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PARASITE script analysis

PARASITE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Parasite opens on a struggling family eking out a living in their semi-basement home before Ki-Woo is offered a tutoring job that sets them on a path of deception. As they infiltrate the wealthy Park household, they enjoy their new status until a sinister secret in the mansion threatens to destroy them. A violent collapse of their scheme leaves them fractured and desperate. In the end, Ki-Woo resolves to reclaim what he’s lost, symbolized by a telescope’s distant view.

85 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 39 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces the family’s cramped semi-basement living conditions and their daily struggle.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

75%

Min-Hyuk’s offer hints at ambition and class disparities that drive the story’s theme.

Park Da-Hae. A sophomore. I want you to tutor her. Take over for me as her English teacher.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

80%

Establishes the Kims’ poverty, resourcefulness, and family dynamics.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

90%

Ki-Woo is offered the job tutoring Da-Hae, launching the family’s scheme.

Park Da-Hae. A sophomore. I want you to tutor her. Take over for me as her English teacher.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / 20% target

70%

They wrestle with forging credentials and entering the Parks’ world.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 9-11 / 25% target

80%

Ki-Woo crosses into the Park household, leaving his old world behind.

7

B Story

Scene 12 / 30% target

70%

Ki-Woo meets Mrs. Park, initiating relationships that underscore empathy and trust.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-16 / 40% target

75%

The Kims enjoy their new roles aiding each Park family member.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 30-31 / 50% target

85%

Discovery of the hidden bunker underscores the high stakes and turns fun to danger.

He’s going to die! Please!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-33 / 65% target

80%

Mun-Kwang’s recording and seal of the bunker tighten threats around the family.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / 75% target

90%

Kun-Sae’s violent attack at the birthday party shatters the scheme completely.

Chung-Sook! Where are you! Come out you fucking bitch!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 37 / 80% target

70%

Ki-Woo’s narration from a prison hospital reflects on loss and guilt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 38 / 85% target

75%

Ki-Woo spots a Morse code pattern from the mansion, renewing his hope.

14

Finale

Scene 39 / 95% target

85%

Ki-Tek’s letter in Morse code hints at reunion and resolution.

Dear Son. Perhaps you, if no one else, will be able to read this letter--
15

Final Image

Scenes 38-39 / 99% target

80%

The telescope’s distant view contrasts the opening’s confined space, showing aspiration persists.