Save the Cat rankings

PANDORUM script analysis

PANDORUM script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

After waking from hypersleep on the seemingly abandoned ship Eden, Corporal Bower and Lt. Payton navigate dark corridors, uncovering predatory hunters and the madness of Pandorum. Joined by Nadia and Tanaka, they piece together the ship’s doomed history from survivors and a deranged drifter. As threats close in, they trigger the reactor to create an escape path, culminating in a desperate pod launch. In the end, Bower and Nadia surface to a new ocean world.

60 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 78 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

The drifting, lifeless Eden in deep space establishes tone and stakes immediately.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

The skeleton-filled pods underscore loss and the consequences of isolation.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

10%

Abandoned cockpit and ejected pods introduce mystery and inciting world rules.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

10%

Bower’s unexpected awakening from hypersleep propels him into the story world.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-10 / Pages 2-4 / 20% target

10%

Bower and Payton hesitate and question their mission while attempting to restore power.

6

Break into Two

Scene 25 / Page 10 / 25% target

10%

The attack by Nadia and hunters forces Bower out of safety into active survival.

Don't you move MOTHER FUCKER!
7

B Story

Scene 35 / Page 15 / 30% target

10%

Bower’s alliance with Nadia and Tanaka deepens character dynamics beyond mere survival.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 36-49 / Pages 15-21 / 40% target

10%

Exploration of the ship, vault, and Leland’s lair provides thrills and world-building.

9

Midpoint

Scene 53 / Page 22 / 50% target

10%

Leland’s mural story reveals the true catastrophe and heightens stakes definitively.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 56-61 / Pages 23-26 / 65% target

10%

Hunters besiege the group; internal tensions rise as resources dwindle.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 63 / Page 26 / 75% target

10%

Discovery of crew’s fates and family deaths marks the emotional low point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 64 / Page 26 / 80% target

10%

Gallo’s call to abandon ship shatters hope and creates despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 67 / Page 27 / 85% target

10%

Bower’s decision to activate the reactor sets final escape plan in motion.

14

Finale

Scenes 69-74 / Pages 28-30 / 95% target

10%

High-action reactor battle, flooding corridors, and frantic pod escape resolve conflicts.

15

Final Image

Scene 76 / Page 31 / 99% target

10%

The serene ocean world juxtaposes opening void, showing rebirth and survival.

It's all right. It's safe to wake up this time.