Save the Cat rankings

Murder on the Orient Express script analysis

Murder on the Orient Express script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Renowned detective Hercule Poirot boards the Orient Express and quickly becomes embroiled in a high‐profile murder investigation. As he methodically interviews passengers and uncovers hidden identities, alliances fracture and suspects flee. Poirot faces a moment of defeat before rallying with the help of his friend Bouc, leading to a dramatic reveal and a deadly confrontation. In the aftermath, Poirot’s reputation remains intact as he departs for his next case.

85 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

A dim room shows newsreel of the Armstrong kidnapping and train ticket, establishing the story’s tone of mystery and travel.

What I wouldn’t give for five minutes alone with the guy what did this.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Poirot’s quip about imprecision hints at his obsession with order and justice.

Tush. How can a place be called the Holy Land when their chickens are so imprecise?
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

82%

Poirot solves a relic theft, showcasing his methods and introducing his dynamic with the local authorities.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Pages 2-3 / 12% target

88%

Ratchett offers Poirot a protection job, directly pulling him into the central conflict.

I’d like to hire you to watch my back till I can get someplace safe. Easy money for...
5

Debate

Scene 10 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

80%

Poirot and Bouc discuss suspects and obstacles, hesitating over potential motives and next steps.

Have you considered the Latin man? Awful big guy and... his kind don’t have the same distaste for...
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Page 4 / 25% target

85%

Poirot formally begins his investigation at the crime scene in Ratchett’s compartment.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 6 / 30% target

77%

Poirot’s interactions with Mary Debenham introduce a personal subplot and potential ally or suspect.

You think I meant murder. 'To a man with a hammer every problem is a nail.' You live...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / Pages 4-5 / 40% target

75%

Poirot examines the charred paper, demonstrating his detective style and gathering key evidence.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / Page 5 / 50% target

90%

Poirot identifies Ratchett’s true identity, a major twist that raises the stakes.

You’re goddamn right I do, what I’ve been trying to say all day: The murderer was in my...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 24 / Page 9 / 65% target

70%

MacQueen attempts to destroy evidence and flee, increasing pressure on Poirot’s investigation.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Page 11 / 75% target

88%

Mrs. Hubbard is found stabbed, suggesting the killer is still active and undermining Poirot’s progress.

Are you a good doctor or one of those butchers?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 29 / Pages 11-12 / 80% target

83%

Poirot reflects on his perceived failure, doubting his methods amid the setbacks.

13

Break into Three

Scene 33 / Page 13 / 85% target

65%

Morning light and cleared ice symbolize a fresh opportunity as Poirot prepares to confront all suspects.

14

Finale

Scenes 35-36 / Pages 14-15 / 95% target

92%

Poirot delivers the final confrontation, unveiling the conspiracy and facing a deadly challenge, resolving the central mystery.

Damn you. She didn’t kill him. I did.
15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 16 / 99% target

80%

Poirot accepts a new case for Egypt, echoing the opening’s travel motif and his unending pursuit of justice.

No, Sir, something far worse. I have to take him to Egypt straight away, I’m afraid. There’s been...