Save the Cat rankings

GREMLINS script analysis

GREMLINS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A quirky inventor in Hong Kong buys a mysterious creature for his son, unleashing strict rules and unexpected chaos when those rules are broken. After the Mogwai multiply and transform into vicious monsters, the young hero teams with friends and law enforcement to contain the threat. In the climax, a final sunrise annihilates the creatures, and life returns to normal with a darkly humorous twist.

85 Save the Cat fit score 10% analysis confidence / 46 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the exotic Hong Kong marketplace and Rand’s quest for a unique gift, setting tone and style.

Hi. I'm from out of town... on business from the U.S.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 5% target

10%

Rules about water and consequences are stated, foreshadowing the chaos from breaking them.

They must only multiply with plain tap water.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

10%

We meet Rand, Billy, and the Mogwai’s arrival and multiplication, establishing stakes and key players.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

10%

The Mogwai multiply uncontrollably after being splashed with water, triggering the central conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

10%

Billy worries the creatures are dangerous and debates what to do next.

Dad...We don't know anything about these things.
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 25% target

10%

Roy Hanson decides to stay and run tests, moving the story into investigative territory.

May.I stay for a while?...Run a few tests?...
7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 30% target

10%

Billy’s personal life emerges as Gary confronts him about Tracy, hinting at the romantic subplot.

a< ; Listen, Peltzer...she's my girl-friend. Keep your hands off. Under- stand?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 40% target

10%

Roy explains the metamorphosis and we see the creatures’ bizarre transformation, delivering genre thrills.

Exactly. Those things in the attic-are cocoons. Inside,. the creatures are going through some sort of change...a metamorphosis.
9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 50% target

10%

The creatures break free in the attic and kill Lynn, raising the stakes dramatically.

Mom...stay downstairs. I'll be right home.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 65% target

10%

In the Y.M.C.A. pool, hundreds of creatures multiply, overwhelming Billy and allies.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 40 / Page 40 / 75% target

10%

Gary panics and abandons the trap in the boiler room, leaving Dorry to be killed and hope seeming lost.

We have to get out. Fast.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 45 / Page 45 / 80% target

10%

Billy recovers in hospital, haunted by the locked toolbox and fearing the threat persists.

It's okay, Billy...It's over...
13

Break into Three

Scene 44 / Page 44 / 85% target

10%

Sunrise kills the remaining creatures, revealing the solution to their extinction through daylight.

14

Finale

Scenes 45-46 / Pages 45-46 / 95% target

10%

Billy and Tracy survive, the toolbox is sealed, and the town reflects on the aftermath.

15

Final Image

Scene 46 / Page 46 / 99% target

10%

A worker throws the toolbox into a lake, humorously suggesting the threat might not be over.

Throw it out... with the other trash.