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CRADLE TO THE GRAVE script analysis

CRADLE TO THE GRAVE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A professional thief, Tony Fait, leads a crew in an audacious jewelry heist in Los Angeles, only to be betrayed and drawn into a high-stakes rescue when his daughter Vanessa is kidnapped over powerful black stones. As Fait and his allies navigate deception, prison breaks, and violent confrontations, they must reconcile their criminal pasts to save her and escape their lives of crime.

75 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 98 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces the armored truck delivering valuables, setting the crime-world tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Fait meets Miles, hinting at loyalty and trust themes.

3

Set-Up

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

50%

Establishes the heist crew, security rigamarole, and Fait’s skill and moral code.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 12% target

50%

Fait saves Miles from electrocution, deepening their partnership.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / Page 3 / 20% target

40%

Fait and Miles weigh the risks of breaching the vault beneath the subway.

6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 4 / 25% target

50%

The team commits to the vault breach, crossing into the heist action phase.

7

B Story

Scene 20 / Page 5 / 30% target

60%

Daria’s flirtation with Douglas introduces a subplot of seduction and inside help.

I'm here for the reception.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 31 / Page 6 / 40% target

70%

The crew steals jewels under pressure, showcasing their expertise.

This will trigger the silent alarm. Let's go. We got eleven minutes.
9

Midpoint

Scene 50 / Page 9 / 50% target

60%

Fait’s tender moment with daughter Vanessa raises personal stakes.

Angels east, angels west, north and south, do your best. Guard her, watch her, while she rests.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 61 / Page 11 / 65% target

70%

Ling reveals he’s kidnapped Vanessa, tightening the villain’s grip.

I have your daughter.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 80 / Page 14 / 75% target

70%

Fait is arrested, separated from his team and daughter.

Yeah. Fell down the stairs... Enjoy the jail sex, Fait.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 81 / Page 14 / 80% target

60%

His allies question what they can do as Fait faces jail.

Anything you want us to do?
13

Break into Three

Scene 85 / Page 15 / 85% target

70%

Fait escapes the ambulance, launching the rescue plan.

Get the car. Stay close.
14

Finale

Scene 96 / Page 16 / 95% target

70%

The team storms the hangar to rescue Vanessa and confront Ling.

Freeze, motherfuckers!
15

Final Image

Scene 98 / Page 17 / 99% target

60%

Police arrive as the team decides to abandon crime, mirroring the opening’s heist tone now redeemed.