Save the Cat rankings

GONE BABY GONE script analysis

GONE BABY GONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Private investigators Patrick and Angie are hired to find missing child Amanda McCready, leading them into Boston’s criminal underworld. As they follow clues—from Helene’s apartment to a violent ransom drop—the stakes escalate. A mid-point botched rescue leaves them reeling, deepening personal and moral conflicts. Ultimately, they uncover a family conspiracy and rescue Amanda, closing on a hopeful final image.

75 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 61 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Amanda’s abduction, setting the dark tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Patrick and Angie discuss the case’s emotional stakes, hinting at themes of justice and parental responsibility.

The thing is she just always had a smile on her face, you know? That was her. She...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

75%

We meet Patrick and Angie, clear their detective skills and motivations, and see Helene’s plea for help.

My niece is missing.
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

70%

Helene formally hires them to augment the police investigation.

We want to hire you to augment the police with the investigation.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

60%

Patrick and Angie grapple with the case’s personal danger and Helene’s reliability.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 6 / 25% target

65%

They take action by driving to Chelsea to investigate Ray’s lead.

7

B Story

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 30% target

60%

Their personal relationship is underscored as a counterpoint to the main case.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-15 / Pages 4-6 / 40% target

70%

They interview Helene’s associates, uncovering drug deals and Ray’s murder.

She was in here snappin' lines for two hours.
9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / Page 13 / 50% target

75%

The quarry ransom goes wrong, gunfire erupts and Cheese is killed—stakes are life-or-death.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-40 / Pages 14-16 / 65% target

70%

After the failed drop, police fallout, fugitive searches and violent raids intensify the pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / Page 13 / 75% target

75%

The rescue attempt fails catastrophically, Amanda presumed dead.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 31-32 / Page 14 / 80% target

65%

Patrick and Angie mourn Amanda’s fate and face departmental upheaval.

13

Break into Three

Scene 54 / Page 21 / 85% target

70%

Patrick confronts Lionel, learning Remy’s betrayal and setting up the final push.

Then we took her. Remy laid out this plan, it seemed easy. We take her, force Helene and...
14

Finale

Scenes 56-59 / Pages 22-24 / 95% target

75%

Tracking Bressant, questioning at the factory, and discovering Amanda alive with Doyle resolve the mystery.

The only thing I care about is that little girl. And I'm gonna bring her home.
15

Final Image

Scene 61 / Page 25 / 99% target

80%

Patrick babysits Amanda, offering hope after darkness.