Save the Cat rankings

CREED III script analysis

CREED III script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Adonis Creed has built a life for his family and gym, only to have his former friend Damian return and challenge his legacy. Their renewed bond leads to conflict in the ring, testing Adonis’s values and forcing him to confront buried loyalties and grief. Ultimately, Adonis faces Damian in a high-stakes match, finding closure and reconciliation.

80 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 70 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

A muscle car prowling Beverly Hills at night sets a tense, noirish tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 19 / 5% target

38%

Adonis reflects on choosing how his story ends, hinting at legacy and control themes.

Most people in this sport don’t get to choose how it ends. I know that more than anyone....
3

Set-Up

Scenes 6-8 / 10% target

35%

Early scenes establish young Adonis and Damian’s bond through underground boxing in 2002.

4

Catalyst

Scene 27 / 12% target

40%

Damian unexpectedly reappears at Delphi Gym, reigniting their shared past.

5

Debate

Scene 31 / 20% target

44%

Adonis hesitates about training Damian in his own gym, debating loyalty versus caution.

6

Break into Two

Scene 43 / 25% target

41%

Damian makes clear he wants a title shot, forcing Adonis to fully commit to his friend’s ambitions.

Maybe I didn’t make myself clear: I want a title shot.
7

B Story

Scene 40 / 30% target

39%

Adonis supports Amara’s right to fight back, developing his family subplot.

Don’t apologize. You have a right to fight back.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 61 / 40% target

45%

Training montage in Big Bear Hangar Gym shows Adonis’s intense preparation.

Broken orbital bone. Three fractured ribs. Fractured 4th and 5th metacarpals -- on both hands. Lacerated kidney. Inflammation...
9

Midpoint

Scene 62 / 50% target

42%

At Bianca’s label party, Viktor Drago arrives, raising stakes for Adonis’s training.

In Siberia, young boys do this as a rite of passage. Helps to numb the body and prep...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / 65% target

43%

Damian and Felix’s animosity erupts, threatening Adonis’s management of both fighters.

You ain’t on my level. You soft! Now square up - or get laid out in front of...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 52 / 75% target

40%

Adonis discovers Mary-Anne hid Damian’s letters, feeling betrayed on all fronts.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 57 / 80% target

44%

Visiting his mother on her deathbed, Adonis confronts mortality and regret.

--hey baby, it’s me.
13

Break into Three

Scene 67 / 85% target

46%

Adonis decides he must face Damian in the ring to resolve their shared past.

Cause Dame’s a part of me too. And I can’t walk away from that. I gotta face him.
14

Finale

Scenes 69-70 / 95% target

47%

The climactic fight and its aftermath reconcile the two as Adonis visits Damian post-bout.

You’re on your own, lil’ Donnie. Ain’t no one coming to save you.
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / 99% target

48%

Adonis’s conciliatory words to Damian close the story with healing and unity.

It’s not on you either, bro.