Save the Cat rankings

RUST AND BONE script analysis

RUST AND BONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

RUST AND BONE intercuts Ali’s struggle as a single father with Stephanie’s life-altering injury, weaving two arcs of survival and emotional healing. Ali’s journey from desperation to providing care mirrors Stephanie’s transformation from loss to resilience. Their lives intersect and reshape each other, culminating in mutual redemption.

72 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 143 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Ali trekking with Sam after fleeing instability sets the film’s bleak, urgent tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / 5% target

40%

Anna’s question about Sam’s future schooling hints at responsibility and care as thematic concerns.

Is this all you have for him?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-8 / Page 1 / 10% target

50%

We see Ali’s precarious life post-fight, his resourcefulness on trains, and the introduction of Anna’s household.

4

Catalyst

Scene 30 / 12% target

45%

Stephanie’s catastrophic accident at Marineland abruptly changes her life trajectory.

What... What happened?
5

Debate

Scene 32 / 20% target

40%

Ali finds Stephanie injured and wonders if he can help, confronting his own capacity for care.

What are you doing here?
6

Break into Two

Scene 44 / 25% target

50%

Stephanie calls Ali at his security post, formally linking their worlds and propelling Act II.

It's Stephanie. Remember me? We met at the Fever.
7

B Story

Scene 19 / 30% target

35%

Stephanie’s work as a bouncer and her spirited personality establish her secondary arc.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 50-56 / 40% target

40%

The couple share playful beach outings and gym training, exploring attraction and healing.

9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / 50% target

50%

Stephanie discovers her amputated legs, raising stakes and shifting tone to tragic reality.

My legs! What did you do with my legs?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 63 / 65% target

45%

Ali’s volatile argument with Anna and accidental harm to Sam threaten his stability.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 128 / 75% target

50%

Anna literally ejects Ali from her home, leaving him with nowhere for Sam.

What the hell is going on?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 131 / 80% target

40%

Stephanie learns Ali has vanished, deepening both their alienations.

In his message he said he was in Strasbourg. No news since. I don't know what he's doing...
13

Break into Three

Scene 142 / 85% target

45%

Ali rushes Sam to ICU, determined to save him, marking a resolve to confront his fears.

We'll take care of you. Come with me.
14

Finale

Scenes 139-143 / 95% target

50%

Ali’s desperate rescue under the ice and Sam’s revival demonstrate the climax of their survival arcs.

15

Final Image

Scenes 145-146 / 99% target

45%

The reunited family leaving the hotel symbolizes hard-won reconciliation and hope.

Wake up, kiddo. It's over. We're going home.