Save the Cat rankings

GET LOW script analysis

GET LOW script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An aging hermit, Felix Bush, plans his own ‘live funeral party’ before dying, prompting a media frenzy and personal reckonings. Along the way he befriends Reverend Horton and Mattie, confronts his guilt over a childhood tragedy, and battles external threats. Ultimately he delivers a final confession at his own funeral, finding redemption and peace.

85 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 80 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Scene 1 shows a man escaping a burning house, visually establishing Bush’s traumatic past.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

70%

Reverend Horton hints that illiteracy and misunderstanding drive a hard life, foreshadowing Bush’s need to tell his story.

Hard life if you can't read..
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-9 / 10% target

75%

We see Bush’s solitude, grief at his friend’s grave, and physical decline, introducing key characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / 12% target

80%

Bush falls ill, confronting his mortality and triggering the funeral‐planning scheme.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-13 / 20% target

75%

Bush struggles to reach the barn and then recovers, questioning whether to proceed with his own funeral party.

6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / 25% target

80%

Bush prepares the wagon and commits to traveling to town to organize his live funeral party.

And coffee when we get there.
7

B Story

Scenes 8-9 / 30% target

70%

Bush meets Reverend Horton and later bonds with Mattie, setting up the emotional subplot about confession and forgiveness.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-37 / 40% target

75%

The logistics of the funeral party are comically and earnestly arranged—suit fitting, radio interviews, and town preparations.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 38-40 / 50% target

80%

On Bush’s land, he and Mattie share deep personal stories, raising intimacy and stakes.

You always know where you stand with a dog. Want to lay here with them someday if they'll...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 49-52 / 65% target

70%

Upon returning from the church visit, Buddy is attacked hiding money and Bush confronts the betrayal of his plan.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 54 / 75% target

80%

Mattie accuses Bush of killing her sister Mary, derailing his redemption arc in a tense confrontation.

She was married! And she wasn't just my sister, she was my best friend. We told each other...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 55 / 80% target

75%

After collapsing and brandishing a shotgun, Bush hits his lowest emotional point, fearing he’s irredeemable.

Just tell me, Felix. Did you hurt Mary or not?
13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / 85% target

80%

Bush decides to call off the funeral party, resolving to face truth rather than spectacle.

Thinking to call it off.
14

Finale

Scenes 63-73 / 95% target

80%

The live funeral unfolds, Bush’s confession is delivered (via Charlie), and he finally admits the full story to the crowd.

A second chance is a precious thing, son. Don't waste it.
15

Final Image

Scene 79 / 99% target

75%

At Bush’s actual funeral months later, Reverend Jackson reflects that Felix now truly rests, bookending the opening fire escape with spiritual peace.

Well, Felix, this one's for real, I guess. I didn't actually see them put you in the box...