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Elysium script analysis

Elysium script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Max, a factory worker dying from radiation, embarks on a desperate mission to reach the space habitat Elysium for a cure. Along the way he faces moral choices, deadly enemies, and personal loss before ultimately triumphing. The story follows his transformation from victim to hero and reunites him with his love.

85 Save the Cat fit score 46% analysis confidence / 26 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

42%

Introduces Max’s orphan background and his longing for Elysium’s different world.

Are the people from there, are they different to me?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

38%

Max’s question about difference hints at the theme of inequality and belonging.

Are the people from there, are they different to me?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

47%

Establishes Max’s harsh factory life, his radiation accident, and surveillance by the antagonist Carlyle.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 12% target

44%

Max receives a lethal radiation diagnosis, forcing him to seek Elysium’s cure.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 3 / 20% target

45%

Max and Julio argue about desperation and the dangerous plan to reach Elysium.

Get out, get the fuck out.
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 25% target

48%

Max commits to Spider’s plan to hijack a wealthy target in exchange for passage.

Take an Elysian asshole, a billionaire... We hijack him OK?
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 30% target

43%

Frey’s appearance introduces the personal relationship that grounds Max’s motivations.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

46%

Max prepares with Spider—surgery installation and mission planning showcase the ‘promise of the premise.’

I need to get up there. I can pay you back when I'm cured.
9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 50% target

47%

The ambush and explosion raise stakes dramatically, shifting tone from planning to survival.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 19 / Page 9 / 65% target

48%

Kruger’s violence escalates; Julio is stabbed, intensifying Max’s personal stakes.

Get it together get it together.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 75% target

45%

Carlyle’s death appears to doom Spider’s plan and Max’s chance at Elysium.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Page 8 / 80% target

44%

Max recovers alone, reflecting on losses and questioning his mission.

13

Break into Three

Scene 21 / Page 10 / 85% target

47%

Max decides on a bold final assault, crashing the Raven into Elysium to fulfill his quest.

14

Finale

Scene 25 / Page 11 / 95% target

46%

Max battles and kills Kruger, securing safety for himself and Frey.

15

Final Image

Scene 26 / Page 11 / 99% target

44%

Max frees Frey, showing his transformation and hope for a new life together.