Save the Cat rankings

BULLET TRAIN script analysis

BULLET TRAIN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Undercover agent Caleb Wallis’s family vacation on a high-speed train turns into a race against time when ex-black-ops operative Will Connover is discovered onboard. As threats mount from both enemies and supposed allies, Wallis and Connover are forced into an uneasy alliance to stop a rogue CIA plot.

72 Save the Cat fit score 34% analysis confidence / 96 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

45%

An aerial shot of the maximum-security prison establishes the film’s high-stakes, action tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 12 / 5% target

40%

At the bar, Caleb’s sharp observation (“Nice watch…”) hints at the film’s theme of appearances versus hidden agendas.

Nice watch. Patek Philippe, right? Chronograph?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-8 / 10% target

50%

Will Connover’s prison breakout and flight through Bangkok set up the two protagonists and their contrasting methods.

4

Catalyst

Scene 15 / 12% target

48%

Gibbs approaches Wallis at the airport, recruiting him back into service and pulling him from family vacation.

You should reapply. Georgetown Law summa cum laude, speak four languages, know how to blend into a culture,...
5

Debate

Scenes 16-19 / 20% target

37%

Wallis hesitates over leaving his family, culminating in the risky brush-pass mission at the station.

6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

42%

Upon completing the brush-pass, Wallis fully commits as the train departs for Beijing with Connover aboard.

7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

35%

Wallis’s relationship with his family provides emotional grounding as they board the train together.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 20-40 / 40% target

44%

A cat-and-mouse game unfolds on the train: spotting Connover, phone calls to Duggins, and undercover chases.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / 50% target

50%

Wallis officially confirms Connover is onboard via the restroom call—stakes jump as the chase goes public.

Shuddup and listen. I’m on a high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing. Will Connover’s on the train with...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-45 / 65% target

40%

CIA operatives and assassins mobilize against Wallis, leading to multiple ambushes in Nanjing station.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

46%

Duggins is assassinated in a parking garage—Wallis loses his connection to headquarters and backup.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 62 / 80% target

48%

Wallis is detained and stripped of his identity, facing apparent betrayal and isolation.

My name’s Caleb Wallis, I work for the US State Department. This is a mistake, just look up...
13

Break into Three

Scene 65 / 85% target

52%

Connover breaks Wallis out, forcing them into a partnership against the rogue CIA plot.

What’re you doing here?
14

Finale

Scenes 71-90 / 95% target

38%

A high-speed car chase and train boarding lead to confrontations car-by-car; Wallis and Connover battle saboteurs to reach the pilot car.

15

Final Image

Scene 96 / 99% target

41%

A tense call in the ambassador’s office underscores that the fight isn’t over, reflecting how much has changed since the opening.

Have you been brought up to speed by the CIA?