Save the Cat rankings

GRIFTERS script analysis

GRIFTERS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Con artists Lilly, Roy, and Myra weave intersecting schemes that build into partnerships and betrayals. The story follows Lilly’s daring track grifts, Roy’s moral pull between love and loyalty, and Myra’s ambitious play for power, culminating in deadly double-crosses and a bleak final confrontation.

70 Save the Cat fit score 10% analysis confidence / 54 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Lilly’s arrival at Ruidoso Downs immediately establishes her life as a grifter and sets the visual tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

In the hospital room, identities and loyalties are questioned, hinting that trust and deception will drive the story.

Not quite. But I'm not sure who you are, Mrs... Langtry, was it?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

20%

Early scenes introduce Lilly, Roy’s con skills, and Myra’s manipulative sales pitch, establishing characters and relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 1 / 12% target

20%

The violent confrontation with Bobo Justus propels Lilly into crisis and forces her into deeper trouble.

Did I buy you that dress, you piece of shit?
5

Debate

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 20% target

20%

After escaping Bobo, Lilly’s traumatized drive away shows her uncertainty about her path forward.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 1 / 25% target

15%

Roy’s call to Myra marks his decision to enter the world of the con alongside her.

7

B Story

Scene 29 / Page 1 / 30% target

20%

Myra’s explanation of the long con to Roy solidifies the personal relationship subplot of partnership.

You're on the grift. Same as me.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 26 / Page 1 / 40% target

20%

Roy’s dice game trick on the train showcases the thrill and skills of the con duo.

Boy! You guys could've got in a lot of trouble.
9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Page 1 / 50% target

20%

The midpoint ‘twist’ comes when Myra openly reveals her con to Roy, shifting stakes and trust.

You're on the grift. Same as me.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 38 / Page 1 / 65% target

20%

Myra’s intimidation attempt and Roy’s violent reaction show internal and external threats rising.

I looked and I looked and believe me, brother, I kissed a lot of fucking frogs, and you're...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 39 / Page 1 / 75% target

20%

Myra’s departure vowing revenge feels like a point of no return for all partners.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 47 / Page 1 / 80% target

20%

Lilly preparing for bed and hiding a gun captures her fear and isolation before final confrontation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 49 / Page 1 / 85% target

20%

Myra’s attack and subsequent death at Lilly’s hands force the story into its final resolution.

14

Finale

Scene 51 / Page 1 / 95% target

20%

Roy’s realization at the morgue and the confrontation over Lilly’s ‘death’ launch the final showdown.

You're dead, Lilly, it worked.
15

Final Image

Scene 54 / Page 1 / 99% target

20%

The fatal struggle in Roy’s living room provides a stark mirror to the opening and closes the loop on their betrayals.

Take whichever one you want.