Save the Cat rankings

MISSION TO MARS script analysis

MISSION TO MARS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A Mars rescue mission unfolds after the first crew is mysteriously wiped out by a strange energy event at the Face on Mars. Jim McConnell leads a ragtag team through perilous EVA sequences, hull breaches, and Martian storms to reach the hidden alien structure. Upon arrival, they uncover the truth behind the anomaly and trigger a monumental revelation beneath the Face. The story concludes with McConnell’s transcendence aboard an alien vessel.

75 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 60 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces astronauts and families at a cheerful farewell party on Earth.

T minus ten, nine, eight, start ignition sequence, five, four, three, two, one, ignition... Liftoff!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Luke’s line hints at unity and sacrifice as core mission themes.

I wish we were all going. Together.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

13%

Establishes characters, their relationships, and the Mars One mission’s context.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 12% target

14%

Luke receives a call about the anomaly at the Plains of Cydonia.

Luke, I just got ARES-8 on line and... Well, we think you're gonna wanna see this for yourself.
5

Debate

Scene 4 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

12%

The crew debates the nature and danger of the mysterious mountain images.

What the hell is that?
6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 25% target

15%

They decide to descend to the Face, marking entry into Act II.

Anyone else hear that?
7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 8 / 30% target

13%

Woody and Terri’s relationship subplot emerges during cockpit banter.

Woody, we're a married couple. Would it kill you to invite me out on the floor once in...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-19 / Pages 10-12 / 40% target

14%

Crew dynamics play out in EVA, SIMA data analysis, and storm discussions.

9

Midpoint

Scene 23 / Page 13 / 50% target

15%

A micrometeoroid shower breaches the hull—stakes go from exploratory to survival.

After all these years... Can you believe it? Tomorrow we'll be standing on Mars.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / Page 14 / 65% target

14%

An explosion disables the ship, forcing abandonment—pressure intensifies.

Engines negative! No response! I've got no attitude control!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 27 / Page 15 / 75% target

13%

EVA to reach the REMO is extremely dangerous, crew nearly perishes.

On my mark, seven percent left thruster. Three, two, one, fire.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 28 / Page 15 / 80% target

12%

NASA monitors their loss, reflecting a point of deepest despair.

It's McConnell, it's got to be! Nobody else could have pulled this off. Son of a bitch! They're...
13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 17 / 85% target

15%

Survivors finally land on Mars One Base Camp, shifting into final Act.

14

Finale

Scenes 51-56 / Pages 22-24 / 95% target

14%

Team infiltrates the Face, triggers opening, survives approaching storm, and witnesses alien structure.

15

Final Image

Scene 60 / Page 26 / 99% target

15%

Crew watches Martian ship depart with McConnell aboard, a powerful closing visual.

Godspeed Jim McConnell.