Save the Cat rankings

SOLDIER script analysis

SOLDIER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Soldier follows a manufactured soldier, Todd, from his brutal childhood programming through his survival on a junk planet and eventual redemption as he protects a pioneer community from his own kind. The film contrasts dehumanizing military training with the restorative power of human connection and family. Ultimately Todd breaks free of his conditioning to save innocents and finds a new purpose.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 103 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces the harsh origin of Todd and his fellow engineered soldiers in a hospital nursery, establishing the film’s cold military premise.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

25%

The dexterity tests under military observation hint at the question of what makes a human soldier versus a weapon.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 10-11 / 10% target

30%

By scene 10–11 we see the completed soldiers being processed and tattooed, setting up their roles and the world’s rules.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / 12% target

30%

Todd experiences combat firsthand during the Montana Incident, catalyzing his combat identity.

5

Debate

Scene 20 / 20% target

35%

Rubrick and officers comment on the impressive but unsettling nature of the new soldiers, questioning their humanity.

They look...impressive.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 25-26 / 25% target

30%

Melton and Todd’s endurance tests conclude, marking the transition from training (Act I) to actual combat deployment (Act II).

7

B Story

Scene 31 / 30% target

35%

Todd’s fatal fight with Melton and other veterans introduces his personal B-story of survival and his bond with Riley.

COME ON, DOUBLE IT UP, DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, YOU MISERABLE THIRD RATE SHITHEAD INCOMPETENT CLOWN!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 41-42 / 40% target

30%

Todd’s integration into pioneer life and gardening lessons with Sandra show his adjustment to civilian rhythms.

9

Midpoint

Scene 52 / 50% target

30%

Todd’s flashback violence and subsequent ostracism culminate in his forced departure—stakes rise as he truly leaves the community.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 67 / 65% target

35%

The new soldiers attack the pioneers, demonstrating escalating external threats and Todd’s internal pull to intervene.

No, Riley...no weapons. You're not a soldier, Riley.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 77 / 75% target

30%

Todd hides from the Crawlers while the pioneers suffer—seems he’s too late to help.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 83-84 / 80% target

35%

Todd hesitates before leaving Sandra and the community again, doubting his role as a protector.

Sergeant...these soldiers...the ones you're going to fight... Are these the "better ones"...the ones who replaced you?
13

Break into Three

Scenes 88-89 / 85% target

30%

After witnessing the new soldiers destroyed by the storm, Todd resolves to take over Crawler One and save the pioneers.

14

Finale

Scenes 94-96 / 95% target

35%

Todd rescues Sandra and the children, defeats Caine 607, and cements his transformation by acting as their savior.

S-sir...sir, are you our friend? Sh-she said you were our friend.
15

Final Image

Scenes 102-103 / 99% target

30%

Todd and Riley set off on a new destination together, contrasting the opening’s cold militarization with hope and freedom.