Save the Cat rankings

CODE OF SILENCE script analysis

CODE OF SILENCE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Chicago cop Eddie Cusack navigates corruption inside the force and violent reprisal from the Comacho drug family while trying to protect an innocent teen, Diana Luna. After a tragic ambush and department hearings tear his world apart, he must choose between following orders and doing what’s right. In a climactic warehouse showdown he rescues Diana and delivers justice.

80 Save the Cat fit score 68% analysis confidence / 52 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

72%

A dawn shot of Chicago and the el train introduces the city as a character and sets a gritty urban tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

50%

Spider’s radio banter (‘big game today’) hints at cops playing a dangerous game with crime and corruption.

Say, hey, Cub fans, I hope to hell y'all down there cause we got a big game today.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / 10% target

65%

We meet undercover officers Donato, Cusack and the spotters forming the stake‐out team ahead of a drug deal ambush.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / 12% target

77%

The ambush in the Comacho apartment kills buyers and nearly kills Victor Comacho, igniting the family’s wrath.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-15 / 20% target

70%

Internal interrogations and the arrival of Luis Comacho challenge Eddie’s faith in his partners and the department’s integrity.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / 25% target

68%

Eddie returns home determined to pursue both the legal case and protect Diana, stepping into his new dangerous mission.

7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

50%

Eddie’s interaction with Diana at the party establishes the emotional subplot and his protective bond with her.

I thought you knew all about cops. You don't put anything up your nose do you?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 21-26 / 40% target

66%

A series of cops-and-robbers vignettes (training, yacht confrontation, tavern raid) showcase Eddie’s uncompromising style.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 30-35 / 50% target

72%

The OPS hearing (Kosalas and Eddie testify) raises the stakes: Eddie risks his career and the department’s support.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 38-40 / 65% target

74%

The Comachos attack Eddie’s hall, kidnap Diana and kill Pirelli, tightening the noose around Eddie’s personal life.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 40 / 75% target

75%

Discovering Pirelli’s body represents Eddie’s lowest point—he’s failed to protect his ally and Diana is still captive.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 41-43 / 80% target

70%

Eddie’s confrontation in the pool hall and chase through Union Station show him shaken and close to giving up.

13

Break into Three

Scene 46 / 85% target

50%

Eddie commits to a final plan when he calls Luis Comacho and arranges the time and place to exchange Tony Luna.

You tell Luis I got Tony Luna for him. Get me a time and place.
14

Finale

Scenes 47-51 / 95% target

50%

Warehouse showdown: Eddie storms in, rescues Diana and kills Luis Comacho, resolving both personal and professional conflicts.

Now! Do it now! Kill her!
15

Final Image

Scene 52 / 99% target

50%

Eddie departs the warehouse into daylight, and Kates’s remark (‘I’m glad you don’t follow orders’) bookends the opening city image with character vindication.

I'm glad you don't follow orders.