Save the Cat rankings

SAW II script analysis

SAW II script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

SAW II introduces detective Eric Matthews as he investigates Jigsaw’s deadly games while his son Daniel unknowingly becomes a target. The story follows Eric’s descent into Jigsaw’s lair, intercuts with the trapped victims’ fight for survival, culminating in revelations about Jigsaw’s true apprentice and Eric’s own entrapment.

70 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 58 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

50%

Michael’s waking in the dark chamber sets the grim tone immediately.

Hello Michael. I want to play a game.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Eric’s concern for his son’s future foreshadows themes of sacrifice and protection.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

50%

We meet Eric, his son Daniel, and see Eric’s professional and personal stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Pages 5-6 / 12% target

45%

Discovery of the sewer crime scene reminds Eric of Jigsaw’s return.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-12 / Pages 6-12 / 20% target

40%

Eric wrestles with continuing on the case despite doubt and fear.

6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

45%

SWAT teams breach Jigsaw’s lair, moving the story into the trial world.

7

B Story

Scenes 19-21 / Pages 13-17 / 30% target

40%

Kerry and Rigg’s subplot shows trust and procedural support to Eric.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-29 / Pages 17-25 / 40% target

50%

The tension of watching victims navigate traps provides the film’s promise.

9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Page 18 / 50% target

50%

Eric realizes Daniel is in the monitors—stakes double with personal jeopardy.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-35 / Pages 25-30 / 65% target

45%

Jigsaw psychologically tortures Eric while victims’ situation worsens.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 39 / Pages 30-32 / 75% target

50%

Obi dies in the oven—hope for the group collapses.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 47 / Pages 32-35 / 80% target

45%

Eric watches helplessly as the trap claims Obi and feels despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 50 / Pages 35-37 / 85% target

40%

Kerry and Rigg piece together the victims’ link to Eric, offering a plan.

14

Finale

Scenes 53-56 / Pages 37-50 / 95% target

50%

Flashbacks reveal Jigsaw’s philosophy; Amanda locks Eric in, flipping the game.

15

Final Image

Scene 58 / Page 50 / 99% target

50%

Jigsaw listening to Eric’s screams completes the dark symmetry of the opening.