Save the Cat rankings

Crank script analysis

Crank script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Crank follows Chev Chelios as he learns he’s been poisoned and must keep his adrenaline up to stay alive. With time running out, he embarks on a relentless, high-octane chase through Los Angeles, deepening his relationships with allies and Eve. When all seems lost, Chev musters one last surge of ingenuity and courage to confront his nemesis. The film closes on a deadly rooftop showdown and a final, brutal tumble.

85 Save the Cat fit score 35% analysis confidence / 91 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Chev wakes groggy and disoriented to a playful ringtone, establishing the film’s off-kilter tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

25%

Verona’s taunting tape (“You're dead.”) introduces life-and-death stakes and the idea that Chev must keep moving to survive.

What's shaking, douchebag? Thought I'd give you the heads up. You're dead.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

20%

We see Chev’s everyday world—his apartment, the tape, and his frantic reaction—establishing character and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / 12% target

30%

The video message reveals Chev has been poisoned, kicking off the story’s central conflict.

Yeah, that's right, you little bitch ... if you're watching this tape it means that I somehow resisted...
5

Debate

Scenes 4-7 / 20% target

25%

Chev wrestles with disbelief and desperation, rampaging through his building and frantically trying to reach Doc and Eve.

6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / 25% target

30%

Chev steals a car and commits to full-throttle action, leaving his normal world behind.

7

B Story

Scene 6 / 30% target

20%

His calls to Eve and Doc introduce the emotional and medical support lines—his human connections amid chaos.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-13 / 40% target

30%

A montage of high-speed chases through malls and cabs shows Chev harnessing adrenaline while following Doc’s instructions.

It's like... it's like... like I'm slowing down... like I'm caught in a tar pit...
9

Midpoint

Scene 45 / 50% target

35%

Chev dispatches Alex and calls Verona, celebrating a seeming victory—but danger intensifies immediately after.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 46 / 65% target

30%

Verona reacts and mobilizes his forces, tightening the noose on Chev and Kaylo.

You're embarrassing.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / 75% target

25%

Chev collapses in the ER and must be defibrillated, symbolizing his lowest physical point.

Who is this? Chelios? IS THIS FUCKING CHELIOS?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / 80% target

30%

Eve storms out, and Chev faces emotional collapse, forcing an intimate moment to stave off death.

Mob hits, Chev? Chinese poison? Do you know how ridiculous you sound? If you're going to break up...
13

Break into Three

Scene 52 / 85% target

30%

Kaylo’s kidnapping call finally clarifies what Chev must do—rescue his friend and secure the antidote.

I've got Verona, man.
14

Finale

Scenes 85-88 / 95% target

25%

In a brutal shootout at the hotel lounge and rooftop, Chev directly confronts Verona and Carlito in a climactic battle.

Looks like everyone's here.
15

Final Image

Scene 91 / 99% target

20%

Chev and Verona’s final fall mirrors the opening’s disorientation but now with fatal consequences.