Save the Cat rankings

SAW script analysis

SAW script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two men wake chained in a grim bathroom and must follow deadly instructions to survive, while a detective hunts the serial killer Jigsaw. Parallel to their predicament, Dr. Lawrence Gordon’s home life unravels under the killer’s manipulation, culminating in harrowing choices and shocking revelations.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 33 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces Adam and Lawrence chained in a dark bathroom, establishing the film’s grim tone.

Help! Someone help me!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

60%

The taped message hints at moral judgments and life’s value—central to Jigsaw’s twisted ethos.

Rise and shine, Adam. You’re probably wondering where you are. I’ll tell you where you might be. You...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 3-4 / 10% target

70%

Detectives investigate past Jigsaw crimes while victims awaken to the trap, laying out key players and stakes.

This one’s not fresh anymore. At least three weeks out. Victim’s a 46-year old male.
4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

80%

Adam and Lawrence discover the cassette tapes, marking the start of their forced game.

Rise and shine, Adam. You’re probably wondering where you are. I’ll tell you where you might be. You...
5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 8-9 / 20% target

70%

They argue about whether to trust the rules and how to proceed, questioning life and death stakes.

It’s a two-way mirror.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

80%

Discovering the two-way mirror commits them to escape efforts in the bathroom world.

It’s a two-way mirror.
7

B Story

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 9-12 / 30% target

70%

Back home, Lawrence’s daughter’s nightmares and marital tension introduce his personal stakes.

You're not going to leave us, are you, Daddy?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-22 / Pages 18-22 / 40% target

80%

Lawrence and Adam search for keys, debate each other’s motives, and reveal backstory— the film’s ‘game’ segment.

X Marks the spot...we need to search this room again.
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 50% target

80%

A flashback shows Adam’s abduction, shifting understanding of his role in Jigsaw’s trap.

Is someone there? I can hear you.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-22 / Pages 21-22 / 65% target

80%

Zep holds Lawrence’s family hostage, escalating external threats and time pressure.

Yeah baby, it's me. I'm here.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 26 / 75% target

70%

Lawrence fails the test and faces his wife’s imminent execution—his worst moment.

Dr. Gordon's time is up. Now I've gotta do what I've gotta do, and...I'm afraid it has to...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / Page 27 / 80% target

70%

He hears Alison’s desperate call, reflecting on his failure and loved ones’ peril.

Is that you Zep, you bastard!? I know its you, you son of a bitch!
13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 31 / 85% target

80%

Lawrence decides to amputate his foot, committing to a brutal solution.

14

Finale

Scenes 31-33 / Pages 31-33 / 95% target

80%

He escapes the trap, confronts Zep (John Kramer), and the detectives converge, resolving the core conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 99% target

80%

John Kramer reveals himself and leaves Adam to die, mirroring the opening’s grim hopelessness.