Save the Cat rankings

MOLLY'S GAME script analysis

MOLLY'S GAME script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Molly Bloom’s story opens with her Olympic skiing dreams cut short, leading her to the high-stakes world of underground poker. Faced with legal peril, she builds an empire, struggles with betrayal and addiction, and ultimately confronts her downfall. Through her debate with Charlie Jaffey and a revolutionary spirit, she finds a way to own her name.

75 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 84 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Molly’s competitive ski world and the pressure driving her.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

Her father’s exhortation “Attack it, Molly!” foreshadows her take-no-prisoners approach.

Attack it, Molly! Attack it!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

80%

Molly’s skiing career ends in the hospital and crash, setting up her loss and new direction.

She’s gonna be fine, but I wouldn’t let her ski anymore. Definitely not moguls and skiing competitively is...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

85%

Her arrest by the FBI abruptly shifts her world from ex-athlete to criminal defendant.

Miss Bloom, this is Special Agent Delarosa of the FBI and we have a warrant for your arrest.
5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 3 / 20% target

70%

Molly debates taking on Reardon Greene’s poker operation, weighing risk and reward.

We’re doing a poker game at the Viper Room. Tomorrow night and then every Tuesday night. You’ll help...
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 4 / 25% target

70%

She fully enters the poker world, observing high-stakes play and committing to the new venture.

I swear on my--look at me--I swear on my mother’s life--I have you.
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 3 / 30% target

75%

The relationship with Charlie Jaffey begins, framing her legal and moral support.

Did you commit a felony and then publish a memoir about it?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 13 / Page 4 / 40% target

70%

Molly expands her game by recruiting club girls, showcasing her entrepreneurial flair.

If they say they’re interested in poker you give them my number. I vet them.
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 7 / 50% target

75%

The false victory expires when Reardon fires her, marking a reversal of fortunes.

You are unimportant, did you hear me? And you are fired.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 47 / Page 15 / 65% target

70%

Player X’s aggressive deal over Harlan shows the external pressures closing in.

You’re taking 50% of his wins and no exposure on the losses.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / Page 18 / 75% target

70%

Receiving the girlfriend’s email makes Molly realize her legal and personal life are collapsing.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 78 / Page 22 / 80% target

75%

She skates recklessly, crashes when seeing her father, embodying her inner despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 80 / Page 23 / 85% target

80%

Molly rallies to fight for her name in Charlie’s office, deciding to take the plea on her terms.

BECAUSE IT’S ALL I HAVE LEFT! BECAUSE IT’S MY NAME! “And I’ll never have another.”
14

Finale

Scene 82 / Page 24 / 95% target

80%

In court, Molly pleads guilty and accepts the consequences, resolving the main arc.

15

Final Image

Scene 84 / Page 25 / 99% target

80%

Returns to the ski slope crash, bookending her journey with the original trauma.