Save the Cat rankings

Sicario script analysis

Sicario script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

FBI agent Kate Macy is drawn into a secret interagency task force to combat cartel violence on the U.S.–Mexico border. Alongside the mysterious operative Alejandro, she navigates moral ambiguity, personal risk, and undercover operations. As the lines between justice and vengeance blur, Macy must reconcile her principles with the brutal methods required to stop an escalating drug war.

70 Save the Cat fit score 10% analysis confidence / 73 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

10%

Alejandro’s solitary moment in the ocean establishing revenge and moral questioning opens the story visually and thematically.

So easy to pretend we are not to blame. That a demon enters us. No... The demon is...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

During the breaching team’s prayer, the cost of duty and moral accountability is hinted at as Kate prepares to enter violence.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come... Thy will be done, on...
3

Set-Up

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

10%

Introduces Kate, her role on the SWAT team, the brutal hidden crime scene, and her reaction to discovering bodies in the walls.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

10%

An explosion kills officers at the backyard investigation, jolting Kate into a larger world of cartel violence.

5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 12-15 / 20% target

10%

Kate decontaminates and hesitates as she’s recruited into the shadow task force, questioning her suitability.

Our objective is to dramatically overreact.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 15 / 25% target

10%

Kate officially accepts the mission when she is briefed at Homeland Security and joins the team.

7

B Story

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 15-18 / 30% target

10%

Introduction of Silvio and his son Eliseo provides the personal, human counterpoint to Kate’s and Alejandro’s storyline.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-26 / Pages 18-35 / 40% target

10%

The task force’s field operations in Juarez and border convoys show action and expose Kate to cartel chaos.

He wears the state police shirt. The pig -- Not what you think it means. All state police...
9

Midpoint

Scene 26 / Page 35 / 50% target

10%

The convoy ambush at the border is a false victory that turns into disaster, raising stakes and danger.

WHAT THE FUCK ARE WE DOING??!!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 28-34 / Pages 36-45 / 65% target

10%

Kate faces interrogation tactics, surveillance, and internal resistance as cartel and bureaucracy tighten the noose.

Watch these men close. Look for the ones like the men you saw in Juarez.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 47 / Page 45 / 75% target

10%

Reggie finds Macy’s photo in Ted’s bag, implying betrayal and failure in Kate’s judgment.

Call 911. Right fucking now, call 911.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / Pages 45-46 / 80% target

10%

On the scene roof, Kate and Reggie confront the mission’s personal and ethical costs.

13

Break into Three

Scene 54 / Page 50 / 85% target

10%

Matt reveals the tunnel location, refocusing Kate’s mission toward a decisive operation.

We may have the tunnel, right here.
14

Finale

Scenes 63-70 / Pages 60-70 / 95% target

10%

The tunnel raid and Alejandro’s personal vendetta climax with violent confrontations, leading to the cartel’s dismantling.

What you do now is for your family. Whether they see tomorrow rests with you.
15

Final Image

Scene 73 / Pages 72-73 / 99% target

10%

Eliseo playing soccer with Alejandro’s voiceover closes on a note of personal reflection and the cycle of violence.