Save the Cat rankings

Murder Mystery script analysis

Murder Mystery script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A wealthy party host is murdered, prompting detectives Nick and Audrey to travel from Switzerland to Istanbul uncovering family secrets and suspect alibis. They endure danger, mock funerals, and globe-trotting sleuthing before unmasking the real killer and witnessing a final chase. In the end, they close the case and look forward to their next adventure.

80 Save the Cat fit score 5% analysis confidence / 21 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Malcolm Quince writing invitations establishes the idyllic setup before murder strikes.

Are you sure you want to do this?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

5%

Audrey’s lament about remembering anniversaries hints at memory and truth themes.

We got married on May First. May First. Who can't remember that?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

5%

We meet Nick, Audrey, Hercule and learn Malcolm’s backstory with the Colonel.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

5%

Hercule’s on-screen killing while Nick and Audrey hide kicks off the murder investigation.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / 20% target

5%

Nick and Audrey debate escape and the legitimacy of the clues after discovering the body.

We were tricked into coming here by a giant who was killed while we were hiding in a...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 8-9 / 25% target

5%

They decide to pursue the case overseas, boarding a plane to Istanbul.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

5%

Their partnership deepens amid danger in the library assault.

They died! That's why it's called The Body In The Library!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-12 / 40% target

5%

They attend a funeral and confront suspects in the bazaar, showcasing investigative play.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 13-14 / 50% target

5%

During the dining room reveal, stakes rise as suspect list grows and identity secrets emerge.

We said I'd do the suspects, remember?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 15-17 / 65% target

5%

Accusations fly, Grace confesses her plot, and Nick’s theory shifts, tightening pressure.

The answer is none of you. Tobey Quince killed his father.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 18 / 75% target

5%

They realize Giancarlo’s deceit and the supposed harmless companion is the killer.

The funny harmless guy. Shit.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 19 / 80% target

5%

Held hostage and on the run, the heroes face their failure to predict the true villain.

I've spoken English the whole time, you pompous idiot!
13

Break into Three

Scene 20 / 85% target

5%

They commit to a final confrontation during the high-speed chase.

14

Finale

Scene 20 / 95% target

5%

The chase climaxes with Giancarlo’s fall, resolving the murder and saving Cavendish.

15

Final Image

Scene 21 / 99% target

5%

Nick and Audrey depart on the Orient Express, looking forward to their next case.

So maybe we'll make our own adventure.