Save the Cat rankings

COLLATERAL DAMAGE script analysis

COLLATERAL DAMAGE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Firefighter Gordy Coleman leads a normal life until a terrorist bombing kills his wife and son, launching him on a globe-trotting quest for revenge. He infiltrates Colombian rebels, befriends a Canadian aid worker, and discovers the bomber known as The Wolf. Betrayal and loss deepen his resolve until he uncovers the real threat back in Washington, D.C., culminating in a final confrontation. Ultimately, Gordy returns home, changed by trauma but restored to his firehouse family.

85 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 95 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces Gordy’s ordinary world making ice cream and bantering at the firehouse.

Screw the twenty-first century.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Hints at resisting change and clinging to the past—a kernel of the film’s theme.

Hear the big news, Lieutenant? It's the twenty-first century. We got electricity now.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

25%

Establishes Gordy’s life: firehouse camaraderie, heroic rescues, and family at home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

40%

The Colombian Consulate bombing kills Gordy’s wife and son, upending his world.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 20% target

35%

Gordy wrestles with grief and purpose while in the hospital, uncertain how to proceed.

I saw him... I saw a cop.
6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 25% target

30%

Gordy crosses into Colombia, leaving his world behind to pursue vengeance.

7

B Story

Scene 28 / Page 28 / 30% target

30%

Meets Philip Armstrong, the ally who becomes his emotional and practical support.

Philip Armstrong. Assiniboia, Sasketchewan, Canada.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 24-25 / Pages 24-25 / 40% target

30%

Gordy experiences guerrilla warfare training and survival trials in the jungle.

9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / Page 34 / 50% target

35%

High stakes revelation: Gordy faces The Wolf’s violence firsthand in jail.

The Wolf killed my wife and son in New York.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 61 / Page 61 / 65% target

30%

Felix delivers Gordy back to suspicion and limits his freedom, heightening peril.

I went for a walk. I figured you wanted to be alone with Berta.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 69 / Page 69 / 75% target

35%

Gordy witnesses the death of his friend Felix—his closest ally—seemingly defeating him.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 76 / Page 76 / 80% target

35%

Captured and beaten by The Wolf, Gordy hits rock bottom, facing his own mortality.

You want to kill me? Come and kill me.
13

Break into Three

Scene 83 / Page 83 / 85% target

30%

Selena reveals The Wolf plans a U.S. attack, giving Gordy a new mission hope.

14

Finale

Scene 91 / Page 91 / 95% target

35%

Gordy uncovers Selena as the bomber in a climactic identity reveal and pursuit in D.C.

She's lying! She's The Wolf!
15

Final Image

Scene 95 / Page 95 / 99% target

30%

Gordy returns to the firehouse, coming full circle to his former life.

It's good to be home.