Save the Cat rankings

Lucky Number Slevin script analysis

Lucky Number Slevin script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A case of mistaken identity thrusts Slevin into a deadly underworld where he must play two warring crime bosses against each other. Alongside Lindsey, he navigates schemes and investigations while hiding his true skills as an assassin. As dangers close in, Slevin reaches a breaking point before orchestrating his final payoff and escape.

80 Save the Cat fit score 60% analysis confidence / 22 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces Slevin alone in a stark terminal, immediately setting an atmosphere of isolation and mystery.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

60%

Lindsey and Slevin banter about his past, hinting at luck and fate as central concerns.

I don't have anything smaller than a quarter.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

55%

We see the horse race and Doc’s fixing scheme, establishing the film’s world of rigged odds and hidden agendas.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

70%

Elvis and Sloe arrive and announce that The Boss wants to meet Slevin, upending his normal life.

The Boss wants to see you.
5

Debate

Scene 7 / 20% target

55%

In the penthouse, Slevin hesitates over the risks of dealing with a crime lord and questions his next move.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 5-6 / 25% target

60%

Slevin is ushered into the Boss’s stronghold, crossing from ordinary life into the new perilous underworld.

7

B Story

Scene 4 / 30% target

60%

Slevin’s relationship with Lindsey deepens here, laying emotional stakes that run parallel to the main crime plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / 40% target

60%

Slevin and Lindsey team up to infiltrate Yitzchok’s circle, showcasing the clever gambits that drive the story’s thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / 50% target

65%

Brikowski’s sudden confrontation escalates danger and marks a point of no return for Slevin.

Who are you? I know who you're not. You are not Nicholas Lime.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / 65% target

60%

Detectives kidnap Slevin, tightening the noose and heightening the external threats against him.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 16 / 75% target

70%

Slevin reveals his true identity to the Boss and appears defeated as secrets come crashing down.

And my name's not Nick Lime.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / 80% target

65%

Alone in the subway at dawn, Slevin reflects on his situation, questioning if he can still turn the tables.

Nobody does it better, doo doo doo doo...
13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / 85% target

65%

A flashback reveals Slevin’s assassin past, giving him the resolve and plan needed for a final push.

I'm a world class assassin.
14

Finale

Scene 21 / 95% target

60%

Lindsey outlines their escape plan with Hibernia, and Slevin coordinates the climactic payoff to his enemies.

It's called Hibernia. It's a neurotoxin that slows down the metabolic processes, essentially mimicking the effects of death...
15

Final Image

Scene 22 / 99% target

60%

Slevin and Lindsey’s kiss on the subway caps their escape and mirrors the opening’s solitude with newfound unity.

We'll get off at 59th Street, and cab it over to JFK...