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Home script analysis

Home script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A newly paroled Ellis arrives at a secluded house under Brode’s supervision, encountering unsettling hallucinations and hidden horrors beneath the floors. As he explores the basement, the line between reality and delusion blurs, culminating in the return of a violent acquaintance, Alex. Trapped by his ankle monitor and the house’s dark secrets, Ellis must confront his past and the true nature of his keepers.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 105 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Ellis’s arrival at the remote house establishes isolation and his parole constraints.

that we’re in the middle of nowhere; the last house on a dead end street in the center...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 23 / 5% target

10%

Ellis’s hallucination declares “You. Are. Not. Real,” suggesting the struggle between perception and reality.

You. Are. Not. Real.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

10%

Brode installs Ellie’s tracking device, inspects the house, and the Youth first appears, establishing rules and stakes.

So this uncle of yours just up and died of a heart-attack a couple months back, huh? And...
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

10%

Ellis experiences his first clear hallucination of the Youth in the living room, igniting the central mystery.

Let’s shake a leg. I have two TV dinners and a hot shower waiting for me.
5

Debate

Scene 6 / 20% target

10%

Brode warns about the hallucinations while Ellis questions his sanity and the house’s safety.

Who were you talking to, Tuesday? One of your little friends?
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / 25% target

10%

Discovering the hidden hatch in the basement propels Ellis from surface paranoia into the unknown depths.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / 30% target

10%

Lynn’s first arrival introduces a compassionate ally and a potential romantic subplot.

If I take one step outside, this thing will call the police. Could you just slide them a...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 17 / 40% target

10%

Ellis opens the basement hatch and begins exploring, experiencing the house’s eerie secrets.

9

Midpoint

Scene 39 / 50% target

10%

Alex’s dramatic return forces Ellis to reevaluate his reality: a psychological twist with real danger.

Sorry, El, but those quacks drilled a load of nonsense into your head. Hope I knocked some of...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 42 / 65% target

10%

Alex threatens Ellis, using the ankle monitor to blackmail and tighten his control.

Listen: They fixed me, okay? I'm not like that anymore.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 82 / 75% target

10%

Ellis discovers Lynn is tied up and connected to Harold’s past, losing hope in rescue or escape.

Where's the key?! ... WHERE'S THE KEY?!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 83 / 80% target

10%

Ellis confronts the pit’s horrors and asserts he’s not afraid, a low emotional point before regrouping.

... I'm not scared of you.
13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / 85% target

10%

Ellis answers the parole system phone call, committing to take action to save Lynn and himself.

14

Finale

Scenes 91-102 / 95% target

10%

Ellis battles Alex in the catacomb, outwits him by locking him in the pit, and frees himself.

You've pissed on our friendship for the last time, El. I'm gonna cut your eyes out and feed...
15

Final Image

Scene 105 / 99% target

10%

In darkness, Alex is attacked by the Survivor, reversing roles and sealing Ellis’s escape.