Save the Cat rankings

FRIDAY script analysis

FRIDAY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Craig and Smokey navigate a tense day in South Central: from morning routines and comic squabbles through threats, a violent ambush, and eventual confrontation. A flashback B-story with Joi underlines Craig’s personal stakes. The film closes on Craig’s quiet reflection after the community’s violence and his clash with Deebo.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 22 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces South Central’s atmosphere and the cycle of petty crime through Ezal’s chase.

Dang he at it again.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

30%

Craig’s gripe about kitchen boundaries hints at personal responsibility and respect.

Everytime I come in the kitchen... you in the kitchen...in the got damn frigerator.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

30%

Establishes main characters (Craig, Smokey) and their world through morning routines and neighborly interactions.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

35%

Big Worm’s threat to Smokey escalates stakes from routine comedy to real danger.

I don't wanna have to fuck you up today.
5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / 20% target

30%

Craig and Smokey weigh their next move while flashing back to Craig’s troubled relationship with Joi.

6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / 25% target

30%

Deebo’s robbery of Stanley’s house forces Craig and Smokey into direct conflict.

What you got on the drank?
7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

25%

Flashback with Joi deepens Craig’s emotional arc and personal stakes.

Who was that bitch?!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-14 / 40% target

30%

A series of neighborhood encounters, comedic threats, and the looming shadow of violence.

9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / 50% target

35%

The ominous car following Craig and Smokey raises stakes from local antics to life-and-death.

You know this car coming?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 16 / 65% target

35%

Craig and Smokey are ambushed by shooters, intensifying the threat.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 16-17 / 75% target

30%

The ambush leaves them vulnerable and on the run, representing the darkest low.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 19 / 80% target

30%

Smokey’s panicked call to Big Worm underscores despair and uncertainty.

Yeah I got your money nigga...and I don't appreciate you sending your punk ass friends to shoot at...
13

Break into Three

Scene 20 / 85% target

30%

Craig’s conversation with his father refocuses him on survival and responsibility.

See son you need to tell somebody when you leave the house...Say you would've got killed tonight...you know...
14

Finale

Scene 18 / 95% target

35%

Craig confronts Deebo in a communal showdown, resolving the central conflict.

Who you think you are?!
15

Final Image

Scene 22 / 99% target

30%

Craig’s quiet moment alone mirrors the opening but with newfound perspective.