Save the Cat rankings

FLIGHT script analysis

FLIGHT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Whip Whitaker, a brilliant but alcoholic pilot, survives a catastrophic in‐flight failure and crash-lands his plane, becoming a reluctant hero. As he battles addiction and faces an NTSB hearing, he meets Nicole, a fellow addict, forging a B‐story that mirrors his fight for redemption. After rock-bottom lows before the hearing, Whip finally confesses his alcoholism and accepts responsibility, leading to a new beginning in prison therapy and reconciliation with his son.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Nicole’s addiction and struggle, setting the bleak tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Whip’s ex-wife argument hints at truth and responsibility.

I remember everything until the crash.
3

Set-Up

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

70%

Establishes Whip as a gifted yet self‐destructive pilot and his chaotic personal life before flight.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 4 / 12% target

80%

Severe turbulence and mechanical failure upend the flight.

5

Debate

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 7-8 / 20% target

70%

Whip debates his unorthodox barrel roll maneuver to save the plane.

6

Break into Two

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 25% target

80%

Whip wakes in the hospital, officially pulled into Act Two’s consequences and investigation.

7

B Story

Scenes 22-23 / Page 10 / 30% target

80%

Introduces Nicole as Whip’s mirror character and emotional ally.

Don't go. I'll be quiet.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-35 / Pages 12-14 / 40% target

70%

Whip’s farm detox and initial bonding with Nicole provide highs and lows of his recovery.

9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / Page 13 / 50% target

80%

Whip heroically rescues Nicole—emotional high and false victory.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 27-31 / Pages 12-13 / 65% target

70%

Toxicology report and media scrutiny tighten legal and personal pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 60 / Page 24 / 75% target

80%

Whip collapses from drink and drugs on eve of hearing—his lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 61 / Page 24 / 80% target

80%

He’s revived with cocaine, facing moral despair before the hearing.

YOU DO NOT TOUCH THE MERCH MOTHERFUCKER!!!
13

Break into Three

Scene 62 / Page 25 / 85% target

90%

Whip confesses his alcoholism in testimony, committing to truth.

14

Finale

Scene 63 / Page 26 / 95% target

80%

In prison AA, Whip leads and accepts consequences—resolution of his arc.

15

Final Image

Scene 65 / Page 27 / 99% target

80%

Whip reconnects with his son, showing hope and new beginning.