Save the Cat rankings

MACHETE script analysis

MACHETE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Machete, a renegade former Federale, is hired to assassinate a U.S. Senator and soon finds himself hunted by both the government and criminal forces. Alongside DHS agent Elektra, he fights through betrayal, ambushes, and a ticking political conspiracy to clear his name and rescue innocents.

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

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

The film opens with a high-speed Federale car chase through the slums, establishing Machete’s wild entry into this corrupt world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Chief Torrez’s urgent radio warnings underscore the conflict between authority and vigilante justice that drives Machete’s journey.

Officer Cruz! Stand down! Do not attempt to take the safehouse alone! Officer Cruz! You hear me!?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Pages 1-15 / 10% target

35%

We meet Machete, his skills, his handlers, and rescue a drugged girl, establishing his code and skill set.

4

Catalyst

Scene 19 / Pages 16-20 / 12% target

45%

Benz offers Machete money to kill Senator McLaughlin, propelling him into a morally ambiguous mission.

For the good of both our peoples, our new senator must die. And for that I will pay...
5

Debate

Scenes 19-23 / Pages 16-25 / 20% target

30%

Machete debates the ethics and risks of an assassination-for-hire as he observes McLaughlin and negotiates terms.

People want to know you're one of them. From now on, No manicures, no massages, no English tailored...
6

Break into Two

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 25% target

40%

Machete crosses into Act Two by infiltrating the courthouse roof as a janitor to set up his sniper rifle.

7

B Story

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 10-14 / 30% target

30%

Elektra Rivers is introduced, establishing a secondary thread of law enforcement pursuing Machete.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 27-32 / Pages 20-30 / 40% target

40%

The assassination plot unfolds in montage: assembling the rifle, spotting a counter-sniper, and taking the shot.

9

Midpoint

Scene 32 / Page 30 / 50% target

50%

Machete’s bullets strike Senator McLaughlin in full view of the crowd, shifting stakes from planning to survival.

Make no mistake, my friends: We are at WAR. Every time an illegal sneaks across the border by...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 33-36 / Pages 31-35 / 65% target

35%

Government and criminal forces close in: Benz blames Machete, DHS interrogates McLaughlin, and Torrez’s men hunt him.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 63 / Page 50 / 75% target

45%

Elektra discovers her sister’s brutalized body and is captured, marking a low point for both leads.

She was just a warmup. Now I'm ready for dessert.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 44 / Page 35 / 80% target

30%

Machete confesses his guilt to Padre, reflecting on his sins and questioning his ability to win.

Bless me, Padre, for I have sinned. It's been a long fucking time since my last confession.
13

Break into Three

Scene 48 / Page 40 / 85% target

40%

Machete kidnaps Benz’s wife and daughter, forcing his enemies into a final confrontation.

14

Finale

Scenes 67-68 / Pages 55-60 / 95% target

50%

Machete’s army storms the armory; he duels Booth and Torrez, avenging betrayals and rescuing hostages.

You never learned to stay down, pendejo. I killed you once. I can do it again.
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / Page 65 / 99% target

45%

Machete saves a family of illegals under fire, completing his transformation into a protector.