Save the Cat rankings

Return of the APes script analysis

Return of the APes script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Dr. Will Rodman uncovers a genetic catastrophe that causes human babies to age and die within days, prompting a global crisis. He is thrust into a post-apocalyptic world dominated by intelligent apes, where he forges alliances, faces betrayal, and fights to rescue the future of humanity. Alongside a pregnant scientist, Diamond, he navigates warfare, loss, and sacrifice before mounting a final assault to secure a new beginning. In the end, they witness a symbol of hope and remember their origins.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 47 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

The film opens with the stillborn child in the remote village, immediately establishing death and loss.

Dead - the child is dead. Now go!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

20%

The Tribe of the Tiger’s declaration that ‘No man can live without a tribe’ hints at the film’s theme of community and belonging.

No man can live without a tribe! How would he hunt the mighty animals? Who would keep his...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

20%

We see the stillborn case, the bizarre autopsy of a rapidly aging infant, and a global briefing on the epidemic’s scale.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

20%

Diamond informs the President that human birth will imminently cease, triggering global panic and action.

According to this, there won't be a live birth on the planet.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / 20% target

20%

Will wrestles with his mitochondrial DNA theory and confronts Diamond, debating whether it explains the crisis.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / 25% target

20%

Act Two begins when Will is captured by the Tribe of the Tiger, plunging him into the ape-dominated world.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

20%

Diamond’s ultrasound and conversation with her unborn son introduce the emotional subplot about new life and hope.

So - you're a little boy. It's funny - I think I knew.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 7-11 / 40% target

20%

A series of action set pieces shows Will integrating with tribes, battling Drak’s forces, and surviving an eclipse-driven chaos.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / 50% target

20%

During a solar eclipse, Will and allies narrowly escape on horseback, marking a pivotal victory with high stakes.

A sign - the hand of Man passes across the face of God!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 17-19 / 65% target

20%

Drak and the Council intensify their hunt, investigating Will’s escape and plotting a final solution.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 31 / 75% target

20%

Strider sacrifices himself at the river falls, leaving Will isolated and doubting his mission.

We'll both die. Let go!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 32 / 80% target

20%

Hiding in a hollow tree, Will confronts his despair and questions his ability to continue.

You can't go on, Will - not like this.
13

Break into Three

Scene 37 / 85% target

20%

Will and Diamond infiltrate the laboratory and rescue Eve, committing to the final battle to save humanity’s future.

14

Finale

Scenes 38-44 / 95% target

20%

A climactic sequence of arena fights, rescues, and Will’s showdown with Drak culminates in the ape lord’s defeat.

15

Final Image

Scene 47 / 99% target

20%

The survivors stand before the Statue of Liberty sculpture at sunset, a powerful reminder of their origins and hope.

It's to make sure we never forget where we came from.