Save the Cat rankings

Death Proof script analysis

Death Proof script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Death Proof follows a group of women targeted by a murderous stuntman, then a year later a second group who turn the tables. The narrative splits into two halves: the first establishes the danger and stakes, the second delivers the payoff as the heroines fight back. The film uses car-chase set-pieces to mark turning points.

72 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 35 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

75%

Introduces the carefree dynamics among Julia, Shanna, and Arlene before violence intrudes.

Hold on, I gotta come up! I gotta take the world’s fuckin’ piss!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

78%

Julia and friends joke about the 'Butterfly' code, hinting at transformation and survival.

If they call you Butterfly, buy you a drink, and say that poem, you gotta give 'em a...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

80%

We meet the core group at the bar, see their relationships and Arlene’s insecurities.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / 12% target

85%

Stuntman Mike first appears, introducing the lethal threat.

No, but I know she's a skinny fake blonde bitch.
5

Debate

Scenes 10-11 / 20% target

77%

Arlene feels uneasy and debates whether to stay as Mike’s behavior grows sinister.

Warren, six shots of Wild Turkey.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 17-18 / 25% target

83%

Mike drives Pam off, transitioning into the deadly car chase that propels Act II.

It’s better ‘en safe. It’s Death Proof.
7

B Story

Scenes 21-23 / 30% target

79%

New timeline jump introduces the second group of girls and establishes their bond.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 25-29 / 40% target

84%

The girls bond over cars and stunts, showcasing the film’s car-culture thrills.

To me there’s no point of being in America unless you’re gonna drive a Detroit muscle car. And...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 30-31 / 50% target

88%

Mike spots and attacks the second group, raising the stakes dramatically.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-32 / 65% target

85%

The chase intensifies as Mike relentlessly pursues Kim and the others.

Get my gun, it's on my left foot.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / 75% target

90%

The car is spun out and Zoé is injured, marking the darkest moment.

What the fuckin' hell!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / 80% target

82%

The survivors grapple with shock and the prospect of defeat.

13

Break into Three

Scene 34 / 85% target

86%

They regroup and plan revenge, seizing control for the final confrontation.

I've got an idea, Abernathy, give me that belt.
14

Finale

Scenes 34-35 / 95% target

89%

In a brutal sequence, the women chase down and kill Stuntman Mike, completing their arc.

15

Final Image

Scene 35 / 99% target

88%

The group stands over Mike’s corpse, a mirror to the Opening Image but now empowered survivors.