Save the Cat rankings

Horrible Bosses script analysis

Horrible Bosses script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Three underpaid friends endure abusive bosses and hatch a ludicrous murder scheme that spirals out of control. Their plan leads to accidental death, police involvement, and an over-the-top confrontation before life returns to a new status quo. The film blends dark comedy with structural beats of setup, confrontation, and resolution.

70 Save the Cat fit score 8% analysis confidence / 111 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scenes 1-2 / Page 1 / 1% target

7%

Introduces Nick’s exhausted routine and bleak apartment life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 26 / Pages 3-4 / 5% target

50%

The friends lament “horrible bosses,” foreshadowing rebellion against authority.

I loved him. And I loved working for him. And now his idiot son is gonna be in...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 9-15 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

6%

Establishes each protagonist’s miserable work life and abusive bosses.

4

Catalyst

Scene 25 / Page 5 / 12% target

50%

Jack’s sudden death sparks panic and highlights how bad bosses can be.

You kidding? It's the best job in the world.
5

Debate

Scenes 36-37 / Page 6 / 20% target

50%

They debate the idea of killing their bosses, unsure if it’s real or just fantasy.

Killing our bosses. I'm just being hypothetical here.
6

Break into Two

Scene 42 / Page 7 / 25% target

50%

They commit to a hitman plot, crossing into the ‘fun and games’ of Act Two.

Let's kill the bitch.
7

B Story

Scenes 17-19 / Page 2 / 30% target

50%

Dale’s relationship with Stacy provides emotional stakes and contrast to criminal plan.

Aww. You really like it?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 43-54 / Pages 7-12 / 40% target

9%

Comedic misadventures procuring a hitman, surveillance, and bungled break-ins illustrate their ineptitude.

9

Midpoint

Scene 74 / Page 12 / 50% target

50%

Harken shoots Pellit in front of Nick—a shocking reversal that ups the stakes permanently.

He shot him. Harken shot Pellit!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 86-87 / Page 13 / 65% target

50%

Police question them; Cocksucker Jones’ fraud strains trust and pressure mounts.

They know everything. We're dead. I can't believe I let you guys talk me into this!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 94 / Page 14 / 75% target

50%

Kurt’s DNA is found at the scene, implying they’ll be nailed and all hope is gone.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 98-102 / Pages 15-16 / 80% target

7%

They face despair as Harken pursues them, flashbacks reveal personal cost and guilt.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 103-106 / Pages 16-17 / 85% target

50%

The trio decides on a final confrontation, tackling Harken rather than running away.

That's Gregory, our On Star rep.
14

Finale

Scene 106 / Page 17 / 95% target

6%

Nick tackles Harken, preventing escape and ending his reign of terror.

15

Final Image

Scenes 107-111 / Pages 18-19 / 99% target

5%

Each man returns to work with a new outlook—comical but transformed by events.