Save the Cat rankings

SAN ANDREAS script analysis

SAN ANDREAS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

After introducing Tom Winston’s high-altitude rescue life and the looming seismic threat, a massive earthquake shatters California, thrusting multiple characters into peril. Tom’s professional duty collides with personal stakes as he and his estranged family must survive collapsing infrastructure. Meanwhile, Blake’s social circle endures its own disaster, forging bonds under pressure. Ultimately, intertwined storylines converge on survival and reunion.

60 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 36 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Natalie’s car dangling over a gorge vividly establishes peril and the film’s disaster tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Professor Gentry’s lecture about the San Andreas Fault frames the central theme of inevitable disaster.

The San Andreas fault runs right up the spine of California. It’s the demarcation line between two tectonic...
3

Set-Up

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 10% target

20%

Introduces Tom, his rescue squad background, and family dynamics during the cockpit interview.

I understand that you all were part of the 58th rescue squadron staged over at Bagram in Afghanistan...
4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 12% target

20%

The Hoover Dam collapse marks the first real quake event, escalating stakes nationally.

5

Debate

Scene 9 / Page 1 / 20% target

20%

Tom hesitates to join the disaster zone, weighing personal safety against duty.

There’s been an earthquake in Nevada... a big one. We’re all on standby.
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 25% target

20%

The earthquake strikes mid-flight, propelling Tom into the chaotic new world of Act Two.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 30% target

20%

Patrick and Blake’s social subplot begins, providing contrast to Tom’s crisis.

I know how you wanted to go with your dad, but I also want you to know that...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 24 / Page 1 / 40% target

20%

Blake, Ben, and Ollie collaborate to survive the garage collapse, showcasing teamwork under disaster.

Found it. And there’s not a chance in hell we’re leaving you in there.
9

Midpoint

Scene 23 / Page 1 / 50% target

20%

Patrick’s miraculous survival and smile represent a temporary triumph at the film’s midpoint.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 27 / Page 1 / 65% target

20%

Tom and Rachel emerge to survey widespread devastation, realizing escape will be harder than expected.

How’re we going to get through that?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / Page 1 / 75% target

20%

The tsunami obliterating the Golden Gate Bridge represents the story’s darkest moment.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / Page 1 / 80% target

20%

Trapped on the 40th floor, the group contemplates their slim chances of survival.

Okay, so we’re probably going to have to camp it here for the next 72 hours or so,...
13

Break into Three

Scene 34 / Page 1 / 85% target

20%

Spotting children ignites Tom’s renewed purpose, shifting into Act Three solutions.

The water’s still rising.
14

Finale

Scene 36 / Page 1 / 95% target

20%

All characters overcome obstacles and reunite, delivering resolution through cooperative survival.

I think it’s going to take us a while to answer that.
15

Final Image

Scene 36 / Page 1 / 99% target

20%

The reunited family reflects growth and the story’s transformation from panic to hope.