Save the Cat rankings

Nope script analysis

Nope script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Nope follows the Haywood siblings, OJ and Emerald, as they contend with a traumatic past and a menacing extraterrestrial presence. After a grisly incident involving a chimp, they draw on their filmmaking know-how and enlist tech expert Angel and Hollywood showman Jupe to document and trap the entity. Tensions rise as the unseen threat escalates, culminating in a high-stakes showdown. The story closes with a triumph that echoes its chilling opening.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 16 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

The film opens on a sitcom set where Gordy the chimpanzee violently attacks the cast, establishing chaos and trauma.

Great gift, dad. Way to think things through.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 5% target

65%

Otis Sr. warns OJ to stay grounded: “Gotta get our heads up out the clouds for this one,” foreshadowing the dangers of looking skyward.

Gotta get our heads up out the clouds for this one.
3

Set-Up

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

70%

We meet OJ and Emerald on the ranch and in studio work, learn their skills, family history, and the lingering trauma of Gordy’s attack.

Since the moment pictures could move, we’ve had skin in the game.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

60%

At Jupiter’s Claim, Jupe reveals his own obsession with Gordy’s massacre, drawing the siblings into a new, potentially dangerous venture.

This is my 'Gordy's Home!' room.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 7-8 / 20% target

65%

OJ and Em debate the UFO investigation’s legitimacy while Angel questions their secrecy, and Jupe’s invitation raises doubts about motives.

Or maybe you’re in a UFO hot spot....
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

70%

After Jupe’s awkward invite to a family live show, the siblings commit to documenting the phenomenon, entering Act Two.

Sure thing! Hey. I wanted to invite you to our new family live show...!
7

B Story

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 30% target

60%

Emerald’s arc begins as she films commercials with OJ, highlighting their creative bond and emotional support.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-11 / Pages 9-11 / 40% target

70%

The team sets up surveillance and experiences pranks and the Object’s first real target, showing the thrill and terror of their mission.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 50% target

75%

In the valley basin at night, the Object abducts a decoy horse right before OJ’s eyes, raising the stakes dramatically.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 12-13 / 65% target

65%

Holst’s skepticism collides with the team’s plan and they finalize the trap, while tension mounts around capturing “Jean Jacket.”

That cloud hasn’t moved an inch. So I guess you’re not completely full of shit.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 75% target

60%

During the daylight stakeout at the basin, Jean Jacket nearly escapes the trap, leaving the team feeling defeated.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 80% target

65%

As dusk falls at Jupiter’s Claim, Emerald contemplates the risk of luring the creature with a balloon, doubting their plan.

13

Break into Three

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 85% target

70%

Emerald rallies everyone with her bold lure, deciding to use her balloon tactic to finally confront Jean Jacket.

14

Finale

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 95% target

75%

The trap springs and Jean Jacket is exposed and captured on camera, culminating in a tense victory.

I’m gonna take you to Oprah. I’m gonna take you to Oprah. Let’s go to Oprah!
15

Final Image

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 99% target

70%

The final shot shows the captured creature and the team’s elation, mirroring the shock and spectacle of the opening image.