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SOLDADO script analysis

SOLDADO script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Sicario follows two parallel storylines: Matt and Alejandro’s covert DEA mission to extract a cartel informant, and the journeys of migrants Isabel and Miguel through the brutal cartel network. The film establishes its moral stakes early, pits its characters against impossible choices, and builds to a climactic confrontation that tests every belief. Through failures and small victories, each character must decide how far they’ll go to survive or enforce justice.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 23 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Opens with the ritualistic execution highlighting the film’s violent world and moral incineration.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

15%

Matt’s willingness to ‘do whatever you need’ lays out the thematic question of ends versus means.

Happy to do whatever you need. Just point the way, sir.
3

Set-Up

Scene 5 / 10% target

10%

Introduces Matt, Alejandro, and their team assembling at the Utah airfield for the cartel‐strike mission.

Little nippy in the new Zion, huh?
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

10%

Isabel’s school fight propels her into the crosshairs of the mission and sets her personal stakes.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / 20% target

10%

Isabel argues self‐defense with the headmaster, questioning her own agency and moral compass.

She called me a spic and slapped me so I hit her. What would you do?
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

12%

Matt’s team kidnaps Isabel, crossing from planning into full extraction operation.

She’s not yours to keep.
7

B Story

Scene 8 / 30% target

8%

Parallel thread begins as Matt and Alejandro surveil Isabel, setting up her personal arc.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 10 / 40% target

10%

Miguel is introduced to cartel life, navigating smuggling logistics and threats.

I need to be home by seven or my father will be worried.
9

Midpoint

Scene 12 / 50% target

10%

Miguel successfully leads migrants across the river under fire – a high‐stakes victory.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / 65% target

10%

Gallo’s threats tighten the screws around Miguel, heightening pressure and danger.

If you get caught, I’ll carve your mother into little pieces and feed her to him. If you...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / 75% target

10%

Miguel’s father rejects his money and kicks him out, marking personal lowest point.

You made your choice ... Now I make mine.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 15 / 80% target

10%

Matt and Cynthia wrestle with legal and moral limits in the control room before the raid.

It’s the least worst option.
13

Break into Three

Scene 19 / 85% target

12%

Alejandro decides to confront Reyes directly, transitioning into final assault.

Let me guess ... The child killer.
14

Finale

Scene 20 / 95% target

10%

The compound assault and explosions climax the mission with full violence unleashed.

15

Final Image

Scene 23 / 99% target

12%

Alejandro’s meeting with Miguel at the mall closes the cycle, showing the next generation.

So ... You want to be a Sicario.