Save the Cat rankings

OCEAN'S 11 script analysis

OCEAN'S 11 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Danny Ocean is paroled and immediately plots a daring casino heist, assembling a team of specialists. As they plan and rehearse, stakes rise when personal relationships and security obstacles threaten the operation. The crew executes the complex robbery under pressure, outwitting Terry Benedict’s casino at the last second, and escapes freely. In the end, Danny begins a new cycle of freedom.

85 Save the Cat fit score 10% analysis confidence / 163 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Danny Ocean just out of prison, setting the tone of his constrained but confident world.

As you say, ma'am, I was never charged.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / 5% target

10%

Danny quips about not even thinking of leaving the state, hinting at themes of freedom vs. confinement.

No, sir, I wouldn't even think of leaving the state.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

10%

We see Danny’s release process, his parole hearing and first taste of freedom as he walks out of prison.

4

Catalyst

Scene 19 / 12% target

10%

Danny explicitly pitches the idea of robbing the Bellagio vault, kicking off the heist plan.

The vault at the Bellagio.
5

Debate

Scene 25 / 20% target

10%

Reuben initially refuses, calling them nuts and citing impossible casino security.

Are you listening to me? You are, both of you, nuts. I know more about casino security than...
6

Break into Two

Scene 30 / 25% target

10%

Tishkoff agrees once he learns the target is Benedict’s casinos, committing the team to Act Two.

Those are Terry Benedict's casinos.
7

B Story

Scene 68 / 30% target

10%

Danny’s confrontation with Tess introduces the romantic subplot and its stakes.

What are you doing here?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 37 / 40% target

10%

Basher’s bomb-making bank heist sequence provides thrilling team action and comic relief.

9

Midpoint

Scene 59 / 50% target

10%

First full glimpse of Terry Benedict’s routines raises the stakes: this is a formidable opponent.

He arrives at the Bellagio every day at two p.m. Same Town Car, same driver. Remembers every valet's...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 98 / 65% target

10%

Danny is red-flagged and kicked off the job, threatening the plan’s integrity.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 88 / 75% target

10%

The crew realizes Linus is missing during the crucial pinch-theft raid, their worst fear realized.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 136 / 80% target

10%

Tess debates whether to betray Danny, highlighting personal cost and doubt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 110 / 85% target

10%

Danny reveals he never intended to sit out, rejoining the mission and shifting to final push.

You didn't really think I was gonna sit this one out, did you?
14

Finale

Scenes 125-131 / 95% target

10%

The heist’s execution unfolds: blackout, elevator infiltration, van departure, and escape under sedans’ surveillance.

15

Final Image

Scene 163 / 99% target

10%

Danny’s release from prison again bookends the story, now as a free man who’s pulled off the job.