Save the Cat rankings

PRIEST script analysis

PRIEST script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A fallen Priest (the Priest) is drawn back into action when his niece, Lucy, is kidnapped by vampires. Teaming up with Sheriff Hicks, he journeys across the wasteland, discovering corruption in his own order and confronting ancient evil. Along the way he grapples with faith, battles the Pureblood vampire, and endures personal loss before restoring hope.

70 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 61 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces the bleak wasteland and the ordinary world of Aaron Pace’s family.

Yuck. Pershing-stew again.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

50%

Priest’s confession to Father Koeppen hints at his crisis of faith and the need to find true purpose.

I want to see the other Priests.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

50%

Establishes the world order: the wasteland, the vampire threat, Priest’s exile and his desire to return.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 12% target

50%

Priest receives Aaron Pace’s urgent message about Lucy’s kidnapping, forcing him into action.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 1-2 / 20% target

50%

He petitions the Tribunal and is denied authority, then debates disobedience when troopers confront him.

I come before you because I would like my authority to be reinstated.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 25% target

45%

Priest crosses the threshold into act two upon arriving at Outpost 10 to investigate the crime scene.

7

B Story

Scene 9 / Page 2 / 30% target

50%

Introduces Sheriff Hicks as the ally who will accompany Priest on his journey.

Alright, now -- Not another step.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-20 / Pages 2-4 / 40% target

45%

The duo investigates bodies, interrogates locals, encounters the snake-oil salesman and learns from the old man.

9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / Page 5 / 50% target

50%

Discovering evidence of a Pureblood vampire shifts stakes: Lucy’s captor is an impossible ancient evil.

This was a Pureblood.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-40 / Pages 5-7 / 65% target

45%

They explore the catacombs, witness Jericho’s destruction, and face increasing threats as the vampires tighten the trap.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 54 / Page 9 / 75% target

50%

The Priestess sacrifices herself to stop the train, seeming to doom the rescue mission.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 56 / Page 9 / 80% target

50%

Priest mourns the dying Priestess, questioning his faith and the cost of his choices.

You shall wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow. Glory be to the Father and...
13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / Page 9 / 85% target

45%

He cremates the Priestess and renews his resolve, setting out for the Clergy Cathedral to confront corruption.

14

Finale

Scenes 58-60 / Pages 9-10 / 95% target

45%

The Priest unveils the Clergy’s corruption, absolves Father Koeppen, and reunites Lucy with her family, restoring order.

And why shouldn't we live forever? We're God's very voice. His vessel!
15

Final Image

Scene 61 / Page 10 / 99% target

50%

Priest’s final visit to Hicks shows his regained faith and commitment to fight evil beyond this quest.

It doesn't have to be like this.