Save the Cat rankings

LION script analysis

LION script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Saroo is accidentally separated from his brother and must survive on the streets before being adopted by an Australian family. As he grows up, he builds a new life while haunted by memories of home. With modern tools, he embarks on an obsessive quest to find his birth family, risking relationships and stability. Ultimately, his persistence leads to a poignant reunion.

75 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 50 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Establishes Saroo’s impoverished life scavenging in a trash-strewn field, a stark visual opening.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Saroo’s craving for jalebis hints at deeper longings for home and belonging.

Guddu ... Jalebis ...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

30%

Introduces Saroo’s family life, daily struggles, and close bond with brother Guddu.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 2 / 12% target

35%

Saroo wakes alone on the train, realizing he’s lost with no way home.

Guddu! Ammi! Shekila!
5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

30%

Saroo wrestles with fear in Calcutta but accepts help from Noor, debating trust and survival.

6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 4 / 25% target

30%

Decision point when Saroo is adopted by an Australian family, crossing into a new world.

My name is Mrs Sood. Sit. Sit.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

25%

Introduces the adoptive parents’ relationship with Saroo, the emotional heart of his new life.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 24 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

25%

Shows Saroo experiencing a carefree childhood in Australia, playing cricket and adapting.

9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / Page 8 / 50% target

40%

Finding Howrah Station on Google Earth delivers a false hope, triggering vivid childhood memories.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 36 / Pages 8-9 / 65% target

35%

At work Saroo’s panic attack shows his inner demons and the cost of his obsession.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 43 / Page 10 / 75% target

30%

A major fight with Lucy makes him feel he may lose his support system.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 44 / Page 10 / 80% target

30%

Saroo isolates himself, fully consumed by guilt and grief over his family’s fate.

13

Break into Three

Scene 45 / Pages 10-11 / 85% target

30%

Reconciliation with Lucy renews his resolve and clarity to finish his search.

14

Finale

Scenes 49-50 / Pages 11-12 / 95% target

35%

He uses Google Earth one last time, locates his hometown, and returns to India.

15

Final Image

Scene 50 / Page 12 / 99% target

35%

The poignant reunion with his biological mother and sister mirrors the opening’s emotional stakes.