Save the Cat rankings

LONE SURVIVOR script analysis

LONE SURVIVOR script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A SEAL team undertakes a mission in Afghanistan, is compromised by local goat herders, and faces deadly encounters leading to the death of team members. Lone survivor Marcus Luttrell is rescued and sheltered by villagers before a final rescue operation.

65 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 25 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

74%

Introduces Matt Axelson’s quiet domestic moment, contrasting the ensuing combat.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

68%

The briefing on Operation Redwing hints at sacrifice and duty.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

70%

Establishes team relationships, personal stakes, and Dietz’s domestic troubles.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 12% target

77%

The team is compromised by goat herders, triggering the mission’s derailment.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-9 / Page 1 / 20% target

75%

They argue over killing the herders and scramble for command support.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 25% target

73%

Under fire, they decide to move, marking the shift into full combat.

Are you good to move?
7

B Story

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 30% target

70%

Luttrell’s encounter with Gulab and villagers introduces his emotional support story.

Stay back. I don’t care. You understand? I don’t care. I will kill us all.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-20 / Page 1 / 40% target

72%

Luttrell’s survival training: hiding in cave, surgery, new identity.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / Page 1 / 50% target

76%

Murphy risks exposure to call for help, raising stakes.

I’m gonna get us some help Marcus.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 65% target

74%

As they flee, the QRF Chinook is shot down, cutting off support.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 75% target

78%

Shah’s men discover the cave and launch a deadly attack.

I think were fixing to get it on.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 22 / Page 1 / 80% target

71%

Luttrell faces imminent death alone in the cave siege.

13

Break into Three

Scene 23 / Page 1 / 85% target

75%

Green Berets arrive, offering a final chance at rescue.

14

Finale

Scene 24 / Page 1 / 95% target

73%

Air support destroys the Taliban, securing Luttrell’s escape.

15

Final Image

Scene 25 / Page 1 / 99% target

72%

Luttrell boards the helicopter, insisting Gulab accompany him, closing his arc.