...
15

Final Image

Scene 85 / 99% target

75%

Frank leaves Rebecca’s house alone, changed by the ordeal and carrying its burden.