Save the Cat rankings

DEEP IMPACT script analysis

DEEP IMPACT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

DEEP IMPACT follows the global and personal turmoil triggered by the discovery of a comet on collision course with Earth. The story balances the public response and political fallout with individual arcs, particularly astronomer Leo Biederman’s coming-of-age and journalist Jenny Lerner’s moral journey. As the world prepares a last-ditch mission to avert disaster, relationships are tested and sacrifices are made. Ultimately, hope emerges through human resilience and connection.

75 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 37 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

62%

The film opens with a cosmic shot of the universe framed like a camera shutter, establishing scale and stakes.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / 5% target

70%

During the astronomy club outing, Sarah’s line hints at personal choices under pressure, foreshadowing moral decisions.

He asked me. It's just a party. He's nice.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

68%

We meet Leo, Sarah and Wolf in the Virginia park and observatory, establishing characters and normal lives before catastrophe.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

75%

Wolf discovers the Wolf–Biederman comet heading toward Earth, the inciting incident that threatens the world.

5

Debate

Scenes 7-10 / 20% target

72%

Characters react to the comet news: Jenny debates journalistic integrity, the White House hesitates, and public panic simmers.

Jenny Lerner, MSNBC. Mr. President, why wasn't the announcement made sooner?
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

77%

The President’s formal address transforms the story into a global crisis, shifting into Act Two.

Good evening. A few minutes ago, the United States Ambassadors to every country in the world told the...
7

B Story

Scene 19 / 30% target

65%

Leo and Sarah’s relationship subplot blooms, grounding the emotional core amid the disaster.

You love me and I love you.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 18 / 40% target

68%

Inside the military bar, astronaut tensions surface, giving insight into the crew’s dynamics and banter.

I woke up this morning and I realized that none of you want me here. You don't even...
9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / 50% target

80%

The Messiah shuttle launch marks the midpoint: a false victory as hope peaks but real dangers loom.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / 65% target

74%

Onboard the Messiah, crew conflicts intensify under high stakes as the comet nears.

For the next few hours, this is my ship.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 31 / 75% target

70%

Mass panic hits Earth; Leo’s fleeing bike ride amidst chaos epitomizes despair.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 33-34 / 80% target

72%

Leo’s search through deserted streets and Sarah’s empty home represent isolation and grief.

13

Break into Three

Scene 36 / 85% target

76%

Jenny sacrifices her helicopter seat for others, signifying her moral turning point and renewed purpose.

You're taking Caitlin and you're taking my seat.
14

Finale

Scene 37 / 95% target

70%

Leo finds Sarah in the jammed traffic, reuniting the personal story, while the mission succeeds offscreen.

I'll take care of them, I promise...
15

Final Image

Scene 37 / 99% target

65%

The closing shot mirrors the opening scale with a personal reunion, suggesting hope after disaster.