Save the Cat rankings

BOMBSHELL script analysis

BOMBSHELL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

BOMBSHELL follows Megyn Kelly as she challenges powerful men at Fox News and endures professional and personal fallout. Parallel B-story follows Kayla and Gretchen Carlson as they navigate harassment and prepare lawsuits. The film culminates in Fox's investigation, Ailes’s downfall, and the ultimate victory of the women.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 80 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces Megyn Kelly in the control room prepping for her broadcast.

Welcome to the Kelly File everyone, I’m Megyn Kelly.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

30%

Megyn defines herself beyond feminism, hinting at power and gender dynamics.

I’m not a feminist, I’m a lawyer.
3

Set-Up

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

30%

Establishes Fox News hierarchy, Megyn’s role, and Ailes’s control over content.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 12% target

35%

Megyn confronts Trump live, igniting backlash and conflict.

Mr. Trump, one of the things people love about you is you speak your mind and don't use...
5

Debate

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

30%

Megyn faces media scrutiny and Roger’s pressure over her children’s safety.

I don’t want my kids hearing this crap.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 25-26 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

30%

Megyn decides to go rogue on air, stepping into act two.

7

B Story

Scenes 20-24 / Pages 8-10 / 30% target

30%

Introduces Kayla and Jess navigating Fox’s culture and harassment.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 31 / Pages 13-14 / 40% target

30%

Depicts visceral harassment of Kayla, illustrating the company’s toxicity.

Good. Now, pull your skirt up so I can see your legs.
9

Midpoint

Scene 54 / Page 17 / 50% target

35%

Megyn confesses to Gil that Ailes harassed her, raising stakes.

Roger harassed me. Ten years ago.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 58 / Page 18 / 65% target

30%

Colleagues warn Megyn of legal liability and internal pressure mounts.

If we sweep this under the rug and it happens again, under Title VII, Fox will be liable...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / Page 20 / 75% target

30%

Megyn formally testifies against Ailes, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

He grabbed me, tried kiss me.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 60 / Page 19 / 80% target

30%

Megyn wrestles with guilt and fear discussing her feelings with Doug.

13

Break into Three

Scene 61 / Page 19 / 85% target

30%

Megyn contacts Lachlan Murdoch to trigger formal investigation.

14

Finale

Scene 79 / Page 23 / 95% target

30%

Rupert Murdoch announces Ailes’s departure, vindicating the women.

Roger Ailes is leaving Fox.
15

Final Image

Scene 80 / Page 24 / 99% target

30%

Gretchen reflects on unprecedented apology and settlement.

I can’t believe Fox said yes to an apology. That’s...unheard of.