Save the Cat rankings

SAFE HOUSE script analysis

SAFE HOUSE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Matt Weston, a young CIA agent in Rio, balances his covert life with a budding romance before being tasked with escorting double agent Tobin Frost. When mercenaries attack, Matt and Frost flee across the city, forging a tense partnership that culminates in betrayal, loss, and redemption. Ultimately, Matt recovers critical intelligence, confronts his own methods, and reunites with Ana, his civilian anchor.

80 Save the Cat fit score 76% analysis confidence / 32 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Introduces Matt’s dual existence of intimacy and duty in Ana’s bedroom.

Can’t. Got work and you got class.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Matt questions ditching Frost, hinting at the moral compromises agents face.

I need to know right now: can I ditch the guest?
3

Set-Up

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

80%

Matt receives Frost in the safe house; moments later, mercenaries attack and he must protect his charge.

I’m Daniel Kiefer, Mr. Frost. I’m here to make you aware of your rights.
4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

82%

The unexpected arrival of notorious operative Tobin Frost disrupts Matt’s routine.

I’m Daniel Kiefer, Mr. Frost. I’m here to make you aware of your rights.
5

Debate

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

78%

After the attack, Matt hesitates over betraying or saving Frost while evading mercenaries.

Get in the fucking trunk.
6

Break into Two

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 25% target

80%

Matt chooses to flee with Frost through Rio’s streets, shifting into Act Two.

Get in the fucking trunk.
7

B Story

Scene 13 / Page 6 / 30% target

73%

Matt’s relationship with Ana provides emotional stakes and a counterpoint to his spy life.

She know what you do for a living?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-15 / Pages 5-7 / 40% target

77%

The pair hide, talk, and fight through varied Rio locales—hotel, stadium, security office.

9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / Page 7 / 50% target

79%

Frost escapes into the stadium crowd, reversing the hunter-hunted dynamic.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 20 / Page 9 / 65% target

81%

Mercenaries ambush Frost’s new identity setup, ratcheting up threats.

This professional enough, for you? Put down the gun -- now.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 29 / Page 14 / 75% target

84%

Frost dies after handing Matt the crucial envelope—a seeming betrayal and final blow.

The window. Hey -- Shit. Come on, come on.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 30 / Page 15 / 80% target

82%

Confronting Vargas and Barlow, Matt grapples with his capacity for violence and failure.

Where are the files, Matt? Where are the fucking files?
13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 16 / 85% target

80%

Matt meets Whitford, resolving to use recovered files to expose corruption and honor Frost.

We read the files you recovered. Turned up quite a few surprises, not the least of which involved...
14

Finale

Scene 30 / Page 15 / 95% target

83%

Matt fights Vargas and Barlow to protect the intelligence, completing his transformation.

15

Final Image

Scene 32 / Page 17 / 99% target

85%

Matt reunites peacefully with Ana at the university, contrasting the opening chaos.

Beautiful enough for a seat?