Save the Cat rankings

Insomnia script analysis

Insomnia script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Veteran detective Will Dormer travels to Alaska to investigate a murder while battling his own guilt and insomnia. As he uncovers clues and dark secrets, he spirals into unethical choices to hide his past mistakes. Ultimately he confronts both the killer and his own conscience in a final showdown.

85 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 94 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Will and Hap flying into bleak Alaska, setting tone and environment.

Jesus. Just look at all that.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

15%

Ellie’s line about “small lies…people give themselves away,” hints at the cost of hidden truths.

It's all about the small stuff. Small lies. Small mistakes. Small oversights. People give themselves away in a...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

12%

We meet Dormer, his partner, local PD, and see them examine Kay’s body, establishing characters and stakes.

He washed her hair. Combed it. Cleaned under her fingernails. Clipped them.
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

14%

Discovery of Kay Connell’s meticulously cleaned body jolts the case into motion.

He washed her hair. Combed it. Cleaned under her fingernails. Clipped them.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / 20% target

13%

Dormer and Hap discuss legal troubles, and Dormer’s insomnia signals his internal conflict.

We have to talk, Will.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / 25% target

11%

They leave the lodge to begin on-site investigation, marking the shift into Act II.

It's all about the small stuff. Small lies. Small mistakes. Small oversights. People give themselves away in a...
7

B Story

Scene 2 / 30% target

10%

Ellie Burr is introduced, beginning the personal subplot about mentorship and trust.

Detective Dormer! It's a huge honor to meet you! Ellie Burr. I'm here to take you to the...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / 40% target

12%

Investigative montage of searching the victim’s room illustrates detective work and clues.

She left the party early. Friends said she had a fight with her boyfriend and stormed out.
9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / 50% target

13%

Dormer gets taunting call from the killer, raising personal and external stakes.

I'm sorry about your partner.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / 65% target

12%

Hallucination in the bathroom reflects Dormer’s crumbling psyche and mounting pressure.

They're watching us, Will...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 62 / 75% target

14%

Randy’s arrest with planted weapon marks lowest point—Dormer’s corruption nearly exposed.

You can't fucking do this!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 65 / 80% target

10%

Ellie arrives home alone, highlighting Dormer’s isolation and her growing doubts.

13

Break into Three

Scene 68 / 85% target

11%

Meeting at the memorial with Byrd reignites Dormer’s determination to finish the case honestly.

What the hell are you doing calling me at the station?
14

Finale

Scenes 82-93 / 95% target

12%

Confrontation at the summer house and shootout in the boathouse resolve the murder and Dormer’s arc.

Drop the gun, Walter.
15

Final Image

Scene 94 / 99% target

13%

Ellie tending to wounded Dormer as he confesses underscores the personal cost and potential redemption.

I'm going to make a tourniquet.