Save the Cat rankings

CUSTODY script analysis

CUSTODY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Single dad Rick struggles to prove he can raise his three boys after prison. He meets Melanie, a potential babysitter, and builds a tentative romance as he fights custody battles with the boys’ mother. His lowest point comes when Melanie leaves and his life unravels, but an emotional climb at Gorge Park leads to reconciliation and a renewed family bond. Ultimately the film bookends with a baseball game, mirroring the opening image.

80 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 62 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

10%

Rick and John watch a ballgame, setting tone of parenting and life’s challenges.

Helluva talent, that kid.
2

Theme Stated

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

11%

Melanie frets about being late and losing her job, stating the struggle of single parenting.

Zach, do you want mommy to get fired?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-10 / Pages 2-6 / 10% target

10%

We see Rick in jail, Melanie juggling Zach, and both worlds are established along with Rick’s release preparation.

4

Catalyst

Scene 16 / Page 7 / 12% target

11%

Rick meets Melanie in jail and offers babysitting, igniting the central relationship.

Would you do it for a nickel?
5

Debate

Scenes 18-22 / Pages 8-10 / 20% target

10%

Rick questions his ability to date or parent alone, debating whether he can build a new life.

Why can't I find a woman like you?
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 7 / 25% target

10%

Melanie accepts the babysitting job and Rick steps into Act Two as a dedicated single father.

7

B Story

Scenes 19-21 / Pages 8-9 / 30% target

11%

Rick and Melanie share personal moments and a first kiss, launching the romance thread.

Why can't I find a woman like you?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 20-25 / Pages 8-12 / 40% target

10%

We see parenting mishaps, a disastrous date, job changes, and playful moments with the boys.

9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 50% target

12%

Rick quits his job, marking a false victory but escalating his financial peril.

I thank you for everything, but it's time to move on.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 26-31 / Pages 11-15 / 65% target

11%

Custody tensions rise as Cindy pushes to settle without lawyers and Melanie confronts Rick over seeing Cindy.

Let's keep the attorneys out of this and settle things like civil adults.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / Page 15 / 75% target

11%

Melanie leaves Rick, declaring she can’t live with his situation, and he’s alone with the kids.

What about Zach? How noble of you to be the only single parent in the world. How stoic...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 36-39 / Pages 16-18 / 80% target

12%

Rick sinks into depression, life unravels, and possessions are repossessed.

Is Mel coming today?
13

Break into Three

Scenes 40-42 / Pages 18-20 / 85% target

12%

At Gorge Park, Kris points out they’re not at the top, inspiring Rick to recommit to the climb.

14

Finale

Scenes 43-58 / Pages 20-28 / 95% target

11%

Rick leads his boys on the climb, faces court and reconciliation with Melanie, and rebuilds their family bond.

No buts: Put the stone down.
15

Final Image

Scene 62 / Page 29 / 99% target

10%

They watch another baseball game, mirroring the opening and showing their new unity.