Save the Cat rankings

Run & Gun script analysis

Run & Gun script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Run & Gun opens with Hayden’s frantic chase through LA, setting a high-octane tone. He soon crashes into a consulate to confront his reluctant father-in-law, propelling him into a dangerous underworld of kidnapping and betrayal. Parallel to his story, federal agents Mitch and Jed pursue leads, interweaving their mission as Hayden fights to rescue his wife. The finale reunites the team, uncovers the cash, and jumps ahead two years to hint at their next move.

70 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

The film opens with Hayden being chased by federal cars on LA Cienega, immediately establishing high stakes and tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Hayden’s plea, “Seriously. I’m really asking,” hints at themes of trust and asking for help.

Seriously. I’m really asking.
3

Set-Up

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

80%

We meet Hayden on the run, learn he’s in deep trouble, and see the law closing in as he crashes into a glass building.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 12% target

85%

Hayden’s Mustang crash into the Wilshire building flips his escape into a desperate, all-in confrontation.

What the fuck is he doing? Take him down!
5

Debate

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 20% target

80%

Inside the Moroccan Consulate, Hayden debates his motives and credentials with Youssef, questioning his own right to be there.

Because I’m your son-in-law.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 25% target

75%

Mitch and Jed arrive at Soho House, shifting the story into the second act as the federal pursuit intensifies.

7

B Story

Scene 8 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

75%

The meeting with Walton establishes the agents’ subplot and personal stakes in rescuing the missing girl.

No. No, it wasn’t. Your fat man? Bad choice. We had the kid trapped. Now he’s taken a...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / Page 6 / 40% target

80%

Hayden and Dale’s daring airplane escape injects the adventurous, set-piece thrills audiences expect in Act II.

Can I get some cranberry juice? If I’m gonna drink with a douchebag, I want a mixer.
9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / Page 9 / 50% target

80%

At the Calabasas compound, Hayden’s search turns violent when Youssef’s grenade rescue raises the stakes with lives on the line.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / Page 10 / 65% target

85%

In the webcam studio, Sabrina is taken hostage, and Jed’s threat underscores the tightening noose around Hayden.

Get out of here! Tell them I’ve got your girl as hostage.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 10 / 75% target

80%

Sabrina’s capture represents the darkest moment, as Hayden appears unable to save her.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 16 / Page 10 / 80% target

75%

As Dale steels himself to re-enter the compound alone, hope seems nearly lost and Hayden’s fate uncertain.

13

Break into Three

Scene 17 / Page 11 / 85% target

80%

Hayden’s decisive kill of Jed marks his transition into Act III, armed with resolve to finish the mission.

14

Finale

Scene 18 / Page 11 / 95% target

80%

The group reassembles, opens the safe, and secures the money, delivering narrative closure and reward.

I told you I knew what I was doing.
15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Page 12 / 99% target

75%

Two years later, Hayden’s call to Dale hints at continued adventures, mirroring the film’s opening momentum.

Two thirds of the world is water.