Save the Cat rankings

HEREDITARY script analysis

HEREDITARY script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A grieving Graham family reels from the death of grandmother Ellen, only to be devastated by daughter Charlie’s tragic accident. As Annie’s obsession with her secretive mother’s occult legacy deepens, the family’s bonds fracture and malevolent forces close in. In a final descent, hidden rituals and cultists claim Peter as their vessel.

75 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 156 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

39%

Introduces family at Ellen’s funeral, setting a somber tone and the Graham household dynamic.

All right, Petey. Wake up time.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

42%

Annie’s eulogy hints at her mother’s “private rituals,” foreshadowing the occult theme of secrets and grief.

My mother was an intensely secretive and private woman. She had private rituals, private friends, private anxieties... It...
3

Set-Up

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

40%

We meet Annie, Steve, Peter and Charlie, see Annie’s miniature work and family tensions returning home from the funeral.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 2 / 12% target

38%

Charlie decapitates a dead pigeon at school, revealing her disturbing behavior and spurring parental concern.

5

Debate

Scene 18 / Page 3 / 20% target

41%

Annie argues with Steve over the locked mother’s room; she must decide whether to confront her family’s secrets.

Sorry. I know it’s irrational.
6

Break into Two

Scene 30 / Page 4 / 25% target

44%

Peter learns Charlie is missing, shifting the story into active search and maternal crisis.

She’s not in the house.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 4 / 30% target

40%

Annie attends a grief support group, forming her emotional subplot about coping and faith.

My mom died a week ago, so I’m just here for - trying it. I have a lot...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 35-40 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

43%

Peter and Charlie at the party experience typical teenage misadventures—weed, cake and tension with Annie’s calls.

Maybe I don’t have to go in...
9

Midpoint

Scene 46 / Page 6 / 50% target

45%

Charlie dies in the car accident—stakes spike to life-and-death emotion (false victory turned tragedy).

You’re okay, Charlie! We’re going to the hospital!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / Page 7 / 65% target

42%

Annie discovers Charlie’s body at the roadside, grief overwhelms as dark forces loom.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 90 / Page 8 / 75% target

44%

A family dinner erupts into a bitter argument, symbolizing their lowest point of unity and hope.

And what about you, mom?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 94 / Page 9 / 80% target

40%

Annie stares silently at her miniatures, overwhelmed by loss and unsure of any path forward.

13

Break into Three

Scene 95 / Page 9 / 85% target

43%

Joan mentions a spiritual medium, prompting Annie to pursue supernatural answers beyond grief support.

I... met a spiritual medium.
14

Finale

Scene 153 / Page 14 / 95% target

47%

In the attic, Annie’s self-decapitation ritual and Peter’s terror coalesce into full horror and supernatural climax.

Please. This isn’t happening. You need to wake up.
15

Final Image

Scene 156 / Page 15 / 99% target

46%

Peter, crowned as Paimon in the treehouse, contrasts the opening image’s innocence with horrific transformation.