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JOHN WICK script analysis

JOHN WICK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

John Wick, grieving his late wife, is thrust back into the assassin underworld when a gangster kills his dog and steals his car. As he hunts down the perpetrators, he confronts his past, fights off the mob, and ultimately finds a new sense of purpose.

85 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 89 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

John’s grief over his wife’s death establishes his broken, solitary life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Norma’s final words underline that love and loss drive John’s journey.

...it had to be you... be seein' ya'...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

11%

We see John mourning, saying goodbye in the hospital, and bonding with the puppy gifted by his wife.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

10%

Iosef’s men kill John’s dog and beat him, shattering his fragile peace.

I'm glad you didn't wanna' sell, old man. I enjoyed this.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-7 / Page 1 / 20% target

10%

John wrestles with whether to re-embrace his deadly skills as he tracks down his stolen car.

6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 25% target

10%

John launches his first strike, storming Takeshi’s shop to reclaim his Mustang.

7

B Story

Scene 27 / Page 1 / 30% target

10%

John’s relationship with Charlie and the Continental cleaners grounds his humanity amid the violence.

Good to see you, Charlie.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-14 / Page 1 / 40% target

10%

High-octane car chases and home invasions deliver the promised action of John’s rampage.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / Page 1 / 50% target

10%

Viggo puts a two-million-dollar bounty on John, raising the stakes dramatically.

Yes? Of course he did. Put the word out. Two million to the man who kills John Wick....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 31 / Page 1 / 65% target

10%

Assassins answer the bounty; Marcus is called in to hunt John, closing in from all sides.

Yes? Why, hello, Viggo. What's it been? Seven years? Seven years... Life? Life is good.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 65 / Page 1 / 75% target

10%

John’s safe haven is breached when assassins infiltrate his hotel room.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 68 / Page 1 / 80% target

10%

Meeting Marcus, John contemplates his mortality and the cost of revenge.

You willin' to put a bullet in my back, Marcus?
13

Break into Three

Scene 73 / Page 1 / 85% target

10%

John cripples Viggo’s power by robbing his bank, setting up the final confrontation.

14

Finale

Scene 79 / Page 1 / 95% target

10%

John corners and mortally wounds Viggo, completing his vendetta.

Tell me, John... and please... be honest... am I dying here?
15

Final Image

Scene 89 / Page 1 / 99% target

10%

Driving off with his new dog, John finds a measure of peace and a new beginning.

Good girl, Miko... good girl.