Save the Cat rankings

ORPHAN script analysis

ORPHAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Kate and John, grieving the loss of their baby and struggling with sobriety, decide to adopt Esther, a seemingly sweet but disturbed girl. As Esther integrates into the family, strange incidents escalate into violence, revealing her true nature. Ultimately Kate uncovers Esther’s dark past and confronts her murderous intent.

35 Save the Cat fit score 15% analysis confidence / 106 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces Kate’s trauma and grief through her nightmare in the delivery room, setting the film’s tone.

No, this isn't what's supposed to happen. My baby's alive!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

20%

Dr. Browning probes Kate’s grief and sobriety, hinting at parenting and trust as central themes.

I drove by the wine shop on my way home the other day.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

20%

We meet Kate’s family life, her loss, sobriety efforts, and relationship with her son Max.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 11 / 12% target

30%

John meets Esther at the orphanage, the event that launches the adoption plot.

My paintings are stories that come from my imagination. This one's about a sad mother lion who can't...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 7-9 / 20% target

25%

Kate and John discuss adoption anxieties and interview with a lawyer, debating whether to proceed.

Have you thought any more about adopting?
6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

30%

The family brings Esther home and Kate begins teaching her sign language, entering Act Two.

Put your thumb here.
7

B Story

Scene 3 / Pages 1-2 / 30% target

20%

Kate’s therapy sessions with Dr. Browning provide the emotional B story about her grief and trust.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-23 / Pages 16-23 / 40% target

30%

Esther’s manipulative and disturbing behavior emerges in incidents at the park, dinner, and supermarket.

Go away! Stop following me, freak!
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 50% target

30%

Max goes missing at the carnival, raising the stakes and shifting the story’s urgency.

I don't know. I was trying to hold her hand, but she pushed me and ran away.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 39-46 / Pages 39-46 / 65% target

30%

Esther’s attacks escalate: she bites the dentist and Sister Abigail warns the family, tightening the threat.

Aaagh! Goddammit!! Help me with her!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 44 / Page 44 / 75% target

25%

Sister Abigail reveals her misgivings about Esther’s history, marking the darkest moment before collapse.

When you first asked about adopting Esther, I expressed some misgivings. But I wasn't completely straightforward with you....
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 68 / Page 68 / 80% target

30%

Kate and John argue over whether Esther is truly dangerous, reflecting despair and doubt.

This is what Sister Abigail was telling us about. Character-disturbed children, Look at the, symptoms.
13

Break into Three

Scene 83 / Page 83 / 85% target

30%

Kate uncovers Saarne Institute’s records and learns Esther’s sinister background, preparing for final confrontation.

14

Finale

Scenes 84-100 / Pages 84-100 / 95% target

30%

Esther murders Daniel and John in a series of violent set-pieces, culminating in Kate’s fight for survival.

15

Final Image

Scene 106 / Page 106 / 99% target

30%

In their final confrontation, Kate confronts Esther, mirroring the opening’s tension but showing Kate’s resolve.

Please don't hurt me, Mommy.