Save the Cat rankings

CONTAGION script analysis

CONTAGION script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

CONTAGION follows multiple POVs as a novel virus spreads globally, unraveling public health and personal lives. Beth Emhoff’s illness triggers a pandemic that medical investigators race to understand while society teeters on collapse. The B-story centers on family survival and moral choices as vaccines emerge.

50 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 49 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Beth’s cough and fatigue in the airline lounge establish the world before crisis.

Mmmm...Yeah, it was delayed...Sorry I got so panicky...It was good to see you, too. I'm glad it worked...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 24 / 5% target

30%

Pamela’s line about catching whatever Dad brought home underscores interconnected contagion.

I don't feel that well, Tiger. Whatever Dad brought home he gave to all of us.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

30%

We meet key carriers (Beth, Li Fai, Irina) and see initial symptoms across locations.

4

Catalyst

Scene 18 / 12% target

25%

Beth’s seizure at home marks the personal crisis that shifts the narrative into outbreak territory.

5

Debate

Scene 20 / 20% target

30%

Overcrowded ER and Beth’s questions highlight uncertainty and fear of contagion.

Why are there so many people here?
6

Break into Two

Scene 25 / 25% target

30%

Dr. Mears’s interview with Emhoff propels the medical investigation into Act Two.

She felt pretty bad when she got home, but it just seemed like jet lag and then it...
7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

25%

Thomas’s relationship with stepson Clark introduces the family subplot amid crisis.

I'm Thomas Emhoff, I'm here for Clark. Clark Morrow. I'm his stepfather.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 27 / 40% target

30%

Alan’s WHO impersonation showcases early hacks and misinformation in Act Two.

Tell them I'm from the World Health Organization.
9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / 50% target

30%

Scientists realize the virus outpaces understanding: a false victory turns dire.

It's figuring us out faster than we're figuring it out.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 35 / 65% target

30%

Officials warn of societal collapse, intensifying external pressures.

It's all gonna tip over. Virus'll be the least of our problems.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 22 / 75% target

25%

Beth’s death symbolizes the lowest point for the Emhoffs and the virus’s toll.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / 80% target

25%

Thomas’s grief in the waiting room reflects personal despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 37 / 85% target

30%

Cheever’s warning to Aubrey prompts decisive action toward vaccine distribution.

Get as much cash as you can out of the ATM. Get across state lines and don't tell...
14

Finale

Scene 41 / 95% target

30%

Global briefing shows coordinated response and societal stakes for the finale.

Our models show we should anticipate one-in-fifteen people on the planet will contract Macau Encephalitis Virus or MEV-1.
15

Final Image

Scene 49 / 99% target

25%

The archived virus sample closes the loop on containment and future threat.