Save the Cat rankings

Hot Fuzz script analysis

Hot Fuzz script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

In Hot Fuzz, top London cop Nicholas Angel is exiled to the sleepy village of Sandford, where he partners with good-natured Danny Butterman. What begins as policing minor infractions soon turns deadly when villagers start dying under mysterious circumstances. Angel must confront local traditions and a sinister conspiracy to restore order.

85 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 56 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Nicholas Angel as an overachieving London sergeant, establishing the high‐energy world he will leave behind.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

15%

The transfer line “In Sandford, Gloucestershire” hints at the fish‐out‐of‐water theme and idea of appearances vs. reality.

In Sandford, Gloucestershire.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

10%

Establishes Angel’s competence, his breakup, and the looming transfer to Sandford.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

12%

Angel is abruptly reassigned to the quiet village, triggering the story’s shift.

In Sandford, Gloucestershire.
5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 20% target

12%

Angel clashes over enforcing the law in a place resistant to change, questioning his fit.

Yes there is. An awful lot of your patrons appear to be underage Mr. Porter.
6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 25% target

10%

Angel officially begins his Sandford stint by meeting the local force and NWA, entering Act Two.

Civilian liaison for the Neighbourhood Watch at your service.
7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 30% target

10%

Danny Butterman is introduced, beginning the buddy‐cop relationship and personal subplot.

Civilian liaison for the Neighbourhood Watch at your service.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-13 / Pages 7-13 / 40% target

10%

Montage of swan chase, shoplifting bust, and small‐town policing showcases the oddball charm and humor.

9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / Page 19 / 50% target

15%

The first major murder at the playhouse raises the stakes and turns the comedy into a thriller.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-24 / Pages 21-24 / 65% target

12%

Angel faces resistance from CID, confusing leads, and mounting deaths at the crash scene and farm.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / Page 37 / 75% target

12%

George Merchant’s house explodes; the suspected corruption seems unstoppable.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Page 41 / 80% target

15%

Frank warns Angel to back off, leaving him isolated and doubting his mission.

Listen, you are an exceptional officer, truly exceptional, but you do have to let the Andes do their...
13

Break into Three

Scene 50 / Page 50 / 85% target

12%

Danny fakes Angel’s death and recommits them to exposing the Reapers, shifting to final plan.

14

Finale

Scenes 51-55 / Pages 51-55 / 95% target

12%

Angel rallies the police for a pitched battle through the farm, station, and supermarket to confront the cult.

15

Final Image

Scene 56 / Page 56 / 99% target

10%

The station’s explosion and Angel’s defiant presence mirror the opening’s energy but in triumph.

You know what you are? A bloody busy-body!