Save the Cat rankings

Bones script analysis

Bones script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Bones follows the Save the Cat structure by introducing a haunted protagonist, thrusting a group into a supernatural building, and escalating threats until a final escape. Themes of vengeance and supernatural justice emerge early through ominous biblical quotes. The midpoint vision and subsequent attacks raise stakes, leading to an all-is-lost moment when corpses and demonic dogs close in. A final revelation about Patrick’s father catalyzes their escape and a haunting final image.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 33 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Shotgun being stalked by a demonic dog, establishing tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / 5% target

75%

Biblical warnings about dogs hint at retribution and supernatural justice.

Thou shalt not bring a dog into the house of the Lord thy God, for they are an...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / 10% target

65%

Establishes Shotgun’s fear, frat boys and drug dealers meet, and Bones’ building as a mysterious location.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

70%

The group first encounters the supernatural presence of Bones and the black dog in the abandoned pad.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / 20% target

68%

The boys hesitate and question whether to explore further as supernatural forces pull them inside.

6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / 25% target

72%

Patrick leads the group deeper, committing to investigate the haunted building.

7

B Story

Scene 7 / 30% target

60%

Introduces relationships among Bill, Maurice, and Tia at the club, providing emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-13 / 40% target

70%

Exploring floors, finding a dog, discussing moving in—supernatural thrills and character bonding.

9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / 50% target

75%

Bill’s vision in Bones’ old bedroom marks a false victory/high point with direct supernatural contact.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 19-23 / 65% target

70%

Tia’s bathtub attack, hallway screams, Pearl’s seance possession, and Maurice’s demon-dog assault tighten the threat.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / 75% target

80%

Patrick finds Maurice’s remains and is himself attacked—ultimate defeat moment.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 28 / 80% target

65%

Cinnabar and Pearl face rejection at the gated community, reflecting hopelessness.

13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / 85% target

75%

Discovering Patrick’s father trapped in the wall provides the key revelation to fight back.

14

Finale

Scenes 31-32 / 95% target

70%

Patrick and Cinnabar confront and escape through the elevator shaft, resolving the conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 33 / 99% target

80%

They emerge at dawn but the black dog’s return leaves a lingering threat.