Save the Cat rankings

Next Friday script analysis

Next Friday script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Craig returns home for the weekend, only to be drawn into neighborhood chaos involving his cousin Day-Day, a looming tax bill on his uncle’s house, and the return of Debo seeking revenge. As Craig navigates family dynamics, new romances, and escalating threats, he must unite his crew to save Day-Day and restore order. The story follows his transformation from reluctant visitor to proactive hero.

72 Save the Cat fit score 21% analysis confidence / 31 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

18%

Flashback shows Debo’s defeat, establishing the central conflict of vengeance.

In the movies, when you beat up the neighborhood bully; you suppose to live happily ever after. But...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

22%

Mr. Jones urges Craig to get moving, hinting that action and responsibility drive change.

Craig! Craig! Off yo' ass and on yo' feet; this ain't the time to beat your meat!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

25%

Craig meets Uncle Elroy’s family, Day-Day, Suga, and Karla, and we learn of the tax notice threatening their home.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 12% target

19%

Debo intercepts the dog truck, signaling that past conflicts have arrived to haunt Craig’s present.

Craig! Get out the car, boy! This the rematch!
5

Debate

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 5-7 / 20% target

23%

Craig and Day-Day debate handling the Joker brothers and whether to pursue personal desires over safety.

To the Cucamonga shopping center.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

20%

Craig steps into Act Two by venturing out with Karla, leaving the safety of Uncle Elroy’s home.

7

B Story

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 6-8 / 30% target

24%

Craig’s budding romance with Karla provides emotional stakes and contrast to the main conflict.

Craig and Karla, damn that sound pretty good together. Where you going?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 13-21 / Pages 8-12 / 40% target

26%

The group bonds over smoking, runs Pinky’s Records, and experiences comedic neighborhood encounters.

Yeah it is...the best day before the weekend.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 14-17 / Pages 9-13 / 50% target

22%

Craig discovers the tax notice, raising the stakes—now it’s not just about fun, but saving a home.

What you doing to my nephew?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 16-18 / Pages 11-14 / 65% target

23%

Debo and the Joker brothers tighten their grip, pursuing Craig’s crew and threatening Day-Day and Roach.

Haul ass, dude. Don't stop.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 16 / 75% target

20%

Day-Day and Roach are held at gunpoint by the Joker brothers, marking the story’s darkest moment.

Look, man, this is a big misunderstanding. All we wanted to do is borrow some sugar.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / Page 17 / 80% target

22%

Craig returns defeated to Uncle Elroy’s, questioning his ability to save his friends.

Craig, where the hell you been?
13

Break into Three

Scene 29 / Page 18 / 85% target

21%

Buoyed by family support, Craig commits to a rescue mission, forming the plan to confront the Jokers.

14

Finale

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 19-20 / 95% target

24%

Craig executes the plan: confronting the Jokers, freeing Day-Day and Roach, and Debo is once again thwarted.

15

Final Image

Scene 31 / Page 20 / 99% target

20%

Mr. Jones knocks out Baby Joker, bringing closure to the threat and restoring peace.