Save the Cat rankings

MARGIN CALL script analysis

MARGIN CALL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Margin Call follows the collapsing events of an investment bank over a 24-hour period, as junior analyst Peter Sullivan uncovers a fatal risk model. The firm’s executives wrestle with moral and practical dilemmas on whether to warn the market or profit from the collapse, leading to personal and professional reckonings. Ultimately, choices are made that sacrifice some to save the firm, ending in a grim return to normalcy.

60 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 68 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

The film opens on the trading floor’s sudden layoffs, setting a tense financial world.

Are they going to do it right there?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 5% target

30%

In Eric’s office, talk of a "total bloodbath" hints at the cost of high-stakes finance.

It's a total bloodbath.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 2-7 / 10% target

30%

We meet key players—Eric Dale, Peter, Seth, Will, Sam—undergoing layoffs and grasping the stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

35%

Eric Dale hands Peter the unfinished risk model, igniting the crisis.

I just wanted to say thank you.
5

Debate

Scenes 8-12 / Pages 8-12 / 20% target

35%

Peter wrestles with the model’s implications, summons Seth and Will, debating whether to act on the horror he’s uncovered.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 25% target

30%

Will calls Sam, committing the core team to address the crisis overnight.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 30% target

25%

Peter and Seth’s personal bond deepens as they discuss life and loyalty en route to the meeting.

I haven't gotten laid in so long that's not possible at this point.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-28 / Pages 18-28 / 40% target

30%

The team presents findings, lounges on the roof, and faces legal and moral pushback, illustrating corporate absurdity.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 50% target

35%

In Jared’s conference room, the fatal data is confirmed, raising the stakes irreversibly.

So Sam, what do you have for us?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 40-42 / Pages 40-42 / 65% target

30%

Executives like Tuld and Sarah debate strategy, tightening pressure on Sam to decide.

This is a very... very bad dream.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 46 / Page 46 / 75% target

30%

Sam calls the crisis a "fucking shit show," signaling lowest morale and moral despair.

This is a fucking shit show.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 55 / Page 55 / 80% target

25%

Sam, alone in the men’s room, confronts the personal cost of decisions made.

13

Break into Three

Scene 64 / Page 64 / 85% target

35%

Sam rallies the VIP traders at 6:30 AM to execute the fire sale plan, committing to action.

Thank you all for coming in a little early this morning... the decision has been made to begin...
14

Finale

Scenes 65-67 / Pages 65-67 / 95% target

30%

Tuld addresses the floor, layoffs proceed, and Sam opts out, showing consequences and closures.

By the end of today almost everyone else in the world, including me, will have considerably less money...
15

Final Image

Scene 68 / Page 68 / 99% target

35%

Sam buries his dog in a quiet backyard, an intimate coda to the corporate carnage.