Save the Cat rankings

SIGNS script analysis

SIGNS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

SIGNS follows a grieving family as unexplained screams and crop circles introduce an alien threat. Graham Hess must balance protecting his children and confronting his own loss, while Merrill provides support and comic relief. The story builds from eerie backyard disturbances to a full-scale invasion, climaxing in a desperate basement showdown and ultimate family reunion.

85 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 66 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the uncanny backyard cornfield and distant scream, setting the eerie tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 13 / 5% target

10%

Graham’s conversation with his deceased wife underscores loss and faith, hinting at the family’s need to trust again.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / 10% target

15%

Graham wakes, checks on his children, and discovers them gone, establishing stakes and family dynamics.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

15%

Finding the children unharmed in a mysterious crop circle shifts the story into sci-fi territory.

Are you in my dreams too?
5

Debate

Scenes 9-12 / 20% target

15%

Graham debates authority and safety as he talks to Lee, meets Officer Paski, and mourns their dead dog.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 17-18 / 25% target

12%

Graham and Merrill decide to actively confront the intruder after spotting a roof figure.

We both go outside and move around the house in opposite directions. We act crazy, insane with anger.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / 30% target

10%

Officer Paski suggests a family getaway, introducing the subplot of healing and interpersonal bonds.

Six months. And three weeks.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-30 / 40% target

10%

The Hess family explores town, researches aliens, and shares lighthearted moments amid rising oddities.

9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / 50% target

12%

News reports of strange lights over Mexico mark a false victory—‘we’re saved’—but carry ominous undertones.

I'm a miracle man. Those lights are a miracle.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-43 / 65% target

12%

Alien evidence mounts: crop circles, bird deaths, global sightings, and the family retreats to barricade the house.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 55 / 75% target

10%

When the dog stops barking and creatures close in on the door, hope appears lost.

We forgot about Isabelle.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 56-58 / 80% target

10%

Struggling to barricade and facing Morgan’s asthma attack, the family hits their lowest point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 59 / 85% target

10%

A radio broadcast announces the creatures are withdrawing, reigniting hope and a plan to fight back.

They're broadcasting...
14

Finale

Scenes 60-65 / 95% target

10%

The family traps a creature in the family room, Merrill uses water and baseball prowess to defeat it, and Graham rescues Morgan.

15

Final Image

Scene 66 / 99% target

10%

The morning light and family reunion in the backyard contrast the opening, showing survival and restored faith.

His lungs were closed. No poison got in... No poison got in.