Save the Cat rankings

KNOWING script analysis

KNOWING script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Adam Moore, a single father, discovers a mysterious list of dates and names in a time capsule linked to future tragedies. As he investigates with help from experts and Lael Mason Smith, he uncovers a supernatural warning of impending disaster. His son Owen’s cochlear implant surgery and the bizarre power failures interweave personal stakes with apocalyptic signs. Ultimately, Adam races against time at Jockey’s Ridge to prevent a ritual sacrifice.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 37 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces the traumatic fire in the 1955 film and Lucinda’s catatonia, setting a tone of inexplicable catastrophe.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

40%

Adam warns Owen not to get his hopes up about the surgery, stating faith versus despair as a core theme.

I don't want you to get your hopes up... about this surgery. It probably... won't work.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / 10% target

30%

We meet Adam, Owen, and their world—from school to the hospital—establishing relationships and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

30%

Owen finds Lucinda’s list of dates and names, triggering the mystery.

5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / 20% target

30%

Adam grapples with disbelief and fear over the list’s significance and his son’s surgery.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

30%

Adam commits to investigating when he unearths the crayon list at home.

7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / 30% target

30%

Introduction of Lael Mason Smith, whose personal tragedy parallels and deepens the main plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-14 / 40% target

30%

Adam and colleagues analyze the list, confront skeptics, and learn unsettling truths about past deaths.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 15-16 / 50% target

30%

The power failure during Owen’s surgery marks a false peak—stakes escalate as personal and cosmic crises collide.

You have dignity... in your heart. No one can ever take that... away from you. No matter what...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 18-21 / 65% target

30%

Mysterious agents (Elliot Dunn, orderly, coded messages) tighten their grip, narrowing Adam’s options.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 23-24 / 75% target

30%

Owen is endangered at the dance, and Adam’s pursuit seems futile as he drifts into a nightmare.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 24 / 80% target

30%

Adam reviews the drawings and dreams, overwhelmed by guilt and helplessness.

13

Break into Three

Scene 27 / 85% target

30%

The mass gathering at the dunes signals a final confrontation and Adam’s resolve to save Owen.

Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace...
14

Finale

Scenes 28-34 / 95% target

30%

Adam battles time and the cult’s ritual at Jockey’s Ridge, rescues Owen, and confronts Lael’s fate.

15

Final Image

Scene 37 / 99% target

20%

The restored light and Darryl’s revival mirror hope reborn after apocalypse narrowly averted.