Save the Cat rankings

FREQUENCY script analysis

FREQUENCY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Frequency opens with a dramatic rescue by firefighter Frank Sullivan, then shifts to his son John in 1998 discovering a mysterious ham radio link to his father in 1969. As they communicate across time, they team up to prevent a serial killer, entwining the B-story of family and loss with a time-bending detective thriller. Ultimately, their bond averts tragedy in both eras and reunites the family.

72 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 101 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

An emergency oil truck crash introduces Frank’s world as a heroic firefighter.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 17 / Page 2 / 5% target

10%

Johnny’s wish on a star hints at the longing for connection across time.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 8-16 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

11%

Frank’s home life with Julia and Johnny establishes family dynamics and what he stands to lose.

4

Catalyst

Scene 25 / Page 6 / 12% target

15%

A burst on the ham radio interrupts John’s evening, marking the inciting incident.

Hey, Ma, it's me. Checking in. Probably at work. Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow night. Love you.
5

Debate

Scene 26 / Page 6 / 20% target

14%

John tests the mysterious contact, debating if it’s real when he speaks to his father.

Are you licensed to broadcast, buddy?
6

Break into Two

Scene 29 / Page 7 / 25% target

13%

Lightning in 1969 ignites the warehouse fire, plunging both Frank and John into an active rescue/investigation in the past.

7

B Story

Scene 43 / Page 10 / 30% target

10%

Frank teaches young John to ride a bike, establishing the emotional father-son relationship that underpins the plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 55 / Page 14 / 40% target

12%

Frank and John coordinate via radio to prevent the Nightingale murders, exploring the time-travel gimmick.

Dad, you there? Can you here me?
9

Midpoint

Scene 41 / Page 11 / 50% target

15%

John’s revelation that his father didn’t die in the fire shifts stakes and personalizes the mission.

My father didn't die in a fire?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 77 / Page 19 / 65% target

13%

Frank is attacked in the lounge’s men’s room, showing the killer closing in on him.

Who the fuck are you?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 82 / Page 20 / 75% target

11%

Frank discovers Sissy’s body, the dark moment where he failed to save an innocent.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 84 / Page 20 / 80% target

14%

Frank’s guilt overwhelms him as he confesses to John that he couldn’t stop her murder.

He killed her John. He killed her and I didn't do a thing to stop it.
13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / Page 22 / 85% target

13%

John directs Frank to call the FBI—forming a concrete plan to confront the killer.

Call the FBI. Use a pay phone. Don't give 'em your name, Dad. Just tell 'em that it...
14

Finale

Scenes 99-100 / Pages 24-25 / 95% target

14%

Frank and John fight Shepard together in both eras, resolving the threat and saving the family.

My turn to steal your life.
15

Final Image

Scene 101 / Page 25 / 99% target

10%

The family’s reunion at a little league game shows the restored future happiness.

Bring me home, son! Bring me home!