Save the Cat rankings

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile script analysis

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A woman discovers alarming news about a serial killer and calls authorities, setting off the investigation. Ted Bundy is introduced as a charming figure who is pulled over, arrested, and arraigned. His dual life unfolds through courtroom drama, relationships with Liz and Carole Ann, and the mounting evidence against him. Ultimately, Ted’s trials culminate in a conviction, escape attempts, and emotional reckonings.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 52 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces the inciting world through a distressed woman reacting to news of a serial killer.

King County Sheriff’s Office.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

65%

Liz’s confrontation highlights themes of truth, trust, and denial.

When were you going to tell me?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

75%

We meet Ted as a charming stranger in Aspen, follow his police pursuit and initial arrest process.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

85%

Officer Hayward pulls over Ted and processes suspicious items, formally triggering the investigation.

You ran two stop signs.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-7 / 20% target

70%

Ted undergoes interrogation and lineup, raising questions about his innocence.

6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

80%

The trial proper begins with opening statements, shifting into Act Two and the courtroom arena.

Your Honor, November 8th, 1974 may have been just another rainy night for most of Murray, Utah, but...
7

B Story

Scene 11 / 30% target

75%

Ted returns to Liz’s house, establishing the emotional subplot of their relationship.

When were you going to tell me?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 21 / 40% target

70%

Ted gets to testify on his own behalf, showcasing the theatrical and manipulative aspects of his defense.

I was smoking grass and had to air out the car. I’m only grateful the officer didn’t notice...
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / 50% target

85%

Judge Hanson delivers the guilty verdict, marking a false victory for justice and raising stakes.

I hereby find the defendant guilty of aggravated kidnapping beyond a reasonable doubt.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / 65% target

80%

Detective Fisher visits in prison to inform Ted of the new murder charge, tightening the noose.

You were a full-time law student. And for the record, my game is homicide.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / 75% target

75%

Liz’s emotional phone call about the death penalty represents the protagonist’s lowest emotional point.

I’m sorry. It’s just... I’m terrified. I mean, they want the goddamn death penalty.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / 80% target

80%

Liz’s confession that she named Ted to police deepens his isolation and despair.

I’m the one who gave your name to the police.
13

Break into Three

Scene 43 / 85% target

80%

Ted’s decision to withdraw his plea and confront his counsel marks his pivot to final action.

I believe my lead counsel is not only overwhelmed by this case but also slave to a serious...
14

Finale

Scene 51 / 95% target

85%

The penalty phase concludes with the court’s sentencing, delivering the story’s climactic judgment.

It is this court’s reasoned judgment that you be adjudicated guilty of murder in the first degree; that...
15

Final Image

Scene 52 / 99% target

80%

Liz’s prison visit demanding the truth mirrors the opening’s emotional urgency and completes the arc.

Did you kill those girls?