Save the Cat rankings

Gone Girl script analysis

Gone Girl script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Nick Dunne wakes up to find his wife Amy missing, triggering a media frenzy and a police investigation that exposes cracks in their marriage. As flashbacks reveal Amy’s elaborate planning, Nick’s infidelity and the couple’s manipulative games come to light. Detective Boney pursues the truth while Nick navigates public suspicion. Ultimately, Amy returns on her own terms, cementing their twisted bond.

80 Save the Cat fit score 35% analysis confidence / 59 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Nick reflecting on Amy as she sleeps introduces the story’s tone of perception versus reality.

When I think of my wife, I always think of her head.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Go’s teasing about Nick’s anniversary hints at the theme of appearance versus hidden truths in their relationship.

The Irish prince graces us with his presence.
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

40%

Nick and Amy argue about money and marriage, establishing character dynamics and stakes before Amy’s disappearance.

You either sit around the house, or you’re out spending money.
4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Pages 2-3 / 12% target

60%

Nick discovers their home ransacked and Amy missing, launching the central mystery.

Mr. Dunne? I’m Detective Rhonda Boney and this is Officer James Gilpin. We understand there are concerns about...
5

Debate

Scene 7 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

45%

Nick’s secret meeting with Andie shows his guilt and internal conflict about his marriage.

I needed to see you. I love you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Pages 4-5 / 25% target

50%

We enter Amy’s perspective as she plans her revenge in the Ozark cabin, shifting to her proactive role.

You know how I found out? I saw them.
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 4 / 30% target

50%

Detective Boney’s review of Amy’s diary introduces the investigative thread and her moral viewpoint.

Not sure why you’re reading it again. You know how it ends.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

45%

Flashback of Amy discovering the affair provides the “promise of the premise” of her meticulous plotting.

Every time it snows, I think of our first kiss. So I went to surprise him. I was...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 14-15 / Pages 6-7 / 50% target

55%

Amy is brought to the station and reunited with her parents, a false victory raising the stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / Pages 8-9 / 65% target

50%

Nick and Amy’s public confrontation reveals her manipulations and intensifies pressure on Nick.

We can stop pretending now.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 12 / 75% target

40%

Nick stands in the window, isolated and despairing, seeming to have lost control.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / Page 12 / 80% target

45%

Tanner’s bleak advice underscores Nick’s desperation and perceived hopelessness.

Here’s my expert legal advice: Find the vomit, get rid of it, run like hell.
13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / Page 13 / 85% target

50%

Amy’s scathing monologue shatters Nick’s illusions, prompting his final push.

You are a man. An average, lazy, boring, cowardly, woman-fearing man. But I made you into something. You...
14

Finale

Scene 57 / Page 14 / 95% target

40%

Nick signing the affidavit shows the climactic resolution of the legal battle and his choice.

15

Final Image

Scene 59 / Page 15 / 99% target

60%

Nick and Amy handcuffing themselves symbolizes their permanent, intertwined fate.

What have we done to each other? What will we do?