Save the Cat rankings

Extract script analysis

Extract script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The screenplay follows factory manager Joel Reynolds as he struggles with workplace accidents, an assault lawsuit, and marital strife. He attempts to solve his domestic problems by hiring a gigolo, only to see everything unravel. Ultimately, Joel chooses loyalty to his employees and family over selling the company.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 82 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

10%

The establishing shot of the factory sets the visual tone and world of the story.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Dean’s invitation hints at Joel’s need for escapism from marital and work pressures.

You should come by tonight. Half price well drinks while the game's going.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

14%

We see Joel juggling office calls, factory chaos, and domestic obligations, introducing key relationships and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 3 / 12% target

13%

A major accident on the manufacturing floor triggers the lawsuit that drives the central conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 15 / Page 4 / 20% target

15%

Joel and Dean discuss the severity of the accident and the potential liability, revealing Joel’s uncertainty.

Well, he's definitely lost one of 'em. They think they might be able to re-attach the other one,...
6

Break into Two

Scene 26 / Page 5 / 25% target

14%

Joel decides to hire a gigolo to fix his marriage, marking his move into Act Two’s uncharted territory.

I'm sick of it Dean. I'm sick of being turned down in my own house by my own...
7

B Story

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

11%

Cindy’s minor theft and subsequent involvement with Step begin her subplot, which parallels themes of exploitation.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 27-29 / Pages 5-7 / 40% target

12%

A series of manipulations, hiring Brad, and factory intrigue deliver the promise of the premise: workplace drama and marital hijinks.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 32-33 / Page 7 / 50% target

15%

Joel learns the gigolo plan went through and sees flashbacks of Brad with Suzie—his worst fears realized.

Ah, yeah. As far as I know.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 39-40 / Page 8 / 65% target

14%

Legal pressure mounts as Brian reports that General Mills’ offer hinges on settling the lawsuit, squeezing Joel from both sides.

Like I say, General Mills isn't going to make their offer official until this settles.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 46-48 / Pages 9-10 / 75% target

14%

Joel’s life unravels: a drug-fueled paranoia, a beating outside, and a broken marriage, leaving him at rock bottom.

I'm fine. I'm fine. I just ah... got my ass kicked. Go back to sleep.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 53-56 / Pages 10-11 / 80% target

12%

Joel contemplates his failures, visits Step’s home, and realizes his misguided meddling has hurt everyone.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 74-76 / Pages 13-14 / 85% target

13%

Joel tracks Cindy to the hotel and confronts her, resolving to set things right.

14

Finale

Scenes 79-80 / Pages 15-16 / 95% target

15%

Joel negotiates with Step on the loading dock, then announces at the factory that he will not sell and promotes Step, delivering resolution to both legal and workplace arcs.

Okay, listen up everybody. I've decided not to sell the company...
15

Final Image

Scene 82 / Page 16 / 99% target

13%

At Nathan’s funeral, Joel consoles Suzie, showing unity restored in his personal life, echoing the Opening Image’s solidarity contrast.

Hi... You doing okay?