Save the Cat rankings

Buried script analysis

Buried script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Paul Conroy awakens buried alive in a coffin and desperately tries to contact help via a cell phone. He navigates escalating demands from his captors, personal crises with family and employers, and dwindling oxygen. As attempts to secure his rescue intensify, Paul reaches moments of utter despair before a final, tragic twist.

50 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 22 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Introduces Paul trapped in a coffin, setting the story’s confined visual tone.

What...? What is this?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Early phone call suggests themes of survival and hope against impossible odds.

I'm buried. You have to help me. You have to help me, I can't breathe...
3

Set-Up

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 10% target

35%

Paul discovers the cell phone and makes his first call, establishing stakes and resources.

911. What's the problem, sir?
4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 12% target

35%

FBI involvement raises the stakes and formalizes his kidnapping situation.

Chicago field office. Special Agent Harris.
5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 20% target

30%

Paul negotiates frantic calls for help, questioning who can save him.

What city and listing, please?
6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 25% target

30%

He secures the State Department number, committing fully to external rescue attempts.

Donna, I need to talk to Linda. It's an absolute emergency. Have her call me.
7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 30% target

25%

Introduction of government spokesperson Dan Brenner adds an emotional support thread.

It's the policy of the United States government to not negotiate with terrorists.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 40% target

30%

Paul discovers a survival kit and contends with negotiations, reflecting the premise’s ‘what if’ situations.

You talk to embassy? They give money?
9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 50% target

40%

The execution video arrives, marking a major shift from hope to grim reality.

I'm never getting out of here.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 65% target

35%

An explosion breaches the coffin, exacerbating Paul’s peril and his captor’s demands.

Why the hell did you make that video?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 75% target

35%

Paul is fired, losing his last tether to identity and hope for rescue.

As of this morning, your employment with CRT was officially terminated.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Page 1 / 80% target

40%

He records a will, facing imminent death and despairing alone.

I love you very much, Shane. Maybe I never said that enough...maybe I did, I don't even know.
13

Break into Three

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 85% target

35%

Dan confirms a real rescue effort, reigniting Paul’s hope for survival.

We're coming for you now. You hear me? We know where you are.
14

Finale

Scene 21 / Page 1 / 95% target

30%

Rescue team arrival coincides with emotional family calls, heightening tension.

Sweetie, I don't care. I just want you home. Please come home to me.
15

Final Image

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 99% target

35%

Team digs up the wrong coffin, ending on tragic irony.

You have to hurry. It's almost full.