DAWN OF THE DEAD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Francine wakes in the chaos of a live newsroom at night, establishing the ordinary world before the zombie outbreak fully erupts.

Doctor Foster debates moral responsibility on air, hinting that ethics and survival will collide (“moral bull shit”).

YOU'RE NOT RUNNING A TALK SHOW HERE, MR. BERMAN...YOU CAN FORGET PITCHING AN AUDIENCE THE MORAL BULL SHIT...

We meet Francine, newsroom staff, and station manager Dan as they track rescues, showing her competence and establishing key relationships.

Stephen tells Francine they’re escaping by helicopter, kick-starting the group’s flight from the city.

WE'RE GETTING OUT. IN THE CHOPPER.

The SWAT team’s raid goes awry, and survivors argue over escape routes and trust, questioning whether fleeing is possible.

They land at the marina in the helicopter, committing to the new world outside the city and its dangers.

COME ON...I NEED YOU.

In the helicopter, group bonds form and Francine’s emotional stakes rise as she confronts leaving people behind.

ANY OF YOU LEAVIN' PEOPLE BEHIND?

Survivors raid the mall, secure supplies, and explore, enjoying a dangerous playground of commerce as sanctuary.

They encounter a horde in the mall corridor (“They’re maniacs”), shifting from fun to real peril.

JESUS CHRIST... THEY'RE MANIACS.

Zombies attack inside, Stephen is almost overrun, and shelters are breached, increasing pressure on the group.

Fran is attacked by a zombie alone in the stairwell, marking a bleak moment of isolation.

Stephen dies and reanimates off-screen, plunging Francine into despair.

At dawn, Francine decides she must leave the breach­ing safe haven despite loss, refocusing on survival.

IT'S ALMOST LIGHT...LET'S GO.

Peter sacrifices himself against the zombie breach while Francine scrambles to the roof and into the helicopter for a final escape.

Francine frantically attempts lift-off at dawn, mirroring the opening’s desperation but in a transformed world.