Save the Cat rankings

EVEREST script analysis

EVEREST script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

EVEREST follows the classic Save the Cat beats as Rob Hall leads his team to the summit, faces increasing dangers on the mountain, and ultimately suffers personal tragedy. The narrative intercuts home-front B-story tension with escalating mountaineering stakes, culminating in a storm that forces life-and-death choices.

85 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 107 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces the brutal, high-altitude world and Rob’s strict turnaround rule at the summit.

If we haven’t summitted by two, we go down. That was the deal.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 24 / 5% target

20%

Climbers around the bonfire discuss why they risk everything, hinting at obsession and human limits.

It’s a girl. I’m gonna have a girl! Jan just faxed me.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / 10% target

20%

Rob organizes logistics and team dynamics in Kathmandu, establishing characters and relationships before the climb.

4

Catalyst

Scene 27 / 12% target

20%

Helen announces the summit push, crystallizing the goal and starting the expedition’s critical phase.

This is Helen Wilton at Base Camp, Mt. Everest. We are pleased to announce that Rob Hall and...
5

Debate

Scene 29 / 20% target

20%

Beck struggles with his vision and must decide whether to press on or turn back.

Yeah, yeah, just- I’m fine.
6

Break into Two

Scene 31 / 25% target

20%

The climbers begin their summit assault at dawn, fully entering Act Two on the mountain.

7

B Story

Scene 26 / 30% target

20%

Back home, Jan reads a fax and worries, providing the emotional counterpoint to Rob’s climb.

All team members are in good health and going well. Updates to follow. Go, Rob.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 21-22 / 40% target

20%

Teams navigate the Icefall’s perils and coordinate schedules—demonstrating the mountain’s unique challenges.

The Taiwanese are in slow motion, man.
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / 50% target

25%

Rob discovers Beck’s vision problems at the Balcony, raising the stakes and urgency of the summit push.

Yes, mate. What’s wrong?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 65 / 65% target

25%

Rob urges Doug to keep moving as weather worsens, tension heightens on the Hillary Step.

Come on, Doug. I need you to keep moving, mate.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / 75% target

25%

The storm hits at the Hillary Step, trapping Rob and Doug and marking the darkest moment.

Oh, no. No, no, no... Move, Doug. We’ve got to move!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 85-86 / 80% target

20%

Jan is panicked at Base Camp with no news, reflecting despair parallel to Rob’s plight.

I haven’t heard from you. It’s after midnight here. Why isn’t anybody calling me?
13

Break into Three

Scene 90 / 85% target

20%

Harold reaches Rob and recommits to saving him, shifting to Act Three.

You came all this way for me.
14

Finale

Scene 98 / 95% target

20%

Rob radios in from the summit precariously frozen—his final bid for rescue.

Hands are frozen. Harold was here. Leg’s aren’t working too well.
15

Final Image

Scene 107 / 99% target

20%

Rob speaks to Jan one last time via radio, mirroring the opening but with devastating stakes.