Save the Cat rankings

Chronicle script analysis

Chronicle script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Andrew, a shy teen filming his life, gains telekinetic powers with friends Matt and Steve after discovering a mysterious hole. They experiment happily until Andrew’s abuses of power lead to a tragic accident and a dark spiral. Confronted by his abusive father and the fallout of his actions, Andrew ultimately chooses vengeance over redemption.

78 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 51 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Shows Andrew isolated, filming himself under parental pressure, establishing his outsider status.

What do you want, I'm getting ready for school-
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

8%

Andrew asks his sick mother to 'say hi to the camera,' hinting at the value of connection versus recording life.

Mom? Will you say hi to the camera?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-7 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

11%

We meet Andrew’s school life, friends, and family—teasing his bond with Matt and the bullying he endures.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

15%

The group discovers a glowing crystalline structure in the mysterious hole, triggering their new abilities.

5

Debate

Scenes 13-19 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

13%

They test telekinesis cautiously at home and in public (Wal-Mart), debating how far they can push it.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 20-21 / Pages 20-21 / 25% target

10%

They fully embrace their powers by playing pranks in Wal-Mart, marking the shift into their new world.

That girl, with the cart.
7

B Story

Scenes 21-24 / Pages 21-25 / 30% target

9%

Andrew’s relationship with Matt deepens as they share feelings and face the moral weight of their powers.

Hey Matt. Do you like me?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-31 / Pages 25-35 / 40% target

14%

They explore increasingly thrilling uses of telekinesis—car lifting, flying, public stunts—experiencing the 'superpowers' promise.

9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 50% target

16%

Andrew accidentally causes a car accident; the stakes shift from playful to dangerous, raising the cost of their actions.

Her face, I can't get her face out of my head.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 27-28 / Pages 27-29 / 65% target

12%

Matt confronts Andrew about the accident and Andrew’s family life grows more abusive, tightening external and internal pressure.

You don't see how we can be angry? You put a man in the hospital for fucksakes. You...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 46 / Page 46 / 75% target

10%

Andrew’s confrontation with his father escalates to threats; his home becomes unsafe and hopeless.

I COULD CRUSH YOU. YOU KNOW THAT, I CAN FUCKING CRUSH YOU. I CAN KILL YOU WITHOUT EVEN...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 48 / Page 48 / 80% target

13%

In the hospital, Andrew lies comatose as his father berates him, reflecting his lowest emotional state.

I want you to apologize to me.
13

Break into Three

Scene 48 / Page 48 / 85% target

11%

Andrew awakens mentally and decides to use his power for vengeance rather than reconciliation.

14

Finale

Scenes 48-51 / Pages 48-51 / 95% target

14%

Andrew kills his father telekinetically, chaos erupts in Portland, and Matt races to stop him, culminating in tragic fallout.

15

Final Image

Scene 51 / Page 51 / 99% target

12%

Downtown Portland in chaos as Andrew’s unleashed power shows how far he’s fallen from the frightened boy filming life.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?