Save the Cat rankings

FOCUS script analysis

FOCUS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

FOCUS follows expert con man Nicky as he mentors rookie Jess, forming a professional and romantic partnership. They enjoy a string of successful cons until a high-stakes job in Argentina threatens their relationship and safety. Betrayals force Nicky to pull off one last masterstroke to save them both. The story closes on a hopeful note as they outsmart their enemies and affirm their bond.

70 Save the Cat fit score 29% analysis confidence / 51 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces Nicky’s world via a clinical demo of the McGurk Effect, symbolizing his manipulation of perception.

Da... Da... Da... Da... Da...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / Page 3 / 5% target

28%

Nicky states that people are either players or played, hinting at the film’s exploration of manipulation and trust.

You do this long enough, you see everyone as a player or as someone to be played. It’s...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

30%

Establishes Nicky’s daily hustles in NYC, his confidence, detachment, and code of conduct.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

32%

Jess asks Nicky to "be my boyfriend for a minute," sparking their professional and personal partnership.

Can you be my boyfriend for a minute?
5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / Page 2 / 20% target

30%

Jess and her partner attempt to con Nicky, and she must decide if she’s outmatched or can learn from him.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 25% target

27%

Nicky begins teaching Jess pickpocket tricks, marking their transition into joint con territory.

7

B Story

Scenes 7-8 / Page 2 / 30% target

26%

Jess’s personal journey and budding romance with Nicky underpin the emotional B-story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-23 / Pages 6-7 / 40% target

29%

Montage of increasingly daring scams showcases their teamwork and the thrill of the con life.

9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 11 / 50% target

31%

The team celebrates a record‐setting week, representing the peak of their partnership and success.

A record setting week, everybody. As of three this morning- One point two million.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 42 / Page 17 / 65% target

30%

A meeting with Garriga in Buenos Aires raises the stakes and introduces a formidable antagonist.

This year McEwen is the only team standing in my way.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 18 / 75% target

32%

Nicky’s public outburst—punching Garriga—ruins their cover and seems to destroy his plan.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / Page 18 / 80% target

28%

Nicky is thrown out of the party and confronted by a bodyguard, symbolizing his lowest professional and emotional point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 47 / Page 19 / 85% target

29%

Nicky meets McEwen to sell EXR plans, initiating the final act plan to out-con Garriga.

I want three million dollars.
14

Finale

Scenes 49-50 / Pages 20-21 / 95% target

30%

Garriga’s interrogation reveals the double‐cross, and Owens drives them to safety, executing the final con.

I’ve been working for this prick Spaniard for three years. He’s got a guy at McEwen and he...
15

Final Image

Scene 51 / Page 21 / 99% target

33%

Jess and Nicky walk into the hospital, Jess wearing Garriga’s watch—proof of their ultimate triumph.