Save the Cat rankings

Disturbia script analysis

Disturbia script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

After Kale loses his father in a tragic accident, he’s sentenced to house arrest and begins spying on his mysterious neighbor, Robert Giles. His amateur investigation draws in new friend Ashley, escalating into deadly stakes. Ultimately, Kale confronts Giles, saves his mother and friend, and comes to terms with his grief.

85 Save the Cat fit score 8% analysis confidence / 124 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

7%

Introduces Kale’s carefree bond with his father on a fishing trip, establishing his ordinary world and emotional grounding.

Whoa, did you see that thing?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 12 / 5% target

7%

The judge remarks that losing a parent isn’t easy, foreshadowing Kale’s emotional journey with grief and healing.

But losing a parent isn't easy. Which is why I'm sentencing you to three months house arrest.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-11 / Page 1 / 10% target

7%

Establishes Kale’s life after his father’s death, his rebellion in school, and the looming punishment of house arrest.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

7%

Kale is sentenced to three months of house arrest, kicking off the central constraint driving the plot.

5

Debate

Scene 16 / 20% target

7%

Kale and his mother clash over rules and boundaries at dinner, reflecting his resistance to confinement.

You wanna talk about anything?
6

Break into Two

Scene 27 / 25% target

7%

Kale begins spying on his neighbors from his bedroom window, crossing into a new world of amateur investigation.

7

B Story

Scene 48 / 30% target

7%

Kale meets Ashley when she confronts him after spying, launching the romantic subplot that supports his emotional arc.

Thanks, that was really humiliating.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 57 / 40% target

7%

Kale, Ashley, and Ronnie enjoy sleuthing on Giles, capturing the playful premise of teen detectives at work.

Now's the time to bust your move.
9

Midpoint

Scene 62 / 50% target

7%

Kale witnesses Giles violently confronting a woman and is spotted, raising the stakes from harmless fun to genuine danger.

Dude, something is going on over there. What if he killed her, too?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 65 / 65% target

7%

Giles unexpectedly appears inside Kale’s home, heightening threat as the predator invades Kale’s sanctuary.

Whoa, whoa, settle down, slow down. Robert Giles, your neighbor -- Behind you?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 88 / 75% target

7%

Police discover only a dead deer in Giles’ garage, discrediting Kale’s warnings and leaving him isolated and despairing.

I hit it the other night. Thought I'd save a few steps and get it off the road...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 90 / 80% target

7%

Kale finds Ronnie alive in his closet and reviews the break-in footage, reigniting hope and resolve after his darkest moment.

Dude, don't kill me, don't kill me -- I can explain --
13

Break into Three

Scene 90 / 85% target

7%

Armed with proof of Giles’ guilt, Kale decides to act rather than watch, setting up the final confrontation.

How -- How long have you been here?
14

Finale

Scenes 106-113 / 95% target

7%

Kale battles Giles across the house and roof, culminating in rescue of his mother, Ashley’s bravery, and Giles’ defeat.

We're out here, asshole!
15

Final Image

Scene 124 / 99% target

7%

In Kale’s bedroom, he and Ashley watch his mother move on, reflecting his emotional growth and return to normalcy.

Why's your mom doing this again?