Save the Cat rankings

Source Code script analysis

Source Code script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Colter wakes up in another man’s body and is thrust into the Source Code program, tasked with repeatedly reliving the moments before a terrorist bombing on a commuter train. As he struggles to identify the bomber and save innocent lives, he forms a bond with fellow passenger Christina, challenging his belief in duty versus personal connection. His repeated attempts lead to high-stakes breakthroughs and setbacks until a final run forces him to choose between mission success and his own survival. In the end, Colter finds purpose beyond his orders.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 64 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces Colter disoriented on the train, waking up in a stranger’s body and setting the tone of confusion and urgency.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

60%

Goodwin’s transmission evokes themes of identity and reality as Colter questions who he really is.

Captain Colter Stevens, this is Beleaguered Castle. Acknowledge transmission.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / 10% target

70%

Colter explores his new identity, discovers the bomb, and learns the basics of the mission before first session in the isolation unit.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / 12% target

70%

Colter wakes in the isolation unit and first hears from Goodwin, officially launching him into the Source Code program.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-12 / 20% target

70%

Colter hesitates, pursues Guzman off the train, confronts him, and argues with Goodwin about the mission’s reality and purpose.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / 25% target

70%

After the initial argument, Colter returns to the train for his second run, committing to the mission’s rules.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

60%

Introduces Christina’s subplot as Colter engages with her, providing emotional stakes beyond the mission.

I'm a collector of moments.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-21 / 40% target

70%

Colter explores the train, shares details with Christina, uncovers clues and attempts phone calls to understand the Source Code world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / 50% target

70%

Colter tries to disarm the bomb in the train bathroom but learns he’s officially dead—stakes double with personal revelation.

It won't matter. The train's already...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 26-32 / 65% target

70%

Goodwin’s pressure ramps up; Colter hunts the bomber’s phone, identifies suspects, and negotiates with Rutledge under threat.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / 75% target

60%

Christina receives a warning call and the mission’s ticking clock becomes painfully real—Colter’s efforts seem about to fail.

I'm fine. Everything's normal. Is there something on the news? Some kind of alert?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 48 / 80% target

60%

Goodwin initiates the final session; Colter faces isolation and the possibility that he’ll never return alive.

13

Break into Three

Scene 50 / 85% target

70%

Colter embarks on one last run, determined to thwart the bomber against all odds.

14

Finale

Scenes 52-63 / 95% target

70%

In a race to call 911, override systems, and confront settings at Nellis AFB, Colter fights to save the train and lives, culminating in his body’s discovery and mission outcome.

15

Final Image

Scene 64 / 99% target

60%

Colter—and Christina—walk away together in the new reality, reflecting hope and change after the ordeal.

You're right. The least I can do is buy you coffee.