Save the Cat rankings

FIRST COW script analysis

FIRST COW script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Cookie, an introverted cook, befriends the entrepreneur King-Lu in the Oregon Territory. They stumble upon a lonely cow and embark on a secret milking scheme to fund their dreams. Success at the market raises the stakes until discovery forces them to flee. Ultimately they reunite and set out for a new life downriver.

90 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 78 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the wild frontier setting with a mysterious beach discovery.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

15%

King-Lu’s toasting line “Here’s to something” hints at aspiration and taking risks.

Here's to something.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-11 / 10% target

13%

Establishes Cookie’s solitude, King-Lu’s resourcefulness, and their budding partnership.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

14%

Cookie discovers the Chief Factor’s cow, presenting a temptation.

5

Debate

Scene 13 / 20% target

15%

Cookie and King-Lu debate stealing milk and weigh risks vs. reward.

It isn't far from the Chief Factor's house. In a meadow. I'd like some of that milk.
6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / 25% target

15%

They commit to the scheme when Cookie milks the cow at night.

How are you? Didn't expect company so late at night, did you? Well. Here we are.
7

B Story

Scene 64 / 30% target

12%

King-Lu’s subplot begins when he meets Chonachona, hinting at personal connections.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-26 / 40% target

14%

They make and sell oily cakes, enjoying early success and dreaming big.

Fresh Oily Cakes. Best this side of the Sandwich Islands.
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / 50% target

13%

The Chief Factor commissions a clafoutis, raising stakes and potential reward.

I'm entertaining a small group next week. The captain of the Ruby is coming for tea. I'm tired...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 56-57 / 65% target

14%

Their theft is discovered, and the Chief Factor accuses them of milking his cow.

It would appear someone has been milking your cow.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 58 / 75% target

12%

Faced with capture, they leap off a cliff into the unknown.

No. Not home. Keep going.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 61-63 / 80% target

13%

Cookie lies injured and hidden in a stranger’s cottage, isolated and uncertain.

No one will find you here.
13

Break into Three

Scene 76 / 85% target

14%

Cookie and King-Lu are joyfully reunited, ready to face a new chapter together.

I thought you were gone.
14

Finale

Scenes 77-78 / 95% target

13%

They plan and begin their journey downstream toward wider opportunities.

There's a port at the mouth of the river. We'll go downstream and catch the first clipper south....
15

Final Image

Scene 78 / 99% target

12%

They rest peacefully under the stars, united and hopeful.

We'll go soon. I've got you.